A highly anticipated concert by Bangladesh’s legendary band icon James, also known as Nagar Baul, was abruptly cancelled after violence broke out during a major anniversary celebration in Faridpur, leaving at least 25 people injured.
The performance had been scheduled as the grand finale of the 185th anniversary celebrations of Faridpur Zilla School on Friday night.
The concert was due to begin around 9:30 pm on the school grounds, drawing large crowds eager to see the famed musician perform.
However, moments before James was set to take the stage, the situation spiraled out of control.
A group of outsiders reportedly attempted to force their way into the venue. When entry was denied, they began hurling bricks and stones and attempted to seize control of the stage area. Students of Faridpur Zilla School resisted the attack, ultimately forcing the assailants to retreat.
According to a report by Prothom Alo, the event had been strictly organised for registered former and current students only.
The publication quoted an explanation of how the unrest unfolded: "The reunion and cultural program was intended only for registered former and current students. Hearing about singer James, several thousand unregistered outsiders came to the venue.
"When they were not allowed to enter, they gathered on the adjacent Mujib Road. Later, on behalf of the organising committee, two projectors were set up outside. However, at around 9:30 pm, the outsiders attempted to climb over the wall to enter.
"When they were prevented from doing so, they began throwing bricks and stones one after another toward the school premises and the stage.
"When the people responsible for security tried to stop them, they became even more aggressive. As a result of the bricks and stones they threw, 25 to 30 people inside the school premises were injured."
As tensions escalated and injuries mounted, the organisers were forced to make a critical decision.
Around 10:00 pm, the convener of the organising committee, Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, announced from the stage that James’s performance had been cancelled. The decision was taken due to the increasingly volatile situation and on direct instructions from the Faridpur district administration, according to deshkalnews.com.
Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the publicity and media subcommittee of the anniversary celebrations, expressed confusion and concern over the incident. He said, "We had made all necessary preparations to ensure the success of James's concert, but we still do not understand who carried out the attack or why. At least 15 to 20 students of Faridpur Zilla School were injured after being hit by bricks."
He further added, "Taking the overall situation into account, we were compelled to cancel the programme on the instructions of the district administration."
The two-day anniversary programme had begun on Thursday morning at 10:00 am and was set to conclude on Friday night with a raffle draw, cultural events, and the long-awaited performance by James.
The abrupt cancellation cast a shadow over what was meant to be a historic celebration.
Founded in 1840 during British rule in India, Faridpur Zilla School is one of the region’s oldest educational institutions. Over its 185-year history, the school has played a significant role in education, culture, heritage, and numerous social and political movements, making the violent disruption of its milestone celebration all the more shocking.