Islamist Mob Disrupts Rock Concert at Bangladesh School Anniversary, At Least 20 Injured in Faridpur Violence

Faridpur, Bangladesh | December 27, 2025 A celebration meant to mark a proud milestone in Bangladesh’s educational history turned into a night of fear and confusion after a violent mob attack forced the cancellation of a rock concert in Faridpur district, leaving at least 20 people injured. The incident took place late Friday night during the 185th anniversary celebrations of Faridpur Zilla School, one of the oldest government schools in the country. The concert was to be headlined by legendary Bangladeshi rock musician James, also known as Nagar Baul, who is widely regarded as the country’s biggest rock star. Thousands of students, former students and guests had gathered on the school campus for the cultural programme, which was scheduled as the grand finale of a two-day anniversary event. However, moments before James was to take the stage, violence broke out at the venue. According to officials and eyewitnesses, James was expected to perform around 9:30 pm. Just before the show began, a group of outsiders attempted to enter the venue forcefully. When organisers and security staff tried to stop them, the group became aggressive and began throwing bricks and stones towards the stage and the crowd. Panic spread quickly as people ran for cover, fearing further attacks. Most of the injured were students who had been standing near the front of the venue, close to the stage. Several suffered head, arm and leg injuries after being hit by brickbats. Eyewitnesses said that some students tried to resist and push back the attackers, eventually forcing them out of the campus area after tense confrontations. As the situation worsened, the district administration intervened. Around 10 pm, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Shamim, the convener of the organising committee, announced from the stage that the concert was being cancelled following instructions from the Faridpur district administration. Authorities cited serious concerns over law and order and the safety of those present. James managed to escape unharmed amid the chaos and was taken away from the venue under security protection. There were no reports of injuries to the singer or members of his band. Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the programme’s publicity and media sub-committee, said organisers were shocked by the sudden violence. He stated that all arrangements had been completed smoothly and there were no prior indications of trouble. He estimated that between 15 and 25 students were injured in the attack. “We still do not know who carried out the violence or what their exact motive was. The situation left us with no option but to stop the programme to prevent more harm,” he said. Local sources suggested that the attackers were opposed to music and cultural programmes and demanded that such events be stopped. While authorities have not officially confirmed the identities or affiliations of those involved, the incident has raised concerns about growing intolerance towards cultural events in parts of Bangladesh. Police deployed additional forces in and around the school after the incident and managed to bring the situation under control later in the night. As of Saturday morning, there was no official confirmation of arrests related to the attack. The disrupted concert was supposed to conclude the anniversary celebrations of Faridpur Zilla School, which was established in 1840 during British rule and is considered a historic institution in the region. The celebrations had begun on Thursday with flag hoisting ceremonies, the national anthem, oath-taking events and a procession through the town. Friday’s programme included cultural performances, a raffle draw and the much-awaited concert by James. What was meant to be a joyful tribute to 185 years of education ended instead with fear, injuries and unanswered questions, casting a shadow over an otherwise historic occasion. Islamist Mob Disrupts Rock Concert at Bangladesh School Anniversary, At Least 20 Injured in Faridpur Violence What was meant to be a night of music, memories and celebration in Bangladesh’s Faridpur district turned into chaos and fear. A rock concert by legendary singer James was cancelled after a violent mob attack during the 185th anniversary celebrations of Faridpur Zilla School, one of the country’s oldest government institutions. The incident took place late Friday night when thousands of students, alumni and guests had gathered on the school campus for the cultural programme. James, popularly known as Nagar Baul and regarded as Bangladesh’s biggest rock star, was scheduled to take the stage around 9:30 pm. Just minutes before the performance, a group of outsiders tried to force their way into the venue. When organisers and security staff stopped them, the group turned violent. Bricks and stones were hurled towards the stage and the crowd, creating panic across the grounds. At least 20 people, mostly students standing near the front, were injured after being hit by brickbats. Several suffered injuries to their heads and limbs as people scrambled to escape the sudden attack. As tensions rose, the district administration stepped in. Around 10 pm, organisers announced that the concert was being cancelled on the orders of local authorities due to serious law and order concerns. James was safely escorted out of the venue under security cover and was not injured in the incident. Organisers said they were shocked by the sudden violence, adding that all preparations had been completed and there were no prior warnings. Local accounts suggested the attackers opposed music and cultural events, though officials have not confirmed their identities. Police maintained a heavy presence after the incident and later brought the situation under control. No arrests were immediately confirmed. The attack cut short a two-day celebration that had begun with flag hoisting, processions and cultural activities, leaving a historic occasion overshadowed by fear and unanswered questions.