Looking Back: The Most Talked-About Moments in Music

The past year proved to be a remarkably eventful one for Bangladesh’s music scene, marked by announcements of farewells, emotional returns, personal revelations, controversies, and creative comebacks. From concert stages abroad to social media statements at home, musicians repeatedly found themselves at the centre of public attention. A look back at these moments reveals a year shaped as much by human stories as by music itself.

In September, popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan made headlines while performing at a concert in Australia, where he unexpectedly announced his intention to step away from music. The declaration sparked widespread speculation and debate among fans and the media. In response, Tahsan clarified that his decision was not abrupt but part of a gradual plan to withdraw from both singing and acting. His personal life also drew attention this year, as he married for the second time, keeping him firmly in the public eye beyond his professional choices.

January brought both joy and concern when legendary vocalist Sabina Yasmin returned to the stage after a year-long hiatus. On 31 January, she performed ten songs over the course of nearly an hour before falling ill on stage. She was rushed to hospital and remained under medical care for three days. The incident deeply worried admirers nationwide, though relief followed when reports confirmed her recovery.

Rock icon James, widely known as Nagar Baul, also made headlines for his private life. Having divorced his second wife, Benazir Sajjad, 11 years ago, he quietly married US-based Namia Amin last year. As with his divorce, James kept the marriage private. In June this year, the couple welcomed a son, a development James publicly acknowledged only in October, revealing both his new marriage and fatherhood at once.

Singer Dilshad Nahar Kona announced her separation from Golam Mohammad Iftekhar through a Facebook post in June. Later, on 3 and 4 December, she shared photographs of her hands adorned with henna as part of the promotion for her song Mehedi. The images fuelled rumours of a possible remarriage, which were eventually dispelled after the song’s official release.

Band music also saw a revival. In June, the family of late music legend Azam Khan announced that the band Uchcharon had returned after a 14-year hiatus. The band members have since resumed musical activities, sparking interest among long-time fans.

October witnessed a significant creative milestone when Arnob released a full-length album of original songs after nearly a decade. His album Bhallage Na, released on 30 October, was warmly received and marked a notable return to album-based music.

Not all moments were celebratory. In October, veteran singer Mujib Pardeshi faced criticism after pushing a musician during a live stage performance, an incident that disappointed many given his senior status. In June, singer Partha Majumder accused ghazal artist Mezbah Ahmed of using abusive language and issuing threats, allegations he shared publicly on social media.

A particularly striking episode involved the late Andrew Kishore. Five years after his death, a tax notice demanding payment of outstanding dues was issued in his name. Sent in September from the Deputy Commissioner of Taxes’ office, the notice stated that BDT 72,803 was owed, sparking debate over administrative oversight.

Finally, in August, lyricist and composer Prince Mahmud announced his decision to step away from film songs, stating that he wished to focus more on audio music.

Key Events at a Glance :

Altogether, the year stood as a vivid reflection of the evolving realities of Bangladesh’s music industry—where artistic journeys, personal lives, and public scrutiny continue to intersect in powerful and often unexpected ways.