Dhaka : Bangladesh descended into chaos late Friday night after an Islamist mob attacked a concert by legendary rock musician James, forcing organisers to abruptly cancel the show and leaving at least 20 people injured. James, popularly known as Nagar Baul and regarded as Bangladesh’s biggest rockstar, was scheduled to perform at a cultural programme marking the 185th anniversary of Faridpur Zilla School.
The concert, which had drawn thousands of students and alumni, was cancelled minutes before it was to begin after attackers stormed the venue, hurled bricks and attempted to seize the stage. According to officials and eyewitnesses, James was set to go on stage around 9:30 pm at the school campus in Faridpur district. Moments earlier, a group of outsiders tried to force their way into the venue. When security personnel and organisers stopped them, the group turned violent.
Several sustained head and limb injuries after being hit by brickbats. Students reportedly resisted the attackers, eventually pushing them back from the campus amid tense scenes. As the situation deteriorated, the district administration stepped in. Around 10 pm, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Shamim, convener of the organising committee, announced from the stage that the concert was being cancelled following instructions from the Faridpur district administration, citing concerns over law and order.
James narrowly escaped amid the chaos and was taken away from the venue under security cover. No official injuries to the artist or his band members were reported. Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the anniversary programme’s publicity and media sub-committee, said the organisers had completed all preparations for the concert but were left shocked by the sudden violence. He said between 15 and 25 students were injured after being struck by stones and bricks.
Local accounts suggested that the attackers opposed the holding of music and cultural festivals, demanding that such events be stopped. While authorities have not officially confirmed the identities or affiliations of the attackers, the incident has sparked widespread concern over increasing intolerance towards cultural programmes in parts of the country. Police maintained a heavy presence in the area after the concert was cancelled, and the situation was brought under control later in the night. There was no immediate confirmation of arrests.
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