As public concerts falter, Atif Aslam continues with ‘secret’ shows in Dhaka

While public concerts continue to falter in Dhaka, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has opted for a different kind of encore – one held behind closed doors and away from the glare of official permits.

Originally scheduled to headline the high-profile concert on December 13 at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Exhibition Center (CBFC) in Purbachal, Atif’s much-anticipated public appearance was abruptly cancelled after organisers failed to secure the necessary security clearance. 

The event – backed by Main Stage Inc and co-organised by ‘Spirit of July’ – was also set to feature homegrown acts like Fuad and the legendary rock band Nemesis, with 40 per cent of proceeds earmarked for the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation.

But rather than packing his bags, Atif chose to stay – and sing.

Over the past few days, rumours have swirled across social media about a series of low-key, private performances by the chart-topping artist. And they’ve all turned out to be true.

On December 15, Atif dazzled an exclusive crowd at a private club in the capital, in a show dubbed “The Final Note: Atif Aslam”. Photos and videos from the intimate gig – featuring soulful renditions of hits like Tajdar-e-Haram and Woh Lamhe – leaving fans both thrilled and envious.

Now, just days later, Atif is set to grace the stage once again – this time at a private university in Dhaka. Titled “Music Beyond Boundaries”, on Thursday, December 18, afternoon performance will begin at 4 pm on the university grounds. Attendance is limited to students, faculty, alumni, and select officials, with gates opening at noon and closing sharply at 2 pm to maintain the event’s discreet nature.

Whispers suggest yet another private show may take place on 17 December—though details remain tightly under wraps.

In a heartfelt Facebook post following the cancellation of his public concert, Atif expressed his disappointment to Bangladeshi fans: “Dear Bangladeshi fans, I am deeply saddened to inform you that we are not performing at the concert scheduled for December 13 in Dhaka. This is because the concert organisers and management authorities could not arrange the necessary local permits, security clearances and logistics.”

Yet, his actions since then tell a different story – one of quiet commitment to his fans. While bureaucracy stalled the big show, Atif’s music has found another way: through private stages, university lawns, and closed-door soirées where melodies cross borders, if not checkpoints.

For now, Dhaka’s entertainment scene may be struggling with cancellations – from Azmat Ali to Anub Jain, Zal to Kabish – but Atif Aslam is ensuring the beat goes on, one secret performance at a time.