Bangladeshi Band Association of Canada (BBAC) – Musicians standing up for one another

Toronto has been considered as one of the largest centers of Bangladeshi music and culture outside Bangladesh. Many of the iconic musicians of the Bangladeshi, a lot of whom belong to the Band Music genre, call GTA home. The Bangladeshi-Canadian community has long been known for its profound love for the practice and nourishment of their heritage and over the course of last two decades, have seen emergence of many young and talented musicians from within its younger generations as well as from the new immigrant members. Many of these musicians have taken their art to a professional level, performing at numerous cultural events that take place almost every weekend throughout the year. On November 8, 2018, a group of musicians and performers, mainly from the Bangladeshi Band/Rock genre came together for an informal meeting at Grand Palace Banquet Hall in Scarborough and formed Bangladeshi Band Association of Canada (BBAC). Mr. Ashiquzzaman Tulu, a renowned musician and composer on his own right, have made the announcement of forming the organization via his social media account. Among others present at the meeting were Sohel Imtiaz, Rinko, Tina Nawshin Kibria, Rony Palmar, Akib Akhter, Shamim Chowdhury, Mehedi Faruq, Sami Sattar, Sourove Dhrubo, Tanjeer Alam and famous Bangladeshi Band performer Chandan.

The specific goals, objectives and structure of the organization is yet to be communicated. However, talking to some of the sources close to the individuals involved, it appears that serving and protecting the best interest of the musicians while furthering the practice of Bangladeshi Band music in Canada will be the key focuses of the organization in coming years. Toronto Citizen wishes the best to the newly formed BBAC.