‘Political tension’ turns concert venues into empty stages

Dhaka’s music lovers are learning the hard way that no ticket guarantees a show. After a string of successful concerts last season, the current climate in the capital has taken a starkly different turn. “Political caution” has halted performances across the city, leaving foreign artists stranded and organisers grappling with financial setbacks.

While a few private concerts continue -- opportunists arranging private concerts using the artists from postponed shows -- the broader public faces repeated frustration, eroding trust and dimming the capital’s once-vibrant cultural scene.

The home ministry, citing “political circumstances”, has withheld approval for several scheduled performances, prompting a cascade of cancellations, leaving audiences in limbo over ticket refunds, bdnews24 reports.

While Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani declined to comment, a senior official from the ministry’s Public Security Division, speaking anonymously, said: “At present, no concert permissions are being granted due to the country’s political situation. In the past few days, five to six applications have been rejected. It has been nearly one and a half months since approvals were issued. Prior to that, 10–12 approvals had been granted.”

He added, “Previously, applications used to come in regularly. Now, after news spread that permissions are being withheld, applications are fewer.”

Concerts typically peak during the winter months. Last season, a few events in January and February faced disruptions. Now, organisers are struggling to hold events after summer, facing administrative hurdles.

Last Friday, the Pakistani band Kaavish was prevented from performing their Wavefest: Feel this Winter concert despite arriving in Dhaka on Thursday morning.