An Islamist mob attacked a concert by rock legend James during the closing ceremony of Faridpur Zilla School's 185th anniversary in Bangladesh. At least 20 people were injured, mostly students. The event was cancelled on administration orders amid the chaos.
On Friday night in Faridpur, Bangladesh, an Islamist mob launched a violent attack on a concert by the country's leading rock star, James, also known as Nagar Baul. The incident occurred during the closing ceremony of Faridpur Zilla School's 185th anniversary, where James was scheduled to perform.
According to reports, James was set to take the stage around 9:30 PM, but just before the event started, a group of outsiders attempted to force their way into the venue. When stopped by security, the crowd turned aggressive and began hurling stones and bricks at the stage. At least 20 people were injured in the attack, most of them students from the school. The attackers tried to seize the stage and chanted slogans against cultural and music events.
Students resisted the mob, causing the attackers to partially retreat. However, given the deteriorating law and order situation, around 10 PM, event committee convener Dr. Mostafizur Rahman Shimeem announced from the stage that James's concert was being cancelled on district administration orders. James was quickly evacuated to safety.
Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the event's publicity and media sub-committee, stated, "All preparations for the concert were complete, but this sudden attack ruined everything." He added that the motive behind the attack remains unclear. The episode highlights rising cultural intolerance in Bangladesh.