A concert by legendary Bangladeshi rock singer James, popularly known as Nagar Baul James, was abruptly called off on Friday night after a violent mob attacked the venue with bricks and stones, injuring several people. The incident occurred at the Faridpur Zilla School grounds, where James was scheduled to perform as part of the school’s 185th-anniversary celebration. The program, which had drawn hundreds of students and local fans, descended into chaos when an unruly crowd outside the restricted venue tried to force their way in.

According to eyewitnesses, when security personnel denied entry to those without valid passes, the crowd began pelting stones and bricks, damaging the stage area and injuring multiple attendees—mostly students and volunteers. Panic spread quickly as the situation escalated, prompting organizers to cancel the event soon after 10 PM. District officials confirmed that at least 20 to 30 people were injured, though no fatalities were reported. Police were deployed to control the situation, and James was safely escorted from the venue without harm.

“We took the decision to cancel the concert to prevent further violence,” said a senior administrative official, adding that an investigation was underway to identify those responsible for the attack. Friday’s unrest comes amid growing concerns over cultural intolerance in Bangladesh. In recent months, several music and cultural programs have faced opposition and violent disruptions by extremist groups. Artists and rights activists have condemned the Faridpur attack, calling it an attack on freedom of expression.

James, regarded as one of South Asia’s greatest rock musicians, is widely known for his hits like Bheegi Bheegi and Alvida. His concert was expected to be a major attraction for fans eager to see the star perform live after months of political tension across the country. As authorities continue their investigation, the incident has reignited debate over the increasing threats to cultural events in Bangladesh, raising questions about the state’s ability to protect artists and preserve the country’s tradition of open artistic expression.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDVT.