Bangladeshi rock band Ashes is set to release their new album, "Manusher Jonno," with all proceeds going to humanitarian aid. The band will forgo fees and royalties, donating the entire amount to hospital funds for cancer, kidney disease, paralysis, and eye treatment patients. The 10-song album is slated for release later this year.

Lead vocalist Zunayed Evan shared with Prothom Alo, "A portion of our concert earnings has always gone to support people. But often, that only allows us to help one individual at a time. This album was born out of a desire to do more. All the revenue from this project will be dedicated to helping underprivileged patients. Initially, we'll focus on cancer, kidney disease, and paralysis patients."

When asked how transparency and proper fund allocation would be maintained, Zunayed Evan emphasised the importance of trust in such efforts, noting, "Scams in humanitarian work are common. That's why we've never directly handled the money. We've always facilitated connections between donors and patients' families. This album will follow the same transparent process, with the funds going straight to hospitals. We'll only keep track of how the money is used."

Evan continued, "I don't typically attend any social or corporate events other than concerts. But for this reason, I'll go wherever necessary. The band members and I will work tirelessly to promote the album. We'll be visiting campuses and other places because I truly believe that collective effort can bring about significant change. As long as these songs are played, one by one, hundreds of paralysis patients will find hope."

This isn't the first time Ashes has made headlines for its humanitarian work. The band has previously helped fund treatment for cancer and kidney patients, earning widespread praise. According to Ashes, they've supported more than 100 patients over the last decade. Evan previously told the media, "Instead of constantly asking the public for money, we started donating a portion of our concert earnings. We began hosting charity concerts, and I donated my entire fee. I also asked the sound engineers and other staff involved to reduce their pay for these events, and they did so gladly."

In addition to the concert, Ashes is also working on another album titled "Bibhrom", which will feature 10 songs and is expected to release mid-year. Several tracks for this album are already in production.

Fans of the band can also catch them performing at the upcoming Concert for July Fighters, alongside Sonar Bangla Circus.

The current lineup of Ashes includes Zunayed Evan (vocals), Sultan Rafsan Khan (guitar), Wahid Uz Zaman Turjo (bass guitar), Adnan Bin Zaman (keyboards), and Tawfiq Ahmed Bijoy (drums).

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