Music under attack: Islamist mob attacks James concert with bricks, stones in Bangladesh, dozens hurt

James was scheduled to perform at the concert organised to mark the 185th anniversary of Faridpur Zilla School.

Also Read: 'Don’t go to Bangladesh': Kolkata musician Shiraz Ali Khan’s frightening escape will shock you

A large number of students and alumni had gathered at the venue when, moments before the show was set to begin, a group of attackers allegedly stormed the premises, hurled bricks, and attempted to seize the stage, triggering panic and chaos.

Also Read: What is Chhayanaut—and why Islamists set it on fire in Dhaka amid protests over Hadi's death?

According to Bangladesh’s leading daily Prothom Alo, students of Faridpur Zilla School resisted the attackers, eventually forcing them to retreat. Several students sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Also Read: No evidence of blasphemy by Hindu man lynched in Bangladesh: Probe

Around 10:00 pm, Dr Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, convener of the organising committee, announced from the stage that the concert had been called off following instructions from the Faridpur Deputy Commissioner, citing the volatile security situation.

Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the publicity and media sub-committee of the anniversary programme, told Prothom Alo that all preparations had been completed to ensure a successful event. However, the sudden attack led to widespread disorder.

He said 15–20 students of the school were injured and that, considering the overall situation and on the directive of the district administration, the organisers were compelled to cancel the concert.

The attack comes days after Islamists targeted Bangladesh’s cultural centre Chhayanaut, amid growing unrest in the country following the killing of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Reacting to the latest incident, acclaimed Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen wrote on X: “The cultural center Chhayanaut has been burned to ashes. Udichi—the organization built to foster secular and progressive consciousness through music, theatre, dance, recitation and folk culture—has also been burned to ashes. Today, jihadists did not allow the renowned singer James to perform at an event.”

She further recalled a recent incident involving classical musician Siraj Ali Khan, grandson of legendary maestro Ustad Allauddin Khan of the Maihar gharana.

“Siraj Ali Khan returned to India without performing in Dhaka, saying he would not come to Bangladesh again until artists, music and cultural institutions are safe,” Nasreen wrote.

Who is James?

James is a celebrated Bangladeshi singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, and playback singer. He is the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist of the legendary rock band Nagar Baul (formerly Feelings).

Widely known by the nickname “Guru”, meaning “master” or “teacher,” James is regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Bangladeshi rock music.

He has also gained immense popularity in India for lending his voice to hit Bollywood songs such as “Bheegi Bheegi” from Gangster and “Alvida” from Life in a… Metro.