Dhaka, Bangladesh: As the national elections approach, discussions around political manifestos are intensifying across the country. In an unexpected turn, Hamin Ahmed, lead member of the iconic Bangladeshi rock band Miles, has called out political parties for failing to include music and cultural policies in their electoral agendas. Writing on Facebook, Ahmed warned that music enthusiasts would withhold their votes unless parties present clear, actionable plans to support the arts.
In his post, Hamin Ahmed asked:
“The national elections are approaching! Musicians, artists, and music lovers want to know—what is your cultural and music-based manifesto for the future of Bangladesh?”
Highlighting a historical gap, he pointed out that in Bangladesh’s 54-year history, no political party has ever addressed music in their manifesto. Ahmed emphasised that while parties outline plans on education, health, and infrastructure, music and culture—a vital societal element—remains ignored.
He further urged citizens to leverage their voting power to demand cultural policies:
“It’s not just rhetoric; it is critical. Millions of Bangladeshis love music—young, middle-aged, and seniors alike. If we demand parties announce clear plans for our culture and music, and we vote only for those that do, the parties will have no choice but to respond. This is our power as citizens—use it!”
The post has quickly gone viral on social media, garnering widespread support from artists, composers, and music lovers. Comments from prominent musicians illustrate the growing resonance:
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Biplob: “Absolutely right.”
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Ayesha Moushumi: “A vital question—action is needed now.”
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Sheikh Ishtiaq (Shironamhin vocalist): “I want to dedicate my life to music. If not here, then elsewhere.”
Other artists, including John Kabir and Adit Rahman, have shared Ahmed’s post, underscoring a shared sentiment that political recognition and structured government plans are essential to safeguard and promote the music industry in Bangladesh.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Call for music-inclusive political manifestos |
| Date | December 2025 |
| Speaker | Hamin Ahmed, Lead Member, Band Miles |
| Issue Highlighted | Absence of music and cultural policies in party manifestos |
| Historical Context | No party in Bangladesh’s 54-year history has addressed music |
| Public Response | Viral support from musicians, composers, and music lovers |
| Suggested Civic Action | Vote selectively for parties with clear cultural plans |
Hamin Ahmed’s intervention has sparked a broader national debate on culture, civic responsibility, and electoral priorities, urging citizens to actively demand that political leaders integrate music and arts policy into governance, not merely as a symbolic gesture, but as a concrete, actionable commitment.
