Uncertainty surrounds three concerts in Dhaka: final permission not yet granted, organizers in a bind.

Severe uncertainty surrounds three high-profile concerts scheduled to take place in the capital, Dhaka, this coming Friday and Saturday (September 25 and 26). The events are set to feature local acts like James, Habib Wahid, Shironamhin, and Meghdol, alongside international stars from Pakistan such as Ali Azmat, Murtaza Kizilbash, Mustafa Zahid, and the band Kaavish. Although ticket sales have concluded and venue preparations are complete, the final government approval remains unconfirmed with only two days left until the events.

Approval Complexities and Current Status
Organizing concerts featuring foreign artists typically requires—following an initial green light from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs—reports from the Special Branch (SB) of the police, the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). Based on these documents and a recommendation from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs issues the final clearance.

Some organizers claim that while there are indications from the Ministry of Home Affairs that permission might not be granted, other parties have yet to receive a clear answer. However, Munima Hafeez, Additional Secretary of the Security Services Division at the Ministry of Home Affairs, stated that the security and oversight reports from various government agencies have not yet reached the ministry. Officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs also confirmed that they are unable to make a final decision without receiving the report from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Concerts Facing Uncertainty:

September 25 (Friday):
1. ‘Sense It with Murtaza Kizilbash’: Organized by Dhaka Beats and Let’s Vibe, this event is scheduled to feature performances by young Pakistani singer Murtaza Kizilbash and Bangladesh’s Habib Wahid. 

2. ‘Max Republic’: Scheduled to take place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, this concert is set to feature Bangladeshi rockstar James alongside Pakistan’s Ali Azmat, Mustafa Zahid (of Roxen), and the band ‘Jal’. 

September 26 (Saturday):
3. 'Wave Fest: Enjoy the Full Moon': Organized by Prime Wave Communication, the event is set to feature performances by the renowned Pakistani band 'Kabish' and the Bangladeshi bands 'Shironamhin' and 'Meghdal'. (It is worth noting that a previous concert by Kabish was also postponed last December due to complications regarding permissions.)

Frustration and Concern Among Organizers
The organizers have expressed frustration over the failure of government agencies to submit necessary reports on time, despite the timely payment of income tax and VAT and the submission of all required documentation. With investments amounting to crores of taka—covering artists' travel, the venue, and technical arrangements—now in limbo, they face the risk of massive financial and institutional losses. With only one day remaining until the scheduled date, both the audience and the organizers are anxiously awaiting a final decision.