The capital's Manik Mia Avenue was teeming with people from all walks of life since yesterday afternoon, as they waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes.

Even though concerts are a dime-a-dozen in December, this occasion was special: it featured an incredible blend of solo artistes and popular bands, impeccably managed and hosted at the "Shobar Agey Bangladesh" concert.

From "Dushtu Kokil" and "O Priya Tumi Kothaye" to "Ei Obelay" and "Ami Akash Pathabo" -- the concert had something for every music lover, regardless of genre. Fireworks, drones and festoons adorned the riveting stretch of the road near the National Parliament House.

Speaking to The Daily Star, noted singer Kanak Chapa said, "Today, we celebrate our beloved Bangladesh, where in the future, people will have mutual respect for each other, regardless of their religion or political views."

The artiste faced years of exclusion from the previous state-run media, but urged everyone to be accepting and to refrain from being vindictive.

Before taking to the stage to sing "Ekti Ongikar Bangladesh, National Award-winning artiste, Baby Naznin, who was not given her share of appreciation for her affiliation with BNP, said, "I want to remember the martyrs of July, who did not hesitate to risk their lives to gift us this newfound freedom, through this concert."

Legendary singer Khurshid Alam was overjoyed to be a part of the concert, owing to the unity within musicians. "This is how united we all have to be, as musicians and as citizens of Bangladesh. Our country should come first."

"Artistes like us, who support different political parties, particularly the BNP, have faced oppression simply for holding differing political beliefs. Nothing could be more disgraceful than this," said Monir Khan. "This should never occur in the cultural sector. Now that we are united, I firmly believe that we can work towards building a better Bangladesh together.

Asif Akbar, another outspoken artiste, said, "This time, we put Bangladesh first. I will be singing 'Shabash Bangladesh' -- a song which was inexplicably banned during the previous regime, just because I sang it."

The programme, hosted by Rafsan Sabab and Shanta Rahman, also had representation from Baul artistes such as Chisty Baul and Aleya Begum. Syed Abdul Hadi, Moushumi, Ethun Babu, Nasir Khan, Imran, Kona, Xefer and Pritom also entertained the audience as solo artistes.

Pritom Hasan, a generational artiste, told The Daily Star, "It is an honour to perform in this concert, with so many esteemed artistes. We hope for a united Bangladesh, going forward."

"Jhumka" famed singer Xefer expressed hopes that a new nation will emerge, thriving further than was ever possible before.

BNP Joint Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, convener of the concert, said, "I pay my deepest respects to Martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the Freedom Fighters of 1971 and the martyrs of July. I have often heard our youth celebrate occasions with Hindi songs – let's get out of this culture. Today, through the 'Shobar Agey Bangladesh' concert, we renew our allegiance to our rich culture."

Nagar Baul, Ark, Artcell, Shironamhin, Different Touch and AvoidRafa were the bands who rocked the event.

While every performance was worth commending, the night truly hit its crescendo when Nagar Baul took to stage, as the crowd erupted in a deafening roar.

The "Guru" of Bangla rock, James, was virtually illegible over 30,000 people singing "Baba", "Pagla Hawa", and "Ma"with him.

The energy did not budge as the clock neared midnight, but as all good things have to come to an end, so did this concert, one which aimed to unite the people of the country on the joyous occasion of a victory day.