Music Concert In Bangladesh Attacked By Mob, More Than 20 People Injured

A celebratory concert marking a historic school anniversary in Bangladesh descended into chaos late on Friday night, December 26, forcing the cancellation of a performance by legendary rock musician James and leaving at least 20 people injured.

James was scheduled to perform at a cultural programme organised to commemorate the 185th anniversary of Faridpur Zilla School in the Faridpur district. Thousands of current students and alumni had gathered on the school campus for what was intended to be the concluding highlight of the two-day celebrations.

Trouble erupted around 9:30 pm when a group of individuals attempted to force their way into the venue. Organisers and security personnel tried to block their entry, but the situation quickly escalated. The group reportedly began pelting bricks and stones at the stage area and the assembled crowd, triggering panic across the campus.

Most of the injured were students positioned close to the stage. Several sustained head injuries, cuts and limb wounds after being struck by stones and debris. Amid the chaos, students and organisers managed to push the attackers out of the campus following tense clashes.

As the situation worsened, the district administration intervened. Around 10 pm, Dr Mostafizur Rahman Shamim, head of the organising committee, announced from the stage that the concert had been cancelled on the instructions of the Faridpur district administration due to law and order concerns.

James was escorted out of the venue under security protection, and no members of his band were injured. Rajibul Hasan Khan, who handled publicity and media for the event, said all arrangements had been in place and described the attack as shocking. He estimated that between 15 and 25 students were injured during the stone-pelting.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Organisers said they have not yet identified those responsible. Some local accounts suggest opposition to music and cultural programmes, though officials have not confirmed the identity of the attackers or linked the incident to any specific group.

Police maintained a heavy presence in the area following the cancellation and eventually brought the situation under control later in the night. No arrests have been announced so far.

The concert was the final event of Faridpur Zilla School’s anniversary celebrations. Founded in 1840 during British rule, the institution is one of the oldest government schools in the region. The two-day programme began on December 25 with a flag hoisting ceremony, the national anthem, oath-taking, and a town procession, followed by cultural performances, a raffle draw, and James’s much-anticipated show on Friday evening.