Anupam Roy concert cancelled as organsiers pull the plug at last minute

In a sudden and disappointing, but unfortunately not so irregular turn of events for music enthusiasts across Dhaka, the highly anticipated "One True Sound with Anupam Roy" concert has been indefinitely postponed.

The musical extravaganza was scheduled to take place at the capital's United Convention Centre on Airport Road tomorrow (26 June).

The event, presented by Seylon Tea and powered by Yamaha Music Bangladesh in partnership with Triple Time Communications, was set to feature the popular Indian singer-songwriter and his full ensemble, "The Anupam Roy Band", alongside the Bengal Symphony.

According to a statement released this afternoon by the organisers, all necessary logistical arrangements had been finalised, and required administrative permissions from the government had been properly secured well in advance. However, in a development just a day before the show, the organisers claimed that the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a directive instructing them to halt the event due to "unavoidable circumstances".

While the authorities have not yet clarified the exact administrative or security reasons behind this sudden veto, the local organisers expressed their deep regret over the unexpected cancellation.

"We are sincerely grateful to all our audience members, well-wishers, partners, sponsors, and collaborators for standing by us during this unforeseen situation," read the joint statement from the organisers. "We remain optimistic that we will meet again on an unforgettable musical evening in the near future under more favourable conditions."

To alleviate the immediate and justified frustration of thousands of fans who had already purchased tickets — priced at Tk2,999 — the organisers claim to have committed to a swift financial resolution.

However, if similar past concert postponements are anything to go by, such gestures concerning refunds have not always been materialised by the authorities, leaving the ticket buyers nothing short of feeling financially scammed.

The organiser, in the statement, confirmed that a full refund process will be initiated through the official ticketing platforms within the next 24 hours.

While a new date for the concert is expected to be announced soon, the abrupt government intervention has left Dhaka's cultural calendar looking considerably emptier this weekend.