'No song-and-dance in Lalbagh’: Group tries to block Ustad Alauddin Khan tribute

A group of locals attempted to stop a cultural programme at Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka this evening, protesting what they called "a song-and-dance" event.

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

Before the event, protesters gathered at the fort's gate, chanting slogans, "No song and dance on Lalbagh soil."

Some of them objected, citing the nearby Lalbagh Shahi Mosque and madrasa. One of the protesters said, "Our money won't be spent on singing and dancing that pollutes the essence of Lalbagh mosque and madrasa."

Police later intervened and dispersed the crowd after clarifying that the event would feature classical music, not dance performances.

Lalbagh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mostafa Kamal Khan told The Daily Star that once the protesters understood the nature of the programme, they left peacefully.