James concert cancelled after outsider attack, left 25 injured

A concert by popular Bangladeshi rock icon James (Nagar Baul) was cancelled following an attack by outsiders during the closing programme of Faridpur Zilla School’s 185th anniversary celebrations, leaving at least 25 people injured.

The performance was scheduled to begin around 9:30pm on Friday (December 26) on the school campus. However, tensions erupted shortly before the show.

According to eyewitnesses and organisers, several outsiders attempted to enter the venue and, when stopped, began hurling bricks and stones while trying to take over the stage. Students resisted, triggering clashes. The attackers later left the scene.

As the situation deteriorated, Organising Committee Convener Dr Mustafizur Rahman Shamim announced from the stage around 10:00pm that the concert had been cancelled on the instruction of the district administration.

Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the publicity and media sub-committee, said all preparations for the event had been completed, but sudden violence left at least 15–20 students injured by brick fragments.

The programme was called off to ensure safety, he added.

The two-day anniversary celebration began on Thursday with the hoisting of the national flag, the national anthem, an oath-taking ceremony and a colourful rally. The closing night was meant to feature a raffle draw, cultural programmes and James’s performance.

Established in 1840 during the British colonial period, Faridpur Zilla School is one of the country’s oldest government schools and has long played a significant role in the region’s educational, cultural and social movements.