Shafin Ahmed claims ownership of ‘Miles’

Shafin Ahmed, the lead vocalist and bassist of the widely popular rock band ‘Miles’, arranged a press briefing at a restaurant in the capital yesterday to announce his sole ownership of the band ‘Miles’ and to discuss about the dissonance going on with other band members. The musician has transformed the band ‘Miles’ into a company titled ‘Miles Band Ltd’ and presented the license and legal documents at the press briefing.   

Shafin Ahmed said, “‘Miles’ has been transformed into an organization by me. I have been doing this for past 36 years. Now, no one can use the name of ‘Miles’ without the authorization of ‘Miles Band Ltd’. Some persons are doing this act which is not legal at all.”    

Mostofa Jamal Pasha, the appointed lawyer of Shafin Ahmed, said, “My client, Shafin Ahmed is the entrepreneur, one of the founders and managing director of ‘Miles Band Ltd. Now the band ‘Miles’ is the property of ‘Miles Band Ltd’.”

While asking the question-what will be the position of other members, Shafin Ahmed said, “It is now completely their decision. If they want to return in Miles, they are most welcome. I always acted impartial in the band and I will keep my impartiality still. If they want to come then I have no obligation regarding the matter.”

Previously, Shafin issued a legal notice to stop the use of the band’s name in any concert or programme without prior approval of ‘Miles’ and posted a copy of the legal notice on his Facebook profile on December 14 to this end.

The notice also claimed the rights to perform anywhere and engage in any activity under Miles’s name belonged to Shafin only. The notice then went on to ask the musicians involved in such activities to refrain themselves from using the band’s name or such actions will face legal actions.

Formed in 1979, the band ‘Miles’ is considered one of the pioneers of the music industry.  But several months ago, a rumour spread that Shafin Ahmed is going to step down from his band yet again to pursue his solo career, following his absence in the recent shows.

Shafin Ahmed dismissed the rumour and assured the fans that he was not leaving the band. The musician also shared that there are some unresolved issues with other band members and he will not appear in any future shows with the band until they are resolved.

On the contrary, other band members including Shafin’s brother Hamin Ahmed, Manam Ahmed, Iqbal Asif Jewel and Syed Ziaur Rahman Turjo have denied the accusations of Shafin Ahmed made. According to them, there have been no such issues within the band except for Shafin, who they said wants to concentrate on a solo career rather than the band.