Organised by Capital Curve Communications, the programme will feature performances by two Bangladeshi qawwali bands, Sufitan and Nafs. Nafs is recognised as the country’s first qawwali band, while Sufitan has also established a presence among local audiences. The evening will also feature Sufi dance performances by the HU Sufi Troupe, adding a visual dimension to the musical celebrations.
The organisers intend to create an atmosphere inspired by Sufi culture, allowing visitors to experience more than a conventional concert. A special photo gallery and tribute exhibition will highlight Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s life, musical journey and contribution to the qawwali tradition.
Rakib Hossain, founder and chief executive officer of Capital Curve Communications, said Ishq-e-Nusrat was conceived not simply as a musical event but as an expression of admiration and respect for the legendary singer. The initiative also seeks to celebrate the enduring appeal of his music and introduce his artistic legacy to a wider audience.
The auditorium doors will open to visitors at 4.30pm on 7 November, with the main programme scheduled to begin at 6pm and continue until 10pm. The organisers say the event will provide a family-friendly environment and include parking facilities for attendees.
Tickets for the event start at Tk 999, although seating will be limited. Interested music lovers may wish to check ticket availability before attending.
Born in 1948 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan became one of the most influential figures in the history of qawwali, a devotional musical tradition closely associated with Sufi culture in South Asia. His powerful voice, distinctive vocal improvisations and emotionally charged performances helped introduce the genre to audiences far beyond the region.
Throughout his career, he brought traditional qawwali to international stages and collaborated with musicians from different musical backgrounds. His work also reached audiences through film soundtracks and cross-cultural musical projects, helping broaden the genre’s appeal without diminishing its spiritual roots.
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died in 1997, but his influence continues to resonate across generations. His recordings remain popular among listeners who appreciate both the devotional character of qawwali and its extraordinary musical intensity.
The Dhaka event offers an opportunity to revisit that legacy through live performances and visual displays. By bringing local performers and admirers together, Ishq-e-Nusrat aims to celebrate the enduring power of a voice that helped carry South Asian devotional music to audiences around the world.
