Faridpur, Bangladesh: A highly anticipated concert by renowned Bangladeshi musician Faruq Mahfuz Anam “James” was abruptly cancelled on Friday night after a violent mob attacked the venue, injuring at least 20–25 people, according to reports.
The chaotic incident has raised fresh concerns about cultural safety and rising intolerance toward artistic events in the country.
The concert was scheduled to begin around 9:00 pm at the Faridpur District School as the climax of the institution’s 185th anniversary celebrations, drawing a large crowd of students, alumni and music lovers. But moments before James was to take the stage, trouble erupted when a group described by organisers as “outsiders” attempted to force their way into the venue after being denied entry, Bangladesh news outlet The Daily Star reported.
According to local reports, the attackers hurled bricks, stones and chairs at the crowd and stage, triggering panic among attendees. Students at the event attempted to resist the mob, but the situation deteriorated rapidly, forcing authorities to call off the concert at around 10:00 pm to avert further casualties.
Organising committee convenor Mustafizur Rahman Shamim said the cancellation came on the instruction of the Faridpur deputy commissioner, with efforts focused on ensuring safety after the deteriorating law-and-order situ
ation. He added that organisers had prepared extensively for the event but were left uncertain about the motive and identity of the attackers.
Who is James?
Faruq Mahfuz Anam, better known by his stage name James and often called the “Guru of Rock” or “Nagar Baul,” is one of Bangladesh’s most iconic rock musicians. Born in 1964 in Chittagong, he rose to fame as the frontman of the rock band Nagar Baul—originally called Feelings—and was instrumental in popularising rock and psychedelic music in Bangladesh.
James has enjoyed a successful career both at home and abroad. He released his debut album Station Road in 1987 and his first solo album Annonna in 1988. Over the years, he has earned a devoted following and is widely recognised for blending Western rock influences with Bangla music traditions.
He has also made his mark in Bollywood, singing popular tracks such as “Bheegi Bheegi” from Gangster and “Alvida” from Life in a Metro, which brought him recognition beyond Bangladesh.
Growing cultural tensions
The attack on James’ concert comes amid a series of incidents targeting artists, cultural institutions and public performances in Bangladesh. Commentators and critics have linked the violence to broader societal tensions and rising influence of hardline elements opposed to music and secular cultural expression. Some observers have warned that such attacks risk undermining the safety of artistic communities and the nation’s cultural heritage.
Authorities later deployed a substantial police presence to restore calm in the area, and there has been no immediate confirmation of arrests related to the attack. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances and motives behind the violent disruption.