Bangladesh is traditionally very rich in its musical heritage. From the ancient times, music documented the lives of the people and was widely patronized by the rulers.
Bangla music in ancient times was mostly linked to prayer. Most folk songs are related to some sort of praise of the gods and their creation. Songs were associated with particular groups of people, such as fishermen, cart-drivers, hermits and so on. Most songs were based on classical themes.
Modernisation of Bangla music occurred at different times and most of these modernisation processes happened independently of western influence. Most notable of these changes were:
- Popularity of folk music of Sufi genres: introduction of philosophy and religion in music
- Works of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Laureate poet: introduction of variations of classical music to music
- Works of Kazi Nazrul Islam: introduction of complicated musical composition and use of music as a revolutionary tool
- Modernisation of folk music: bringing folk music into mainstream
- Fusion work: fusion of traditional music with electronic instruments and Western work to revitalise and re-popularise Bangla music in a society increasingly overwhelmed by the West
