A classical music evening was held to commemorate the 163rd birth anniversary of the subcontinent’s legendary maestro, Ustad Allauddin Khan.
The event was organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Originally scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday at the historic Lalbagh Fort in Old Dhaka, the programme faced a brief disruption when a small group gathered at the fort gates in the afternoon and objected after hearing there would be “dance and music.”
However, the situation was quickly resolved and the event proceeded without further issues.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin later said the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. Speaking to The TIMES of Bangladesh on Thursday afternoon, he explained, “The protesting group thought there would be loud, band-style music. We clarified that it was a classical music programme marking Ustad Alauddin Khan’s birth anniversary, attended by distinguished guests.”
“They were also concerned because there is a mosque nearby. We assured them that no performance would take place during prayer times and paused the programme for an hour during the azan and namaz. Once they understood, they left peacefully,” he added.
Lalbagh Division Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mallick Ahsan Uddin Sami, confirmed the same, describing the matter as “a simple misunderstanding” that was swiftly resolved.
The event was virtually inaugurated by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who remarked, “Ustad Alauddin Khan elevated Indian classical music to the world stage. Initiatives like this will further enrich our cultural consciousness.”
Culture Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan attended the opening ceremony.
In his welcome speech, Farooki said, “Ustad Alauddin Khan is not only a music guru but also a cultural philosopher, one that continues to inspire generation after generation.”
Both Adilur Rahman Khan and Rizwana Hasan expressed solidarity with Palestine during their speeches, joining the audience in chanting, “Free, free Palestine.”
The evening’s special attraction was a sarod recital by Ustad Siraj Ali Khan, great-grandson of Ustad Alauddin Khan, who also received a special honour on the occasion.
The programme featured classical renditions of Raga Bhimpalshree and Raga Kirwani, imbued with the spirit of Guru Smriti, performed by artistes from Bengal Parampara Sangeetalaya.
The Lalbagh Fort premises transformed into a mesmerising blend of music, light and heritage. Large digital screens were set up on both sides of the stage, allowing the audience to enjoy documentaries and live performances.
Hosted by acclaimed actors Afzal Hossain and Maria Farih Upama, the celebration continued until 11:15 pm.
The melodies of the night paid homage to the timeless legacy of a saintly maestro whose influence continues to resonate across generations.
