Kolkata-based Sarod player flees Bangladesh after cultural hub vandalised: 'Had to hide identity'

Shiraz had arrived in Dhaka on December 16 and performed at a jazz concert in Banani the next day. He recalled that evening as quiet but emotionally rich, with fewer than 20 people in attendance. His classical concert, however, never took place. Instead, he began planning his exit from the country as tensions escalated.

The journey back to India was fraught with anxiety. Shiraz returned to Kolkata on Saturday evening, but his tabla accompanist remains stranded in Dhaka and hopes to leave early next week. Other artistes who travelled with him are also stuck. At a checkpoint on the way to the airport, Shiraz was questioned about foreign currency.

According to the report, afraid of being targeted, he chose not to disclose his nationality. He spoke in the Brahmanbaria dialect he picked up from his mother, while his Indian passport and phone were concealed by the driver. “I never imagined I would have to hide who I am,” he said.

Though based in Kolkata, Shiraz’s ties to Bangladesh run deep. He is the son of Ustad Dhyanesh Khan, grandson of sarod legend Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and great-grandson of Baba Allauddin Khan from Brahmanbaria.

Reflecting on past and present attacks, he said, “Years ago, a college named after my great-grandfather in Brahmanbaria was attacked. But the vandalism of Chhayanaut is an unimaginable assault on our culture and shared values.”

Shiraz said his mother remains in Bangladesh, along with several Hindu accompanists whose identities he has not disclosed for safety reasons. He made it clear that he would not return until artistes feel secure and cultural spaces are safeguarded once again.