Kolkata Sarod Maestro Flees Dhaka Unrest, Hides Identity After Vandalism

• Kolkata-based sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh after the cultural venue Chhayanaut was vandalized before his scheduled performance.
• The vandalism occurred amid unrest following the death of radical figure Sharif Osman Hadi, forcing Shiraz to cut short his visit.
• Shiraz, shaken by the attack, had to hide his Indian nationality and speak in a local dialect to safely return to Kolkata.
• His tabla accompanist and other artistes remain stranded in Dhaka due to the escalating tensions.
• Shiraz, with deep family ties to Bangladesh, stated he will not return until artistes feel secure and cultural spaces are safeguarded.

Why It Matters: Sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan fled Bangladesh, hiding his identity, after a cultural hub was vandalized amid unrest.