Bangladesh ropes in Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan for charity concert scheduled for tomorrow

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is set to perform in Bangladesh capital Dhaka tomorrow, December 21, as he announced his much-anticipated “Echoes of Revolution” concert. The event, organised by the platform Spirits of July, will take place at the Bangladesh Army Stadium and marks a cultural milestone as organisers increasingly spotlight Pakistani artists over Indian performers in the post-Seikh Hasina era.

Rahat’s upcoming performance will take place a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Bangladesh’s interim advisor, Muhammad Yunus, signalling a possible thaw in relations between the two nations.

The concert is reportedly a charitable effort aimed at supporting families impacted by the recent political upheaval following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August this year. Hasina fled the country and took refuge in India.

In a video message shared on social media, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan expressed his anticipation for the event, addressing his Bangladeshi fans with warmth and solidarity.

“Warm greetings to my courageous Bengali brothers and sisters. Assalamu Alaikum. Responding to the students’ invitation, I will soon visit your wonderful country, Bangladesh, to perform for all of you,” he said.

Rahat also highlighted the concert’s purpose, stating, “To support the families of those affected by the July uprising, I will perform at a charity concert. This event, organised by courageous students, will take place at the Bangladesh Army Stadium in Dhaka. All proceeds from the concert will be allocated to assist the families of those who were injured or lost their lives during the uprising.”

Expressing hope for stronger ties between the two nations, Rahat concluded his message with, “On December 21, I am eager to meet my Bangladeshi brothers and sisters at the Army Stadium, Inshallah. May the friendship between Bangladesh and Pakistan thrive”.

The concert will also feature performances by prominent local bands, including Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, and members of Silsila. Acclaimed Bangladeshi rap artists Shezan and Hannan are set to join the lineup.

The event will follow a recent performance by another Pakistani singer, Atif Aslam, in Dhaka, reflecting a notable cultural pivot in Bangladesh’s entertainment scene.