No naach, gaan in Labagh, threatens ‘puritan’ group

A group of local residents briefly disrupted a cultural programme at Lalbagh Fort this evening, opposing what they described as a “song-and-dance” event near the historic Lalbagh Shahi Mosque and madrasa.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, was scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm to commemorate the 163rd birth anniversary of legendary musician Ustad Alauddin Khan.

Protesters gathered at the fort’s entrance ahead of the event, chanting slogans such as “No song and dance on Lalbagh soil.” 

Some argued that public funds should not support performances they believed were incompatible with the religious sanctity of the adjacent mosque and Islamic seminary. “Our money won’t be spent on singing and dancing that pollutes the essence of Lalbagh,” one protester said.

Police quickly intervened and clarified that the event would feature classical instrumental and vocal music only, no dance performances.

Mostafa Kamal Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Lalbagh Police Station, confirmed that once the nature of the programme was explained, the protesters dispersed peacefully. “They were under the impression it was a dance event. After we clarified it was a tribute through classical music, they left without further incident,” he told journalists.

The tribute proceeded as planned, honouring Ustad Alauddin Khan’s legacy as one of South Asia’s most influential maestros of Indian classical music.