With the aroma of mezban in the air and the rhythm of Nokib Khan’s timeless tunes on stage, Sydney’s Fairfield Showground turned into a slice of Bangladesh last Sunday. The Chattogram Festival 2025, organised by the Greater Chattogram Association Australia, became a vibrant celebration for the Bangladeshi diaspora — where appetites were filled with traditional mezbani beef and hearts were filled with music.
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The Scent of Chattogram in Sydney
The organisers specially flew in Abul Hossain, a chef with 30 years of experience, from Bangladesh as the festival’s main attraction. By midday, crowds of expatriates began to pour into the Fairfield Showground. Five serving corners, decorated tables and well-arranged seating were prepared for nearly three thousand guests.
One visitor remarked, “It feels like a grand wedding feast at a business tycoon’s house back in Bangladesh!”
Many queued more than once for food, while others expressed their delight: “Never imagined I’d taste Chef Abul’s mezban here in Sydney. It truly feels like being at a festival in my own neighbourhood in Chattogram.”
An Evening of Music with Nokib Khan
After the feast came an evening of melodies. As dusk fell, the stage lit up with colour and sound when Nokib Khan, the iconic frontman of Renaissance band and one of Bangladesh’s most beloved musicians, took to the stage.
Though over sixty, his voice still carried the same warmth and energy that defined generations. One after another, he performed classics like “Mon Shudhu Mon Chhuyechhe”, “Ar Deshe Jayo Tui”, “Bhalo Lage Na” and “Emon Ekta Din”. The audience sang along, filmed the moment on their phones and swayed to the rhythm.
Several local artists also performed, including Sydney-based singer Adila Noor, who captivated the crowd with her renditions of popular Bangla songs.
Renowned lyricist Abdullah Al Mamun, known for timeless hits such as “Tore Putuler Moto Kore Sajaiye” and “Mukhoro Jibon”, was also present. At one point, he joined Nokib Khan on stage to sing one of his own compositions — to the audience’s delight.
Voices from the Organisers
Speaking about the event, Ifthekhar Uddin, General Secretary of the Greater Chattogram Association Australia, said:
“We wanted to share the spirit of Chattogram’s culture, cuisine and music with the younger generation here in the diaspora. Even those who visit Bangladesh rarely get the chance to experience authentic mezban these days. That’s why we decided to bring both the taste and the tunes of Chattogram to Sydney.”
He added that the event took over a month of preparation and cost nearly 100,000 Australian dollars, with support from local authorities and sponsors.
Chef Abul Hossain, overwhelmed by the crowd’s affection, said:
“I’ll never forget the love I received from the people of Sydney. It felt as if I were cooking right back home in Chattogram. I would love to return here again.”
A Day of Bangladesh in Sydney
From morning till evening, the festival drew over three thousand Bangladeshi expatriates — families, friends and young people waving national flags or donning the traditional gamchha around their necks. The sound of the Chattogram dialect, the beats of familiar songs and the joy of togetherness transformed the Sydney air into one of nostalgia and pride.
As the festival drew to a close and Nokib Khan sang “Ar Deshe Jayo Tui”, many in the audience wiped away tears. For a few precious moments, the entire Fairfield Showground was awash with emotion — the sounds and spirit of Bangladesh alive and unforgettable on foreign soil.