Renowned Pakistani singer Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan arrived in Dhaka late Friday night, December 20, to participate in the “Spirits of July” concert. He was warmly welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by a group of Dhaka University students who greeted him with flowers. Following his arrival, he checked into a five-star hotel in the capital.

The event, titled Echos of Revolution, will take place at Dhaka’s Army Stadium on the evening of Saturday, December 21. Organized to support the families of those injured or killed in the July uprising, the concert will feature a free performance by the globally acclaimed artist, who will perform his popular songs without charging any fees.

In addition to Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, notable Bangladeshi bands such as Artcell, Chirkutt, Aftermath, and Silsila will perform, along with rap artists Shezan and Hannan. The event will also include a graffiti exhibition, stage plays related to the July uprising, and various engaging corners like the “Water Zone.”

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the “July Martyrs Memorial Foundation,” a welfare organization supporting the families of the deceased and injured. The organizers and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s team will not take any payment. Furthermore, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has exempted the event from VAT and supplementary duties. According to a special order signed by First Secretary Mohammad Ariful Islam, the exemption applies to tickets, the venue, and related services, as the event is non-profit and charitable.

The NBR’s conditions include ensuring compliance with VAT regulations and confirming that the exemption is utilized only for the concert’s charitable purpose. In case of any violations, applicable VAT and duties will need to be paid.

To facilitate smooth traffic around the venue, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued special traffic instructions for December 21. From 2 PM to 11 PM, vehicles can use expressway ramps toll-free at locations like Kuril, Banani, and the Airport Road. Alternative routes have been designated to minimize congestion near Army Stadium. Vehicles traveling from Tongi and Uttara towards Gulshan, Banani, or Mohakhali are advised to use the Staff Road railway gate to the Navy Headquarters route. Those heading towards Gulshan and Banani can also use U-loops near Radisson Hotel and Banani Overpass. Additionally, vehicles from ECB Circle towards Banani are directed to use the ramp near Kurmitola Hospital.