On Friday, 26 December 2025, a landmark cultural event featuring iconic Bangladeshi rock musician James was forced into an abrupt cancellation in Faridpur following a violent assault by “outsiders”.
The performance, meant to conclude the 185th-anniversary celebrations of Faridpur Zilla School, turned into a battlefield when a large group attempted to storm the venue after being denied entry.
At least 25 individuals, including 15 to 20 students, were injured as the attackers hurled bricks and stones at the stage and audience. By 10:00 pm, the district administration ordered the show to be called off to prevent further casualties, marking a grim end to what was intended to be a night of celebration.
James Concert Chaos
Faridpur Zilla School, a prestigious institution founded in 1840, was celebrating nearly two centuries of educational excellence with a two-day gala. The highlight of the finale was a live performance by Faruq Mahfuz Anam, popularly known as James or “Nagar Baul.”
James is not only a legend in Bangladesh but is also a household name in India, famously known for Bollywood hits like “Bheegi Bheegi.” As the clock neared 9:00 pm, the atmosphere shifted from festive to fearful.
A mob of individuals who were not registered for the private event demanded entry. When security personnel and students blocked their path, the group resorted to violence, launching heavy stones and bricks into the crowded arena.
Bangladesh: School Event
Witnesses and local media reports describe a harrowing scene where the “attackers” targeted the main stage, nearly hitting the equipment and technical crew.
In a display of collective courage, the students of the school formed a human chain and resisted the onslaught, eventually forcing the mob to retreat from the immediate perimeter. However, the victory came at a high cost, with at least 20 students sustaining injuries from the flying debris.
Rajibul Hasan Khan, head of the anniversary’s publicity subcommittee, expressed his bewilderment, stating, “We had completed all preparations to make James’ concert a success. We simply do not understand who carried out the attack or for what reason.”
Safety Measure
By 10:00 pm, as the security situation remained volatile, Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, the convenor of the organising committee, announced that the concert would not proceed.
This decision followed direct instructions from the Faridpur Deputy Commissioner, who prioritised the safety of the thousands of attendees over the musical act. James was safely evacuated from the venue without injury, but the cancellation has left a wave of disappointment and anger across the region.
Cultural activists have called for a thorough investigation into the motives of the “outsiders,” questioning whether the attack was a spontaneous act of frustration by gatecrashers or a premeditated attempt to disrupt a high-profile secular cultural gathering.
Bangladesh Unrest
The unrest in Bangladesh has reached a critical diplomatic and domestic flashpoint following the brutal lynchings of Hindu individuals, including Dipu Chandra Das and more recently Amrit Mondal.
These incidents have triggered a wave of “communal fear,” with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs expressing grave concern.
While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has promised justice and overseen several arrests, the return of BNP leader Tarique Rahman and the upcoming February 2026 elections have further polarised the landscape.
Tensions remain high as both India and Bangladesh have temporarily suspended various consular services, while local protests against “mobocracy” continue to disrupt major cities like Dhaka and Kolkata.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that music and education are the two strongest pillars of a progressive society, and an attack on both is an attack on our shared values. The sight of students being injured while protecting their school’s heritage is both inspiring and deeply saddening.
While we celebrate the bravery of the youth, we must condemn the growing culture of “mob entitlement” that feels justified in using violence when denied access.
We advocate for a society where cultural legends like James can perform without the shadow of a brickbat. True progress is achieved when we learn to value the discipline of an audience as much as the talent on the stage.
Read More: Bangladesh Unrest: Second Lynching Strikes Days after Hindu Worker Dipu Chandra Das’s Killing
