Culture needs consistency, not confusion

Bangladesh’s cultural identity has never been built on isolation. It has been shaped by openness, dialogue and a deep tradition of artistic exchange. A country born from a movement to protect language and culture understands better than most that culture is not merely entertainment -- it is a vital part of national identity.

That is why decisions affecting cultural exchanges deserve careful consideration, transparency and consistency.

The recent developments surrounding Indian singer-songwriter Anupam Roy’s concert in Dhaka have brought this issue into public discussion once again.

The concert, One True Sound with Anupam Roy, was originally scheduled for 26 June 2026 at the United Convention Centre in Dhaka. According to reports, the organisers had completed preparations and stated that they had obtained the necessary approvals before the event was postponed due to “unavoidable circumstances”. The concert was later rescheduled for 1 August. However, subsequently the permission for the event was again withdrawn just two days before the performance, leaving many fans disappointed once again.

For many music lovers, this was not simply about one concert. It raised a broader question about how international cultural events are being managed in Bangladesh.

Around the same period, Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s concert in Dhaka proceeded successfully. The event later became controversial after reports emerged that the organisers had changed the approved venue without prior permission, leading to official scrutiny and the possibility of action against the organisers.

The two cases were not identical, and it would be unfair to assume that the reasons behind the different outcomes were the same. Governments have legitimate responsibilities regarding security, public order and regulatory compliance. No one disputes that.

However, when two major international cultural events receive different treatment, the public naturally seeks clarity. The question is not whether one artist should perform while another should not. The question is whether the same standards are being applied consistently.

Transparency is essential in such matters. If an event is postponed or cancelled because of administrative, legal or security concerns, the reasons should be communicated clearly and in advance. If organisers fail to comply with regulations, those rules should be enforced equally, regardless of the nationality or popularity of the performer.

This discussion is particularly important because of the unique cultural relationship between Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.

The connection between the two Bengals is rooted in centuries of shared language, literature and music. Rabindranath Tagore’s songs are cherished on both sides of the border. Kazi Nazrul Islam remains a shared cultural icon. The folk traditions of Lalon Shah continue to inspire generations of Bengalis. Contemporary musicians, writers and artists regularly find audiences across boundaries because culture often connects people in ways that official relations cannot.

Anupam Roy’s popularity in Bangladesh reflects this shared cultural space. His songs are appreciated not because of his nationality, but because they speak to people through a common language and emotional connection.

The same principle applies to artists from every country. Cultural exchange should be judged by transparent rules, not by shifting perceptions or selective standards.

Bangladesh has a proud cultural tradition. Its history demonstrates that language, literature and artistic expression are central to its national character. A confident nation does not need to restrict cultural interaction to protect its identity. Instead, it strengthens itself by engaging with the wider world while maintaining fair and consistent regulations.

As Bangladesh moves through a new political phase, strengthening public trust in institutions should remain a priority. One important step would be to ensure that decisions regarding cultural events are guided by clear procedures that are publicly understood and applied equally.

Culture has always been one of Bangladesh’s greatest strengths. It has created bridges across borders and encouraged understanding between communities. Those bridges should not become weakened by uncertainty or inconsistent administrative decisions.

A nation confident in its culture has nothing to fear from cultural exchange.

Culture should build bridges, not confusion.