Dhaka's music scene in limbo as ICCB suspends all concerts
The International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) authorities have taken an unprecedented step by imposing an indefinite ban on all concerts at their esteemed venue. This sudden decision has sent ripples through the music scene in Bangladesh, leaving concert organisers, artists, and fans in a state of uncertainty.
Concerts in Bangladesh have been on the rise, not just during the winter season but all year round. While outdoor venues were popular in the past, the pandemic has shifted the focus to indoor events, offering the advantage of weather-proof arrangements. Consequently, the number of concerts in Dhaka has seen a surge in recent months, attracting both local and foreign artists eager to captivate the Bangladeshi audience.
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The International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) has emerged as a prime destination for hosting concerts, offering ample air-conditioned halls, tight security, and convenient private car parking facilities, making it a preferred choice for organisers. However, the music scene now faces a major setback as ICCB authorities abruptly impose an indefinite ban on all concerts at their venue.
This unexpected decision came in response to an unpleasant incident that occurred during the "Dhaka Summer Con", a festival organised by MediaQuest Bangladesh. While the first two days of the event were successful, chaos unfolded on the third day as some visitors became agitated over alleged ticket unavailability.
The ensuing chaos led to riotous behaviour, with security guards being forced to remove unruly attendees, resulting in damage to the ticket counter and injuries to some individuals.
In light of this unfortunate event, the ICCB authorities swiftly imposed the ban, causing distress to concert organisers. Several upcoming concerts, including "Big Rock Eid Fest" by Dynamic Events and "The Ultimate Rock Fest" by Opli, are now facing uncertainty as they scramble to find alternative venues.
With at least 26 concerts scheduled at ICCB until September 30, the ban has raised concerns about the future of large-scale shows in the country.
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