The winter concert season in Dhaka is facing increasing complications, particularly with international performers. Earlier this year, the Pakistani band Kavish performed at the Dhaka Dreams concert. However, ten months later, in December, band members Jaffer Zaidi and Maj Maudud returned to Dhaka for the planned Wavefest: Feel This Winter concert on 5 December — an event that was ultimately cancelled due to the lack of official permission.
The government has similarly denied permission for concerts featuring other foreign artists, including Pakistani singers Ali Azmat, Atif Aslam, and the band Jal, as well as Indian singer Anuv Jain. Even certain concerts by local performers have been postponed or cancelled, reducing the overall number of winter events in the capital.
Permission and Security Challenges
To stage performances by foreign artists, organisers must apply through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, after which applications undergo verification by the Security Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Many applications are either postponed or rejected due to security concerns and the pre-election environment. A senior official at the Home Ministry stated, “No concert permissions are being granted ahead of elections due to security considerations.”
Despite applications being submitted for several high-profile concerts later in the year, approvals were not granted. Notable cancellations and postponements include:
| Date | Artist/Band | Show Name | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 November | Ali Azmat | Legends Live in Dhaka | Postponed/Cancelled |
| 28 November | Jal Band | Sound of Soul | Postponed/Cancelled |
| 5 December | Kavish 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 Sales Controversies
The absence of official permissions has also sparked disputes between concertgoers and organisers regarding ticket sales. Analysts such as Hamin Ahmed argue that selling tickets without approval is legally questionable. Concertgoer Atia Islam reported, “I purchased tickets for Atif Aslam’s show, but since it was postponed, I have yet to receive a refund.”
Kazi Rafsan, founder of Main Stage, confirmed that the shows would take place after the elections, and previously purchased tickets would remain valid. Refunds are promised within ten working days for those who choose not to attend the rescheduled events.
Experts believe that once elections conclude in February and the security situation stabilises, Dhaka may resume hosting international artists more regularly, restoring the city’s vibrant winter concert calendar.