Bangladesh takes another step to irk India, joins hands with Pakistan for…, Dhaka invited…

The concert is reportedly a charitable initiative designed to support families affected by the political turmoil following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performed in a concert in Dhaka on December 21, 2024. The event took place days after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s interim government chief Mohammad Yunus met and discussed the possibilities of Pakistani artists preforming in their country. The event, named ‘Echoes of Revolution,’ marks another step towards prioritising Pakistani artists over Indian artists. This decision was made after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Ever since the Hasina’s government collapsed like a house of cards, the relationship between India and Bangladesh have been disenchanted. In this context, no Indian artist has performed in Bangladesh for months. Instead of inviting Indian artists, Bangladesh has started organising concerts and inviting Pakistani singers to perform.

The concert is reportedly a charitable initiative designed to support families affected by the political turmoil following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August this year. Hasina has since fled the country and sought refuge in India.

Before performing at the concert, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan shared a video on social media where he expressed his excitement for the event. He said, “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.”

Message of Legendary Pakistani Singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, for the Student’s Fund Raiser Concert ‘Echoes of Revolution’ being held in Dhaka on 21 December 2024. #RFAK pic.twitter.com/ldTqb2IdH9

— Pakistan High Commission Bangladesh (@PakinBangladesh) December 18, 2024

He further added, “To support the families of those affected by the July uprising, I will perform at a charity concert. This event, organized 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.”

Conveying his optimism for closer relations between the two nations, Rahat ended his message by saying, “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.”

Apart from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, another popular Pakistani singer, Atif Aslam, also performed in Dhaka.