Bangladesh Ministry Seeks Action Against Concert Organizer for Venue Change, Security Lapses

Bangladesh's Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to investigate and take legal action against the organizer of a concert featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam in Dhaka. The primary accusation involves changing the concert venue at the last minute without obtaining prior approval, which the ministry claims compromised security arrangements and disrupted the event.

The directive, issued in a letter on Sunday, also recommended blacklisting Event Sajai, the company that initially secured permission for the concert. The ministry cited alleged breaches of permit conditions, mismanagement, and failure to ensure adequate security for foreign performers and the audience as reasons for this recommendation.

Event Sajai had been granted permission to host the concert at the Cricketers Academy venue. However, the event, branded "Main Stage Featuring Atif Aslam" and organized by Main Stage, was ultimately held at Courtside on Madani Avenue. A day before the concert, Main Stage's CEO cited rain preventing stage construction at the original site as the reason for the relocation.

The home ministry, however, stated that this last-minute change constituted a violation of the permit's conditions. The ministry noted that the relocation caused disorder, raised concerns about law and order, and led to significant negative reactions from attendees. Reports indicate audience members expressed anger on social media regarding a lack of basic facilities and security, drawing adverse attention from both social media users and news outlets.