A concert by legendary Bangladeshi singer James was disrupted after a mob attacked the venue in Faridpur, forcing organizers to cancel the event. The incident occurred despite full preparations, leaving several students injured.
Mob Violence Disrupts Legendary Singer James’ Concert in Bangladesh
Dhaka: A live concert by renowned Bangladeshi singer James was thrown into chaos on Friday night when a section of the crowd attacked the venue. The event was scheduled to be held at the Faridpur District School premises to mark the school's 185th anniversary. However, due to stone-pelting and violence, the organizers were forced to cancel the program.
According to a report by The Daily Star, singer James's concert was scheduled to begin around 9 PM on Friday night. The organizing committee had completed all preparations for the event, and a large number of students and spectators were present. However, the situation deteriorated before the program could even begin.
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According to the organizers, a group of outsiders was denied entry to the venue. These individuals then attempted to force their way in. When security personnel and students tried to stop them, the crowd became unruly and resorted to violence.
Reports indicate that the attackers began throwing bricks and stones and also attempted to seize the stage. The situation escalated to such an extent that the students and organizers present at the venue became concerned for their safety. Students of Faridpur District School resisted the attack, forcing the attackers to retreat.
At least 15 to 20 students of Faridpur District School were injured in this violent incident. Rajibul Hasan Khan, a member of the organizing committee, told bdnews24 that several students sustained injuries from being hit by bricks. He said it is still unclear why the attack occurred and who was behind it.
Around 10 PM, Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, the convener of the organizing committee, announced the cancellation of the concert on the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner of Police. Considering the security risks, James was not brought onto the stage, and the audience was safely evacuated.
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Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen has reacted strongly to the incident. Posting on the social media platform X, she said that cultural institutions and artists are being continuously targeted in Bangladesh. She wrote that first cultural organizations like Chhayanaut and Udichi were attacked and their premises burned, and now a concert by a popular singer like James has also been stopped.
Taslima Nasreen also recalled that a few days ago, Siraj Ali Khan, associated with a renowned musical family, returned from Dhaka without performing. He had said that he would not return to Bangladesh until artists, music, and cultural institutions were safe. The attack on James's concert further deepens this concern.
