His election to the international organisation is being seen as an opportunity to strengthen Bangladesh’s representation in regional discussions on musicians’ rights, copyright protection and cooperation among music creators.
Ahmed, who has spent decades contributing to the country’s music scene, described the recognition as a proud moment not only for himself but also for the wider Bangladeshi music community.
“This achievement is undoubtedly a source of great happiness for Bangladesh’s music industry. The recognition I have received through this election is also a first for Bangladesh,” he said.
“Bangladeshi music creators will now have opportunities to participate in various activities across the Asia-Pacific region. The exchange of information and international cooperation will certainly have a positive impact on our music industry.”
The newly formed APMA executive committee comprises 11 members, including representatives from Bangladesh, Australia, China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and India.
The alliance serves as a regional platform for music creators, encouraging cooperation and dialogue on issues affecting songwriters, composers and other creative professionals.
APMA is directly associated with the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) and the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), two organisations involved in promoting creators’ interests and supporting intellectual property rights.
The regional alliance was formally launched in November 2016 at the World Creators Forum in Beijing, China.
Its establishment provided a platform for music creators across the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen professional connections, exchange experiences and engage in discussions concerning the protection of their creative work.
Ahmed’s appointment comes at a time when copyright protection and fair remuneration remain important concerns for music creators worldwide.
The growth of digital music distribution has transformed how audiences discover and consume songs. While online platforms have expanded opportunities for artists to reach listeners, they have also increased the importance of effective copyright administration and transparent royalty arrangements.
For Bangladeshi songwriters and composers, closer engagement with international organisations could offer valuable opportunities to learn from established systems of collective rights management and intellectual property protection.
Ahmed is already involved in initiatives concerning the professional interests of music creators in Bangladesh.
He currently serves as the chief executive officer of the Bangladesh Lyricists, Composers and Performers Society (BLCPS), an organisation associated with the rights and interests of lyricists, composers and performers.
His new international responsibility could provide an additional avenue for communication between Bangladeshi music professionals and their counterparts in other countries.
Beyond his involvement in music creators’ organisations, Ahmed remains one of the most prominent figures in Bangladesh’s band music history.
His career is closely linked to Miles, one of the country’s longest-established and most influential bands.
The group was formed in 1979 by Hamin Ahmed and Shafin Ahmed, with Farid Rashid playing an instrumental role in its establishment.
During its early years, Miles concentrated primarily on English-language music and released two English albums before moving towards Bengali recordings.
The band’s first Bengali album, Protishruti, was released in 1991, marking an important turning point in its musical journey.
The release helped Miles connect with a broader Bengali-speaking audience, while the band’s popularity grew substantially throughout the 1990s.
Over the following years, Miles established a distinctive musical identity through a combination of rock arrangements, memorable melodies and emotionally engaging lyrics.
Songs including Chand Tara Surjo, Prothom Premer Moto, Gunjon Shuni, Firiye Dao, Dhiki Dhiki, Pahari Meye, Neela and Piyasi Mon became widely recognised among Bangladeshi music enthusiasts.
These recordings helped establish Miles as a defining name in the country’s modern band music movement, with several songs continuing to resonate with listeners across generations.
The band’s most recent album, Protichhobi, was released in 2015.
Throughout his career, Ahmed has remained associated with both musical performance and the broader interests of Bangladesh’s creative community.
His election to APMA’s executive committee represents another chapter in that journey, extending his involvement from the national music scene to an international platform.
The appointment could also help bring greater attention to the challenges faced by Bangladeshi music creators, particularly in relation to intellectual property protection, professional recognition and access to international networks.
For Bangladesh’s music industry, Ahmed’s representation on the regional executive committee offers the prospect of stronger international engagement and closer cooperation with organisations working to protect the rights of songwriters, composers and performers.
