Even as military cooperation between Pakistan and a ‘new’ Bangladesh has deepened since August 8, 2024, a new wave of cultural exchange is now visibly strengthening ties between the two South Asian nations. Despite decades of pre- and post-1971 animosity between the linguistically distinct neighbours, both sides appear to be opening up to cultural collaboration and artistic exchange.

As part of this growing cultural connection, Pakistan’s popular 11-member musical troupe Young Stunners is scheduled to perform a repertoire of Urdu songs in Dhaka on October 17.

The concert will take place at the United Convention Hall, and the group is expected to return to Pakistan the following day, October 18.

This will not be the first instance of Pakistani artists performing in Bangladesh this year.

Two other well-known singers — Momina Mustehsan and Aima Baig — have already graced Dhaka’s music scene in 2025.

Aima Baig performed at the ‘One True Sound Grand’ concert at Sena Malancha on April 12, while Momina Mustehsan appeared in Coke Studio Bangladesh in August 2025.

Rishka connects behind the initiative

According to documents accessed by Northeast News, the event is being organised by Rishka Connects, a Dhaka-based cultural organization.

In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Culture, headed by Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Rishka Connects’ Managing Director Rizwan Mehran Aayian sought government assistance in facilitating the Pakistani performers’ visit.

Rishka Connects described the concert as an “indoor cultural musical event”, beginning at 4 PM on October 17 at the United Convention Centre.

The organizer assured that it would be “responsible for the accommodation, safety, and expenses” of the artists during their entire stay in Bangladesh.

The company also emphasized that the venue was selected with security as the top priority and that adequate arrangements would be made to prevent any untoward incidents.

Financial and administrative approvals

Rishka Connects sought income tax exemptions on the artists’ remuneration.
On September 28, Deputy Secretary Amitabh Paran Talukdar of the Culture Ministry issued a notification acknowledging that the performance would be “commercial in nature”.

Each performer will reportedly be paid US$ 3,500, equivalent to BDT 4,24,585, based on the official exchange rate of BDT 121.37 per US dollar.

The Bangladesh Home Ministry granted permission for the event on September 29, following swift inter-ministerial coordination.

All expenses related to fees, air travel, accommodation, and food will be covered by Rishka Connects.

The Pakistani troupe consists of three main singers — Talhah Yunus, Talha Anjum, and Hasan Raheem — along with two guitarists, a drummer, a disk jockey, three crew members, and one manager.

All relevant paperwork, including air tickets, agreements, passports, e-trade licences, venue documents, and Business and Tax Identification certificates, has been submitted to the Culture Ministry.

The Ministry has also shared all related documents with the Home Ministry, Security Division, and National Revenue Board to ensure proper clearance and coordination.

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