'No Indian Safe There': Sarod Maestro Shiraz Ali Khan Recalls Concealing Identity To Flee Bangladesh

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 11:56 IST

Khan, who was in the neighbouring country for concerts, said his surname helped him escape as he detailed the anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh

Sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan, who had travelled to Bangladesh to perform in four concerts, said he was forced to flee the neighbouring country by concealing his identity. (X)

Sarod player Shiraz Ali Khan, who had travelled to Bangladesh to perform in four concerts, said he was forced to flee the neighbouring country by concealing his identity. Speaking exclusively to News18, Khan said the situation in Bangladesh is currently unsafe for Indian nationals, adding that he had to rely on his surname to protect him from trouble.

Edited Excerpts:

What happened in Bangladesh when you arrived?

I was invited to perform in four concerts. I reached Bangladesh on December 16 and the situation appeared normal then. However, there were very few people in the audience at the programme, which made me sense that something was wrong. Later, locals informed me that the situation was deteriorating and advised me not to disclose that I was Indian.

What happened next?

On the 17th, I was stopped at a checkpoint near Gulshan. The police were checking people and told me they were verifying whether anyone was carrying foreign currency. I was taken aback. I was carrying my Aadhaar card. I introduced myself as Shiraz Ali Khan and did not mention that I was Indian. I had been advised not to carry my passport, so I was not carrying it.

The hotel staff also told me not to disclose my identity anywhere. Normally, when I visit Bangladesh, I speak in Kolkata Bangla, but this time I consciously spoke in local Bangla. Fortunately, I have the surname Khan, and I emphasised that, indicating that I am Muslim.

The next morning, I heard about what had happened at Chhayanaut. We were supposed to go there. I tried contacting the Indian Embassy, but it was closed. Somehow, I managed to return to India.

What about your crew? Have they returned?

My mother is still in Bangladesh because some of my family members live there. They need to come back. I could see many Indian nationals desperately trying to return to West Bengal. My tabla player is expected to return on Monday.

What is the sentiment among people there regarding Indians?

My roots are in Bangladesh, and I used to go there only to share music. Earlier, people were very welcoming. But things have changed. No Indian is safe there now. The sentiment has become completely anti-Indian. People appear to be looking for reasons to carry out mob attacks. It is not about being a ‘Khan’. No Indian is safe there.

What is your advice to Indians who need to travel to Bangladesh?

I have never had such an experience in my life. I can only say that nobody should go there right now. Everyone is trying to return. I always believed Bangladesh was a place connected to our roots and that there would be no problems. I will not go back until the situation improves.

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