Former Warfaze guitarist Oni Hasan has questioned the growing spending on foreign artists in Bangladesh, urging organisers to invest more in local musicians and large-scale music productions.

The number of major events featuring foreign artists in Bangladesh has been increasing, with organisers spending substantial amounts to bring them to the country and offering various facilities. At the same time, many talented local artists are reportedly becoming frustrated and discouraged due to a lack of adequate shows.

Recently, several organisers took initiatives to bring artists and bands from Pakistan and India to Bangladesh in exchange for large fees. Some of the events took place, while others were ultimately cancelled. Several organisers had also planned concerts featuring Pakistani artists and bands today and tomorrow, but those events were postponed at the last moment. Bangladeshi artists were also scheduled to perform at the events.

Oni Hasan recently shared his views on the issue on social media, questioning why organisers can spend crores of taka to bring foreign artists to Bangladesh but do not make similar investments in large-scale events or quality productions featuring local artists.

“Organisers can spend crores of taka to bring foreign artists. Yet talented artists from our country are gradually becoming frustrated and discouraged due to not getting enough shows. What benefit does our country get from promoting and providing opportunities to outside artists in this way?” Oni wrote.

He also suggested investing the money in larger productions featuring local artists.

“Can we not invest that money in producing something good with local artists, organising large concerts or putting together quality events? This would not only give our local artists opportunities to work on a larger scale, but also enrich the country’s music scene,” he wrote.

Oni began his musical career as a guitarist at the age of 18. Early in his career, he performed with the band Vibe. After the band disbanded, he joined Warfaze.

He left Bangladesh in 2011 for higher education and currently lives in China, where he has also settled after getting married. Oni last appeared on a Dhaka stage with Warfaze around a decade ago.