BTV Revitalises Band Music with Special Song Festival

The contemporary music scene in Bangladesh has recently faced a noticeable drought in original studio releases, particularly from the nation’s legendary rock and fusion ensembles. Established bands now rarely unveil fresh material, making any new release a cause for significant celebration among a dedicated fan base. In a proactive move to address this creative hiatus, Bangladesh Television (BTV) has spearheaded a landmark initiative, commissioning ten of the country’s most prominent bands to produce ten entirely new, original songs for a televised musical extravaganza.

Titled ‘Band Utshob 2025’, this special festival is set to air across two consecutive nights, tonight and Wednesday, at 10:00 PM. The programme represents a rare collaboration between the state broadcaster and the pioneers of the “Band Music” genre. The first night features a stellar line-up including Dalchhut, Shironamhin, Renaissance, Tarun, and Nirjhor. The second evening promises equal gravitas, showcasing performances by Souls, Feedback, Pentagon, Parthibo, and Nova.

The ambitious project began three months ago when BTV approached veteran musicians Foad Nasser Babu and Shahid Mahmud Jangi to curate the content. Orchestrating the schedules of ten top-tier bands proved a formidable task, as many members were balancing international tours and domestic commitments. Despite these logistical hurdles, the songs were composed, rehearsed, and recorded within a remarkably tight timeframe, culminating in a high-production studio shoot at BTV’s headquarters earlier this month.

‘Band Utshob 2025’ Performance Schedule

The festival is divided into two distinct broadcasts, featuring the following legendary and contemporary acts:

Reflecting on the initiative, lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi noted that the traditional audio industry, which once thrived on regular band releases, has largely stagnated. He believes BTV’s intervention will not only delight listeners but also provide vital inspiration for the next generation of musicians. Foad Nasser Babu added that while composing ten distinct melodies in such a short period was a creative challenge, the sincerity displayed by each band made the process rewarding.

Partha Barua, the iconic frontman of Souls, emphasised the sentimental value of the project. He remarked that BTV played a pivotal role in the early success of many legendary bands, and returning to the platform with new material felt like a homecoming. Nurul Azam, General Manager of BTV, stated that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise the channel’s image and re-engage with the youth through high-quality, relevant musical content.