Canada
NRB Awards 2025 Celebrate a Decade of “Hello Montreal,” Honoring Bangladeshi Talent in Canada: After years of anticipation, the Bangladeshi community in Montreal witnessed a landmark cultural celebration on Saturday, November 29, as NRB TV, Canada’s first 24-hour Bangla television channel, hosted the NRB Awards 2025. The prestigious ceremony marked the 10th anniversary of NRB TV’s Montreal-based magazine program “Hello Montreal”, recognizing outstanding contributions by local talents and achievers across multiple fields.
The glittering event was organized to honor excellence and creativity within the Bangladeshi diaspora, while also celebrating a decade of “Hello Montreal” as a trusted platform for community voices, culture, and storytelling.
Star-Studded Evening with Cultural Icons
Adding to the grandeur, the ceremony welcomed legendary Bangla singer Tapan Chowdhury as a special guest, alongside renowned children’s author, poet, and Bangla Academy Award winner Lutfor Rahman Riton. Their presence elevated the evening, symbolizing a powerful connection between Bangladeshi cultural heritage and the diaspora in Canada.
Meanwhile, the awards segment was attended by NRB TV CEO and BanglaMail Editor Shahidul Islam Mintu, and “Hello Montreal” and NRB TV Director, BanglaMail Executive Editor Kazi Alam Babu, highlighting the network’s leadership and long-standing commitment to diaspora media.
Performances That Captivated the Audience
The event came alive with elegant hosting by Nazul Islam Abdullah and Shipra Khan, whose engaging presentation kept the audience connected throughout the evening. Performances by local artists added a vibrant artistic dimension, while Rizha Bhattacharya’s dance performance stood out as a visual highlight.
Musical performances were delivered by Anuja Chand, Debopriya Kar Ruma, B. Sujon, Mili Islam, Jayanta Bhawmik Joy, Shelly Deb, Mukta Chowdhury, Mikhail Safayet, and Sadia Chowdhury, creating an atmosphere of celebration and pride.
Furthermore, the opening segment, directed by Shamsad Rana, featured a mesmerizing group rendition of songs by the “Panchakobi,” accompanied by dance performances from artists of Nrityokona Academy. Notably, a special theme song for the NRB Awards was composed by popular music director and artist Ashraful Pavel, adding a unique identity to the event.
NRB Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence Across Fields
The NRB Awards 2025 recognized individuals for their exceptional contributions in journalism, culture, music, literature, social service, and business. Award recipients included:
- Journalism: Rumu Islam
- Best Organizer: Ejaz Akhtar Taufiq
- Social Service: Joydutta Barua
- Business Personality: Samuel Hasan Shamim
- Best Organizer (Literature): Ziaul Haque Zia
- Rabindra Sangeet: Soma Chowdhury
- Nazrul Sangeet: Anuja Chand
- Modern Music: Debopriya Kar Ruma
- Folk Music: Shelly Deb
- Modern Folk Music: Ashraful Pavel
- Dance: Rizha Bhattacharya
- Cultural Personality: Shamsad Rana
- Recitation: Sanjeeb Das
- Literature: Aparahna Sushmito
- Patriotic Song: Purnam Ghosh and Mili Islam
In addition, Shafiul Islam received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to music, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
Sponsors and Community Support Recognized
The organizers also expressed heartfelt gratitude to key sponsors and supporters of “Hello Montreal,” including Voyage Fly On Travel CEO Nur Talukder, Farwest Accounting CEO Dr. Rashid Abdur, real estate brokers Iqbal Hossain and Engineer Shihab Uddin, and Rahul Distribution & Garments Manufacturing owner Ruhul Amin Rubel, acknowledging their role in sustaining community-driven media initiatives.
A Grand Finale and Community Appreciation
The evening concluded on a high note with a soulful performance by popular young singer Protik Hasan, bringing the celebration to a memorable close. The packed hall responded with enthusiastic applause, praising both the performers and the organizers for delivering a meaningful and inspiring event.
Ultimately, the NRB Awards 2025 not only celebrated a decade of “Hello Montreal” but also reinforced the strength, talent, and cultural unity of the Bangladeshi community in Montreal—setting a new benchmark for diaspora-led cultural recognition in Canada.
