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Dhaka, Jan 30, 2025 (BSS)- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the concert titled ‘Sobar Agey Bangladesh’ was arranged in the capital on last victory day, to discourage the practice of inviting foreign artists to perform in the country.

“During the 15-year rule of ‘fallen autocratic regime’, foreign artists were frequently invited from neighboring countries. And the ministers and parliament members were seen to passively enjoy such events. ‘Sobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert was planned to find ways to avoid dependence on both Delhi and Islamabad”, he said.

Tarique Rahman was virtually addressing a training workshop from London on the party’s 31-point reform agenda organized by the BNP Central Training Committee at the Magura auditorium here.

Leaders and activists of BNP and its front organizations of Magura, Chuadanga, Meherpur and Kushtia district chapters took part in the workshop.

When asked about the motive behind the concert, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of promoting Bangladesh's own culture instead of relying on foreign entertainment.

He further said that every district in Bangladesh has its unique traditions, culture, and tourism potential. Taking the factors into account, 'Sobar Agey Bangladesh' concert was conceived as a step toward reducing reliance on both Delhi and Islamabad, he added.

Tarique Rahman noted that the concert avoided the conventional formats by featuring not just rock or band music but also integrating modern, Baul, Bhatiali, and moromi songs, creating a diverse and representative cultural event.