Mob violence derails James concert in Faridpur, leaves dozens injured

A concert by Bangladeshi rock legend James was abruptly canceled in Faridpur on December 26 night after a violent mob attacked the venue, hurling stones and bricks and injuring several students, according to local media reports.

The show, scheduled at the Faridpur District School campus as part of the institution’s 185th anniversary celebrations, was to begin around 9 pm local time when chaos broke out. Organizers said the attackers, believed to be outsiders, attempted to force their way into the venue and seize control of the stage, triggering panic and clashes.

Acting on the deteriorating law-and-order situation, the Faridpur deputy commissioner ordered the immediate cancellation of the concert.

“We had completed all preparations to make James’ concert a success. But we do not understand why, for what reason, or who carried out the attack,” said Rajibul Hasan Khan, head of the event’s publicity and media committee.

He added that students present at the venue tried to resist the mob, but at least 15 to 20 students of Faridpur Zilla School were injured after being hit by bricks.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show scenes from the attack, drawing widespread condemnation and accusations against extremist groups. Local media, however, said the footage could not be independently verified.

The Faridpur incident is the third attack targeting artists or cultural institutions in Bangladesh this week. Earlier, mobs reportedly vandalised and set fire to the offices of renowned cultural organisations Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpi Goshti, intensifying fears among writers, musicians and performers over growing intolerance and insecurity.

The spate of violence comes at a politically charged moment, with Bangladesh set to go to the polls on February 12. With less than two months remaining, the country is grappling with protests, attacks on student leaders, incidents of lynching, allegations of atrocities against minority Hindus and mounting international scrutiny, once again placing the spotlight on the Muhammad Yunus-led administration’s ability to maintain law and order.