Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina through a planned “Color Revolution,” Bangladesh has seemingly come under the grip of Islamist extremists. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has seen the rise of Islamist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Hizb ut-Tahrir as the real power behind the scenes. Since August 5, mass killings of Awami League activists and police officers have been taking place, leading to a complete breakdown of law and order. The country is witnessing rampant mob violence, looting, robbery, and assaults, with extremist flags reminiscent of ISIS now seen in public spaces.
Amid this chaos, cultural activities in Bangladesh have faced severe restrictions. Over the past six months, the entertainment industry has almost come to a halt. Film productions have slowed, television dramas are barely running, and those involved in the industry are struggling. Concerts, in particular, have been getting canceled one after another.
On February 20, just a day before International Mother Language Day, two major concerts in Dhaka were abruptly postponed. One of them was linked to the so-called stakeholders of the revolution—the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The largest open-air concert in the country, titled Rebuilding the Nation, was scheduled to take place on February 22 at the old Trade Fair Ground in Agargaon. However, citing security concerns, organizers announced its postponement.
“This was planned as the biggest open-air concert in Bangladesh’s history. But given the current security situation, we had to postpone it for now,” said the organizers.
The Rebuilding the Nation concert was set to feature legendary rock star James (Nagar Baul) along with popular bands such as Chirkutt, Artcell, Shonar Bangla Circus, Bengal Symphony, Bangla Five, Cryptic Fate, Kurighar, Kaktal, and singers like Farzana Wahid Sayan, among others.
Meanwhile, another major concert, Melody of Mavericks, scheduled for February 20 at the Hatirjheel Amphitheater, was also canceled. This event was supposed to feature celebrated singer Bappa Mazumder alongside four other popular bands. Tickets had already been sold, but security concerns forced the event’s cancellation at the last minute.
Disappointed fans have expressed their frustration on social media, sparking heated debates. Many are questioning whether Yunus’ Western-backed government has turned Bangladesh into another Afghanistan. Last week alone, four to six major concerts were canceled across the country.
While no one is openly speaking about these developments, inside sources reveal that the cancellations are largely due to objections from Islamist groups. Yunus’ government has allegedly bowed to their demands, further disappointing artists and musicians. Many of them had initially supported the protests against Sheikh Hasina, only to now realize that their actions have inadvertently empowered hardline Islamists. The country’s entire cultural sector is now paying the price.
Since Hasina’s fall, Bangladesh has witnessed attacks on historic shrines by extremist groups. The Baul community has suffered brutal persecution. Female actors are facing open and covert threats, creating an atmosphere of fear. Top celebrities such as Mehazabien Chowdhury, Porshi, Pori Moni, and Apu Biswas have encountered obstacles in their work. The arts have been attacked by mobs, and publishers at book fairs have been targeted.
The future of Bangladesh’s cultural scene remains uncertain, as extremist influences tighten their grip on the nation.