Rock music fans in Dhaka recently thronged Channel-i office premises in Tejgaon where leading and upcoming bands of the country gathered to celebrate sixth 'Band Fest'.

The festival, which was introduced by late legendary singer, composer and guitarist Ayub Bachchu, featured eighteen bands including LRB, Feedback, Dalchhut, Shironamhin, Artcell, Tirandaj, Obscure, Joler Gaan, Ark, Vikings, Parthibo, Arbovirus, Dhrubotara, Mechanix, Hoichoi, Metrical, Blackmoon and Esfini.

The festival commenced with performance of LRB, who entertained the audience rendering its popular songs. State minister for information Md Murad Hasan, director and head of news of Channel-i Shykh Seraj, executive director of Shwapno Sabbir Hasan Nasir, executive director of Yamaha Subrata Ranjan Das, chairman of Nandan group Bilal Haque and others were present at the inaugural ceremony.

"Ayub Bachchu came to our office to attend a special episode of 'Taroka Kathan' where Faridur Reza Sagar asked Bachchu if he wants anything from him. Bachchu asked for a day dedicated to band music. Sagar granted his wish and December 1 was fixed as the date for annual 'Band Fest'," said Shykh Seraj.

"In the future editions of the festival we will introduce an award in memory of Ayub Bachchu, which will be presented annually to a band. The award winning band will get a crest, a certificate and prize money," Seraj added. This year's festival was sponsored by Shwapno and Yamaha and powered by Nandan Group.