Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to perform in Dhaka on Dec 21

Renowned Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will perform a charity concert titled ‘Echoes of Revolution’ at the Army Stadium in Dhaka on December 21.

The concert aims to raise funds for the Shaheed July Smrity Foundation, which supports the families of martyrs and those injured during the July uprising, said organizers at a press conference at Madhu’s canteen of Dhaka University.

A platform named ‘Spirits of July’, in collaboration with ‘Shaheed July Smrity Foundation’, is organizing the concert, with the support of Prime Bank, which will also feature bands Artcell, Chirkutt, Ashes, Aftermath, and rap artists Sezan and Hannan, reports BSS.

In a statement, they said, “To show solidarity with the families of the martyrs and those injured during the July Uprising, Spirits of July, a platform created by Dhaka University students, is organising this concert on December 21.”

“All proceeds from the concert will go to the Shaheed July Smrity Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting the families of those affected by the uprising”, they said.

Spirits of July and the Shaheed July Smrity Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on November 12 in this regard.

They said a contract was signed with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on November 28. “He has graciously agreed to perform at the concert free of charge. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to affected families”, said the organisers.

To ensure transparency and accountability, an advisory board consisting of Dhaka University faculty and prominent figures has been formed to oversee the financial matters of the event. Several members of the advisory board were present at the press conference.

DU International Relations Department student Hasan Mahmud Rizvi, Mass Communication and Journalism department student Sadekur Rahman Sunny, Peace and Conflict Studies department student Md Jafor Ali and Islamic Studies Department student Wahid-Uz-Zaman read out the written statement.

Prime Bank Deputy Managing Director Md Ziaur Rahman and advisers of the concert Provost of DU Sir A. F. Rahman Hall Dr. Mahfujul Hoque Supan, Professor of DU Institute of Modern Languages Dr. Ansarul Alam, Associate Professor of Sociology department Mohammad Mahbub Kaiser, and DU Journalist’s Association (DUJA) President Mohiuddin Muzahid Mahi were also present at the press conference.

Beside the concert, the event will also include a graffiti exhibition reflecting the July Revolution, as well as an instalment of Mugdha Water Zone.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale in early December. While ticket prices are yet to be finalised, organisers confirmed that three categories of tickets will be available.