The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to blacklist event management company Event Sajai, alleging serious irregularities during Pakistani singer Atif Aslam`s recent concert, including an unauthorised last-minute venue change and inadequate security arrangements.
In a letter dated July 26, signed by Deputy Secretary Israt Jahan, the Home Ministry said the organisers breached the conditions of their permit by shifting the concert venue without prior approval.
According to the ministry, Event Sajai had been granted permission to hold the concert at the Cricketers Academy near the Purbachal Expressway in Khilkhet.
However, the company allegedly moved the event to a different venue at the last moment without informing or obtaining clearance from the authorities.
The ministry said the venue change resulted in widespread disorder, created law and order concerns and triggered strong reactions from concertgoers.
It also alleged that the organisers` failure to follow the approved conditions and their overall mismanagement compromised the security of Atif Aslam and other performers.
The letter further stated that the venue lacked adequate facilities and sufficient security measures, causing significant inconvenience for attendees.
According to the Home Ministry, the incident drew widespread criticism on social media and received negative coverage in various news outlets.
In view of the allegations, the ministry requested the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to investigate Event Sajai`s role, place the company on a blacklist and take legal action if deemed necessary.
Copies of the directive were also sent to the director general of the National Security Intelligence (NSI), the additional inspector general of the Special Branch of Police, the commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and other relevant authorities.
