Entertainment
Pakistani Band Jal’s Concert in Bangladesh Spirals Into Chaos, Military Called to Control Crowd
After a 14-year hiatus, the iconic Pakistani band Jal returned to Bangladesh to perform at a much-anticipated concert, only for the event to descend into chaos, prompting the organizers to call in the military to control the crowd. The concert, titled Legends of the Decade, featured a mix of local Bangladeshi bands and Jal, and was originally set to be held at Dhaka Arena. However, heavy rainfall forced a last-minute venue change to Jamuna Future Park mall, which ultimately contributed to the chaotic night.
What was expected to be an unforgettable evening of music quickly became a disaster, leaving fans disappointed and frustrated. Jal, led by Goher Mumtaz, took the stage in front of an overwhelming crowd that had swarmed the venue, with fans occupying every corner of the mall. Spectators peered from railings across all eight floors of the venue, captivated by the band’s iconic hit Aadat, as the atmosphere was thick with nostalgia.
Despite the emotional connection between Jal and the crowd, the concert was abruptly halted when authorities stopped Goher mid-performance, even tugging on his guitar to signal the end of the set. The sudden interruption left fans stunned, with no farewell or explanation from the band as they exited the stage.
The concert was plagued by several issues from the start. The overcrowded venue was overrun by many people without tickets, making the situation unmanageable. As the crowd grew more unruly, military personnel were called in to restore order, a stark contrast to the organisers’ confident assurance the night before that “the safety of the artist and audience is our number one priority.”
The chaotic scene was compounded by poor management, technical glitches, and an ill-prepared venue. Despite efforts to calm the audience, the event continued to spiral out of control. Fans, who had paid Tk3,000 ($27 USD) for tickets, were packed wall-to-wall with little to no view of the stage. Many were forced to watch the concert on a single screen, while the mall, which remained open to the public, was separated from the concert by flimsy black curtains that were soon taken down as the crowd surged.
Despite the turmoil, Jal managed to briefly unite the crowd with a powerful rendition of Woh Lamhey. Goher’s performance, while sincere, struggled to capture the nostalgic magic that fans had eagerly awaited. However, the band left the crowd with a moment of excitement, performing an unreleased song before their abrupt exit.
The night wasn’t without its highlights. Bangladeshi band Aurthohin, though delayed by an hour, delivered a memorable set with their hits, including Chaitei Paro and Nikkristo. Bassbaba Sumon captivated the audience, but the performance was bittersweet, as it marked the final show for band member Mahaan Fahim, who is stepping away due to health issues.
Ultimately, what should have been a night celebrating music legends turned into an event marred by mismanagement, technical failures, and an uncontrollable crowd. Jal’s long-awaited return to Bangladesh, filled with high expectations, left fans with mixed emotions and a night they won’t soon forget.
