An exemplary feat

We applaud that the sixth edition of the Bengal Classical Music Festival was flawlessly carried out despite all the anxiety among music lovers regarding whether it would actually take place or not. Earlier last year in October, the Bengal Foundation announced at a press conference that festival would not be held because of unavailability of an appropriate venue. The news was disheartening for many music lovers in Dhaka and Bangladeshis abroad, who look forward to the event throughout the year.

Thankfully, the festival was successfully held at the Abahani field of Dhanmondi for which we thank the sporting club. The Bengal Classical Music Festival has been a marquee event of Bangladesh's cultural calendar since 2012 when it was initiated.  Through this festival Bangladesh has reached global standards in music by hosting iconic artists who have said that this is the biggest classical music festival of the world. 

Despite the many misgivings about the new venue, the superb organisation of the event was highly commendable. However, while we appreciate that, at the Prime Minister's personal intervention, the event did finally take place; we would also like to know why holding this festival was such a hassle. Bangladeshis from all walks and spheres, who sometimes travel significant distances to attend the festival, were significantly disquieted at the news of the cancellation of the event. We find the anxiety caused difficult to overlook.

Considering the level of enthusiasm around the festival the fact that it is free for everyone, a more cooperative mindset from concerned authorities was expected. We hope that the concerned authorities take into account the importance of this festival which has certainly enhanced Bangladesh's global image and take due steps to ensure that the process is smoother in the future so any uncertainty surrounding the event is eliminated.  

We congratulate the Bangladeshi audience, all the law enforcement agencies and others but for whose cooperation this magnificent festival would not have taken place. Most of all, we congratulate Bengal Foundation, its leadership and all its team members for a superb job done.