Thousands gathered at Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka for the “Barsha Biplober Gaan” concert despite light drizzle, as organisers marked the victory day of the July mass uprising on Wednesday. The event was organised by the Monsoon Cultural Alliance, which is affiliated with the National Citizen Party. Attendance grew through the afternoon, with a large crowd reported by evening.

Rain fell intermittently from midday, but people of different ages and backgrounds, including young attendees, women and children, came to hear the performances. Some used umbrellas while others stood in the rain. The national anthem was played at about 3:55pm, followed by an opening performance by Riaz Morshed, member secretary of Jatiya Sramik Shakti, and his group.

Shironamhin, Ark (Hasan), Artcell, Arbovirus, AvoidRafa, Parsa, Sejan, Kureghor and Asif Akbar performed at the concert. Acting Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal was named chief guest, while Whip Nur-e-Alam and opposition chief whip Nahid Islam were named special guests. Organisers said the free event aimed to celebrate the spirit of liberation, unity and protest through music.