Midnight Magic at Bogura Music Gala

A vibrant celebration of music and culture unfolded deep into the night in Bogura, where hundreds of spectators remained captivated well past midnight at the open-air venue of Mom Inn. Far from showing signs of fatigue, the audience grew increasingly animated as the performances intensified, culminating in one of the most memorable moments of the evening.

Taking the stage at a late hour, legendary singer Runa Laila mesmerised the crowd with her iconic rendition of Shadher Lau Banailam Boiragi. The audience joined in spontaneously, creating a powerful communal experience. In a delightful and unexpected turn, veteran singer Khurshid Alam—renowned for Chumki Choleche Eka—stepped onto the stage mid-performance and began dancing in rhythm with the song. The crowd erupted in applause, with many later describing the moment as the highlight of the TMSS Channel i Music Awards 2025.

Runa Laila’s segment was marked by both variety and emotion. She began with a patriotic number penned by Gazi Mazharul Anwar and composed by Shafik Tuhin, before delivering an a cappella performance of a recent popular film song. She was later joined by contemporary artists Imran Mahmudul and Konal, adding further energy to the stage. In between songs, she shared a nostalgic anecdote about being recognised at Kolkata airport for her famous “Shadher Lau”, a story that resonated deeply with the audience.

Earlier in the evening, Sabina Yasmin set the tone with a series of evocative performances, including Ei Mon Tomake Dilam. Her renditions of Bhawaiya and folk classics transported listeners into a wave of nostalgia, reaffirming her enduring appeal.

The five-hour-long programme featured an impressive lineup of performers spanning generations. Artists such as Khurshid Alam, Rafiqul Alam, Anima Roy, Sithi Saha, Jhilik, Liza, Luipa, Mahtim Shakib, and Angel Noor all took to the stage. Dance performances and special segments added further dimension to the event. Notably, a dance-drama based on the legend of Behula-Lakhindar, featuring actors Apu Biswas and Ador Azad, captivated audiences after 11 pm.

Originally launched in 2004, the event has grown significantly over two decades and was held this year on a larger scale in northern Bangladesh. The event commenced with a choral performance of patriotic songs, setting a solemn yet celebratory tone. Prominent figures from the media and cultural sectors attended, praising the contributions of musicians and the importance of such arrangement in nurturing the country’s cultural heritage.

The entire city of Bogura embraced the festive spirit. From morning, colourful banners, celebrity presence, and growing crowds transformed the the city into a hub of excitement. By the evening, the illuminated stage and packed venue reflected the magnitude of the arrangement.

Selected Award Winners

In total, awards were presented across 18 categories, recognising excellence in modern, folk, film, and digital music platforms.

Organisers emphasised that the event was envisioned not merely as an awards event but as a comprehensive music festival. According to Project Director Raju Alim, the aim was to demonstrate that arrangement of international standard could be successfully staged outside the capital. Judging by the overwhelming audience response, that ambition appears to have been realised.

With its blend of legendary performers, emerging talent, and enthusiastic spectators, the TMSS Channel i Music Awards 2025 stood out as a dazzling and memorable celebration of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage.