The event, arranged by a local establishment known as Alishan Restaurant, drew strict scrutiny during a routine review of administrative compliance. Istiaq Emon, the Additional District Magistrate (General) of Kishoreganj, told our representative that officials summoned the organisers to inspect their credentials thoroughly. Under hotel registration regulations, the establishment had neither submitted formal applications nor secured a valid operational licence. Because the entity lacked legal recognition, authorities stated they had no statutory basis to grant permission for a public gathering of that scale, effectively halting the proceedings.

Prior to the administrative ruling, deep tension had already been building across the district. On Tuesday, the Kishoreganj Sadar branch of the Imam-Ulama Parishad submitted a formal memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding the immediate cancellation of the concert at the municipal stadium. Copies of the petition were simultaneously forwarded to the Superintendent of Police, the Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, and the local police station. Mohammad Abul Kalam Bhuiyan, the officer-in-charge of Kishoreganj Sadar Police Station, informed our representative that all final regulatory decisions regarding public events rested entirely with the district administration.

The line-up for the afternoon showcase was set to feature several well-known musical acts, including alternative rock band Ashes and performer Nobelman. Acknowledging the sudden cancellation, Ashes released an official statement via their social media channels on Wednesday morning. Addressing their supporters, the band expressed regret over the unexpected administrative hurdles at the old stadium while remaining hopeful about future visits to the region.

In response to the official suspension, the Imam-Ulama Parishad chose to stand down. Maulana Ahmadullah, president of the organisation’s Sadar branch, confirmed to our representative that their planned afternoon protest rally and demonstration in Kishoreganj town had been officially called off now that the concert would no longer take place.