A fraud case has been filed in a Dhaka court against organisers, including a co-founder of Main Stage Inc, following the cancellation of Pakistani singer Atif Aslam's December 13 concert and the alleged failure to refund tickets.
On Monday, Barrister Ahsan Habib Bhuiyan submitted the complaint to Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Zakir Hossain. The court instructed the Detective Branch to investigate and submit a report within 15 working days.
According to the complaint, on November 16, Main Stage Inc posted that Atif Aslam had agreed to perform in Dhaka. Initially, the venue was not disclosed, but later it was announced to be the Chinese Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal New Town.
However, on December 12, the organisers announced that the concert was postponed due to the organisers failing to obtain government approvals. Bhuiyan sent a legal notice giving the organisers 48 hours to apologise and clarify ticket refunds. They reportedly did not respond, and blocked him on Facebook.
Atif Aslam himself confirmed the cancellation on December 12, citing the organisers' inability to secure necessary local permits, security clearance, and event management. Social media reactions were critical, with users questioning ticket sales without official permission and warning that disgruntled buyers could mobilise protests.
Main Stage Inc later stated that the concert's postponement was due to the election schedule and heightened security measures, and assured ticket holders that refunds would be issued, though some delay might be necessary.
The cancellation has sparked public frustration and legal scrutiny, highlighting ongoing challenges in organising high-profile international concerts in Dhaka.
FP/MI
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