Renowned Bangladeshi band Shironamhin was scheduled to perform at the second convocation ceremony of Rajshahi’s Barendra University. However, late on Saturday evening (20 December), the university administration announced the cancellation of the cultural programme, citing security concerns. Following this sudden decision, a number of guests present at the event speculated that the band had deliberately opted out of the performance. Shironamhin has now officially addressed these claims.
In a statement posted on their verified Facebook page on Sunday (21 December), the band clarified that they had completed all necessary preparations to perform at the convocation. They also confirmed that they had received a 30 per cent advance of their agreed performance fee from the organisers.
The statement read: “Around 9 pm yesterday, we were informed that, considering the overall situation in the country, the administration was unable to ensure adequate security. Consequently, the second part of the convocation—the cultural programme—was cancelled.”
Shironamhin further explained that, as the event was organised under the university administration, they were prepared to perform even without receiving their full fee, in recognition of the special circumstances. The band had even postponed another scheduled performance at the State University convocation on the same date to travel to Rajshahi. Notably, the State University event had itself been rescheduled from 20 to 21 December due to the observance of National Mourning Day.
Concluding their statement, the band emphasised: “We are deeply disappointed, just like the attending guests, that the concert was ultimately cancelled. We have also suffered financial loss. However, the notion circulating that Shironamhin intentionally withdrew from the performance is completely unfounded.”
In addition to Shironamhin, popular singer Porshi had been scheduled to perform at the Barendra University convocation. Yet, the entire cultural programme was cancelled for security reasons. Both the university administration and the band have confirmed that the decision was not the result of any deliberate action by either party, but was taken solely to ensure safety.
While the unforeseen cancellation disappointed students and attendees alike, the university authorities have assured that future events will be organised with stronger coordination between security measures and programme arrangements, to prevent similar situations.