Chaos in Atif Aslam concert, organiser 'Event Sajai' to be blacklisted over mismanagement

The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the blacklisting of the event organising company 'Event Sajai' over allegations of unauthorised last-minute venue change, mismanagement, and endangering the security of foreign artists and the audience. The ministry has also called for strict legal action against the company following an investigation.

In a letter sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on July 26, signed by Deputy Secretary Israt Jahan, the home ministry detailed the complaints. The organiser had been granted permission to hold a cultural event at the Cricketers' Academy adjacent to the Purbachal Expressway in Khilkhet. However, the company violated the terms of the permit by changing the venue at the last minute without prior approval from the home ministry. This led to severe chaos, fears of a breakdown in law and order, and a strong negative reaction from the audience.

The ministry stated that the disregard for the approved venue and the organisers' mismanagement exposed the foreign artists and crew to security threats. The audience also suffered due to inadequate facilities and insufficient security at the venue. The incident sparked widespread anger and criticism on social media, with negative news reports appearing in various media outlets.

In light of this, the home ministry has urged the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to investigate the organiser's role, blacklist the company, and take strict legal action. Copies of the directive have been sent to the Director General of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the Additional Inspector General of Police's Special Branch, and the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

The concert featuring Pakistani singer Atif Aslam was held in the capital on Friday (July 24). The organisers cited adverse weather as the reason for the last-minute venue change, announced a day before the event, though the date and time remained unchanged. Besides Atif Aslam, Bangladeshi bands Meghdol and Level Five were also scheduled to perform.

The concert, titled 'Main Stage Featuring Atif Aslam', was organised by event management company 'Main Stage'. However, the permit for the concert was obtained by 'Event Sajai', a sister concern of 'Main Stage'.

Many audience members complained of mismanagement after the concert.