The Covid-19 pandemic rendered the music industry into disarray for the first few months, one which it tried hard to fight back. Even though the year is musical activities were largely limited to online releases and live concerts on social media, we did see a number of notable releases from artistes.
The announcement of renewed activities from Bangladesh Lyricist, Composers and Performers Society (BLCPS) to ensure artistes intellectual property rights was a welcome one.
An initiative was taken by the government to preserve 272 songs by legendary musician and LRB frontman Ayub Bachchu.
Eminent singer Sabina Yasmin expanded on her illustrious career by debuting a music director in the film Ei Tumi Shei Tumi .
GARBAGEMAN’s eco-friendly exhibition empowers Rohingyas
Photo: Monon Muntaka
Recycling is an eco-friendly way of waste management and in Dhaka, waste management is as challenging as it gets. Team GARBAGEMAN s recent green initiative was an exhibition that planned to showcase the method of recycling food packaging waste from refugee camps into usable resources. The initiative involved the Rohingya residents and empowered them to engage in creating zero waste designs.
GARBAGEMAN is the first tech-based recycling business in Bangladesh, founded in 2018. They started off with the vision to create a cleaner and greener Bangladesh by introducing a modern and scientific approach towards an efficient waste management system. The organisation works on recycling organic and inorganic waste and turns them into reusable products. Their goal is to improve the socioeconomic stance of the system. Their work is divided into 3 segments. Their community turns food waste in Regen Vermicopost,
Live music’s return marked by caution
Folk singer Sagar Baul performing at an online music show Dhaka Sessions, organised by Bookworm Bangladesh. Some performance venues are reopening after an extended period of closure, but not without all the standard health safety measures. Photo: Collected
Small concerts and recreational events are an essential part of Dhaka life for many city dwellers. But as the pandemic hit and the world went into a standstill, such live performances also came to a halt.
However, after a long break, shows are slowly coming back, to the delight of performers and attendees alike. But an air of caution hangs over the scene, and rightfully so.