Three highly anticipated concerts featuring Pakistani artists in Dhaka have been thrown into confusion just days before they were set to take place, as organisers say they remain unclear on whether they will receive the required security clearance.
Which Shows Are Affected
The concerts in question are scheduled for Friday and Saturday. They include “Sense It with Murtaza Qizilbash,” featuring Pakistani singer Murtaza Qizilbash alongside Bangladeshi artist Habib Wahid, “Max Republic,” which was set to bring together James, Ali Azmat, Mustafa Zahid and Jal, and “Wave Fest: Enjoy the Full Moon,” featuring the Pakistani band Kaavish along with local acts Shironamhin and Meghdol. Organisers had already completed most of their preparations, and tickets for all three events were being sold online.
Why The Uncertainty
Under Bangladesh’s existing rules, any concert featuring foreign artists must first secure approval from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, followed by security clearances from agencies including the Special Branch, the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and Dhaka Metropolitan Police.
One organiser said they were verbally informed by the Home Ministry that permission would not be granted for the three shows. However, the ministry’s security division has denied conveying any such decision, leaving the actual status of the concerts unresolved.
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A Recurring Issue For Pakistani Acts In Dhaka
This isn’t the first time that concerts featuring Pakistani performers have faced last-minute roadblocks in the capital. Several previous shows have been suddenly postponed or cancelled over security and permission issues, often leaving ticket holders, artists and organisers in a scramble.
Mustafa Zahid’s concert was cancelled an hour before it was due to start earlier this year, while a planned performance by Ali Azmat and Bangladeshi rock icon James was also cancelled after police refused to clear the venue.
Why it matters
Pakistani artists have been making an appearance on the Dhaka concert circuit in the last two years and drawing large crowds and brisk sales of tickets.
But the last-minute uncertainty has become a constant headache for event organisers and a source of frustration for fans, many of whom have already paid for tickets without knowing whether the shows are actually going to happen. Audiences and artists alike wait for guidance from authorities, with Friday’s scheduled performances hanging in the balance.
