Music to combat HIV and drug abuse

Azam Khan sings to the audience

With the aim to generate awareness among the youth of Bangladesh about the growing risks of HIV/AIDS and to observe the World AIDS Day, daily Prothom Alo organised a concert titled Shochetonotar Utshob at the Rabindra Sarobar Amphitheatre (Dhanmondi) on December 4. The theme of the musical extravaganza was to empower humanity to take personal responsibility in their fight against AIDS and also to raise awareness on drug abuse. Though the event was part of an awareness programme, the venue had a festive feel.

Popular names in the country's contemporary rock music scenario featured in the concert and their performances created a cheerful ambience. Azam Khan, Ayub Bachchu and Mahmuduzzaman Babu took the audiences through an exhilarating journey of their favourite music. The added attraction of the event was the special appearance of noted journalist and writer Anisul Haque, popular actor Afzal Hossain and model Nobel.

The concert was scheduled to start at 3:00pm but long before that the venue was crowded with music lovers. Mahmuduzzaman Babu sang the all-time favourite patriotic song Ami Bangla-e gaan gai.

Then came Azam Khan and Ayub Bachchu respectively. Khan, also a freedom fighter, won the hearts of the audience with four of his famous tunes. He began his performance with Ami jarey chairey and won applause all the way through till his last song Bangladesh.

Bachchu delivered a short speech on HIV and drug abuse and began singing.

The audience sang along with the rocker. Complying with a request from the public, he sang seven of his popular songs from different music albums. Bachchu's all time hit songs -- Ekdin ghum bhanga shohorey, Ural dibo akashey, Meye, Mon chailey mon, Shei tumi keno eto ochena holey, received a warm response from the audience.