There's no denying that Bangladeshi rappers were instrumental in the success of the student-led mass movement. Rapper Hannan, for instance, was even arrested for his song “Awaaz Utha”. Now, however, he is all set to take the stage at the Shilpakala Academy for a live performance.

Chobir Hat, a longstanding hub for students and progressives, reopened after a decade-long closure, symbolising much more than a physical space—it embodies a cultural spirit. The inaugural concert of the “newly independent Bangladesh”, titled “Awaaz Uda-Kotha Ko”, has recently taken place at Chobir Hat in Suhrawardy Udyan.

Under the platform titled “Artistes Against Genocide and Oppression”, a diverse group comprising visual artistes, photographers, performance artistes, musicians, poets, writers, researchers, architects, and art organisers, organised this rally of resistance. Their gathering was a response to the recent turmoil surrounding the quota reform protests, which have led to wholesale arrests and indiscriminate killings.

The New York-based group, Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), has expressed strong disapproval over the detention of Hannan, the young rapper known for dropping the rap “Awaaz Utha” during the quota reform protests.

Rapper Hannan Hossain Shimul, who recently released his rap about the quota reform movement, was arrested on July 25 by police officers. He was subsequently held on a two-day remand. 

Confirming the arrest, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Fatullah Model Police Station informed The Daily Star that “Hannan was presented before the court and has been granted a two-day remand.” However, specific charges against him were not disclosed by the police.