Siraj Ali Khan Departs Bangladesh After Shayanat Cultural Attack

Renowned musician Siraj Ali Khan, the great-grandson of the legendary Ustad Allauddin Khan, has announced that he will not return to Bangladesh until artists, musicians, and cultural institutions are safe. Speaking publicly for the first time about fear in his career, he revealed the distressing circumstances that forced him to leave Dhaka with a heavy heart.

Siraj Ali Khan had arrived in Dhaka on 16 December for a scheduled performance at the iconic Shayanat cultural centre. On Thursday, the venue was violently attacked, even though he was set to perform the following day.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, he wrote:
“The country is finished, Bangladesh is finished—for me, as an artist.”

He recounted, “My performance was scheduled for 19 December at Shayanat. In the early hours of that day, a mob attacked and vandalised one of Bangladesh’s most respected cultural institutions.”

Siraj Ali Khan is the son of Ali Akbar Khan, himself the son of Ustad Allauddin Khan, and grandson of Dhyanesh Khan. He is a distinguished exponent of the Maihar Gharana and is based in India.

Earlier, on 8 October, he had performed at a grand classical music event organised by the Ministry of Culture to celebrate the 163rd birth anniversary of Ustad Allauddin Khan at Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka, earning widespread acclaim.

Reflecting on the recent incident, he said:
“With a heavy heart, I must state clearly—until artists, musicians, and cultural institutions are respected and safe, I will not return to Bangladesh. This decision is not out of anger, but out of responsibility—to my family’s legacy, my art, and my personal safety.”

He added, “I still believe in the power of music to heal and unite. I only hope that one day respect for art and culture will be restored, and bridges broken by fear and violence can be rebuilt.”

Siraj Ali Khan emphasised his connection to his roots:
“I have always returned to Bangladesh to connect with my heritage, share my family’s musical legacy, and honour the living tradition of the Maihar Gharana. I came with music, humility, and respect alone.”

Describing the incident as a first in his life, he said:
“For the first time, I experienced fear for my life. I never imagined that simply identifying myself as an Indian artist could place me in danger in Bangladesh. I am grateful to have returned safely to India.”

He condemned the attack as not just vandalism of instruments or a cultural organisation, but an assault on culture, artists, and shared heritage. “Music has always been a bridge within our country and history. When that bridge is destroyed by fear and violence, something deeper is lost.”

In his post, he clarified:
“My anguish is directed at the mob mentality attacking institutions of knowledge and culture. Music and art have always transcended politics and violence. When they become targets, the pain is profound.”

Calling Bangladesh his “fatherland”, he added:
“Criticism born from grief is not rejection—it is concern. I remain hopeful that wisdom, dialogue, and respect for culture will ultimately prevail, as they have repeatedly in this land’s long history.”

Tagging the Bangladesh Ministry of Culture and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Siraj Ali Khan stressed that his message is not against the government nor the educated, culture-loving people of Bangladesh, who have always treated him with immense respect and affection. He concluded: “The warmth and love I received in Dhaka, particularly during a historic and memorable cultural event, I will never forget.”