'Ashes' band concert postponed after objections from Imam-Ulama

The scheduled concert of the band 'Ashes' at the old stadium in Kishoreganj town was ultimately not held. The administration postponed the programme, scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, following objections from the local Imam-Ulama Parishad and religious leaders. The band authorities confirmed the matter in a post on social media.

Leaders of the Sadar Upazila Imam-Ulama Parishad had been opposing the concert since news of its arrangement surfaced. They claimed that such events involving music and entertainment are against Islamic Shariah. They submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner seeking administrative intervention to halt the programme.

In the memorandum, the Imam-Ulama Parishad said if the concert was held at the old stadium on August 19, there was a risk of anti-Shariah activities through music and entertainment. They also expressed concern that such an event could provoke anger and discontent among local religious people.

The imams and clerics also referenced several past incidents in their appeal. They claimed that similar programmes had been attempted earlier at various grounds in Kishoreganj with administrative permission, but were ultimately not held due to opposition from local religious people and scholars. They requested the district administration to take necessary steps so that this concert would also not take place.

Copies of the memorandum were also sent to Kishoreganj's Superintendent of Police, concerned officials of the district administration and other departments. Subsequently, considering the possibility of unpleasant situations and law and order issues, the administration decided to postpone the event, according to sources.

Meanwhile, the Ashes band posted on social media confirming the postponement, stating that the administration had postponed the concert at the old stadium due to some unforeseen reasons. The band also expressed hope of meeting audiences again in Kishoreganj in the future. However, no new date has been announced for the rescheduled concert.