A big celebration for a historic school anniversary in Bangladesh turned into a nightmare late Friday, 26th December night. A Muslim mob attacked a concert by famous rock musician James, Bangladesh’s top rockstar. The organisers had to cancel the show right away, and at least 20 people were injured during the incident.
Islamist mob attacks concert of Bangladesh's biggest rockstar James at Faridpur. James has sung for Bollywood also. The mob wants no music or cultural festivals to be held in Bangladesh. James somehow managed to escape. pic.twitter.com/0yNeU0Us9h
— Deep Halder (@deepscribble) December 26, 2025
James was about to perform at a cultural event for the 185th anniversary of Faridpur Zilla School. Thousands of students and alumni gathered at the school campus in Faridpur District. The trouble started around 9:30 pm when a group of outsiders tried to enter the venue by forcefully. Security and organizers tried to stop them, but the group got violent.
They threw bricks and stones at the stage and the crowd, causing panic everywhere. Most of the injured were school students standing close to the stage. Many had cuts and limb injuries on their head after hit by bricks. The students fought back bravely and pushed the attackers away from the campus during the tense clashes.
The district administration had stepped in after the situation got worse,. Around 10 pm, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Shamim, who led the organising committee, went on stage and said the concert was off. He followed orders from the Faridpur district administration because of law and order worries.
James got out safely with security protecting him, and no one from his band got injured. Rajibul Hasan Khan, in charge of publicity and media for the event, said they had everything ready but were shocked by the attack. He noted that 15 to 25 students got hit by stones and bricks.
Khan added they don’t know yet who did it or why. Local people say the attackers didn’t like music and cultural events and wanted them stopped. Officials haven’t confirmed who they are or any groups involved, but this has people worried about growing intolerance toward these events in some areas.
Police stayed in the area with a big presence after the cancellation of the concert, and they got things under control later that night. No arrests have been announced so far.
This concert was the final event of a two-day celebration for Faridpur Zilla School, one of the oldest government schools in the area, started in 1840 under British rule. The celebration began on Thursday, 25th December with flag hoisting, the national anthem, oaths, and a colourful town procession. Friday had cultural shows, a raffle draw, and James’s highly expected performance.