BTV special unites Shahid Mahmud Jangi and Fuad Nasser Babu

Ten Bangladeshi bands have recorded brand-new songs for Bangladesh Television's special programme "Band Utshob 2025", bringing together lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi and composer Fuad Nasser Babu; two names closely associated with many popular band songs in the country.

The 10 new tracks have been performed by Feedback, Souls, Renaissance, Dalchhut, Shironamhin, Nirjhor, TaruN, Parthibo, Pentagon and Nova. "Band Utsob 2025" will be aired in two episodes on December 30 and 31 at 10pm.

In the first episode on December 30, Nirjhor, Dalchhut, TaruN, Renaissance and Shironamhin will perform. The second episode on December 31 will feature Parthibo, Pentagon, Feedback, Nova and Souls.

The programme has been produced by Golam Morshed, with script by Ahmed Tepantor and art direction by Sharmin Nigar. The songs were filmed on BTV's own set. Alongside the performances, members of each band will speak about their songs, joined by lyricist Shahid Mahmud Jangi and composer Fuad Nasser Babu. The show is hosted by Ferdous Bappi.

Speaking about the initiative, Shahid Mahmud Jangi said it marked the first time in Bangladesh's band music history that 10 bands recorded 10 new songs for a single programme. "The uniqueness of this project is that all 10 songs were written by one lyricist and composed by one composer. I was given the opportunity to do something for the youth, and I tried my best. I am grateful to Fuad Nasser Babu for working tirelessly to create tunes that retained each band's individual style," he said.

Composer Fuad Nasser Babu said composing original tunes for so many bands within a short time was unprecedented. "How the songs turned out will be judged by listeners. I thank BTV for organising the programme," he added.

Souls frontman and vocalist Partha Barua said the band readily agreed to take part. "When I learned we would be singing songs written by Shahid Mahmud Jangi and composed by Fuad Nasser Babu under BTV's initiative, I did not hesitate. BTV has played a major role in Souls reaching where we are today. I hope such initiatives continue," he said.