The winter concert season in Dhaka has encountered increasing complications, particularly concerning the participation of international artists. Earlier this year, the Pakistani band Kaavish performed at the Dhaka Dreams concert. However, just ten months later, band members Jafar Zaidi and Maj Maudud had planned to return in December for the WaveFest: Feel This Winter event. The concert scheduled for 5 December was ultimately cancelled due to the absence of government approval.
Similarly, the authorities have denied permissions for several other foreign performers, including Pakistani artists Ali Azmat, Atif Aslam, and Band Jal, as well as Indian singer Anuv Jain. A number of prominent local concerts have also been postponed or cancelled, significantly reducing the winter entertainment options in the capital.
Permission and Security Challenges
Organising concerts featuring foreign artists requires approval from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, followed by a security clearance from the Home Ministry. Many applications have been suspended or rejected due to heightened security concerns ahead of the upcoming national elections. A senior official at the Home Ministry stated, “No concert permissions are being granted prior to the elections due to security considerations.”
The following table outlines some of the cancelled and postponed concerts:
| Date | Artist/Band | Concert Name | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 November | Ali Azmat | Legends Live in Dhaka | Postponed/Cancelled |
| 28 November | Band Jal | Sound of Soul | Postponed/Cancelled |
| 5 December | Kaavish Band | WaveFest: Feel This Winter | Postponed |
| 12 December | Anuv Jain | Anuv Jain Show | Postponed |
| 13 December | Atif Aslam | Atif Aslam at Main Stage | Postponed |
Ticket Sale Controversies
The lack of official approval has sparked disputes between fans and organisers over ticket sales. Analyst Hamin Ahmed noted that selling tickets without permission is legally questionable. Concertgoer Atia Islam said, “I bought a ticket for the Atif Aslam show, but it was postponed, and I have yet to receive a refund.”
Kazi Rafsan, founder of Main Stage, assured that the postponed shows would take place after the elections, and previously purchased tickets will remain valid. Fans who choose not to attend will be eligible for refunds within ten working days.
Experts believe that once the electoral period concludes and security conditions stabilise, international concerts in Dhaka will resume, restoring vibrancy to the capital’s winter entertainment calendar.