A much-anticipated concert by iconic Bangladeshi rock musician James, popularly known as Nagar Baul, was cancelled yesterday following clashes at Faridpur Zila School, leaving at least 25 people injured.
Tensions escalated when a group of outsiders allegedly attempted to force entry into the venue, pelting bricks and stones. Students reportedly resisted the intrusion, leading to violent clashes in which several people were hurt.
In view of the deteriorating law and order situation, the district administration directed organisers to cancel the show. An announcement was subsequently made calling off the concert.
James, whose full name is Faruq Mahfuz Anam James, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of rock music in Bangladesh.
The performance was scheduled for around 9.30 pm on the school campus, marking the closing event of the institution’s 185th anniversary celebrations.
Moments before James was due to come on stage, a group of people who were not part of the event tried to enter the venue by force. According to reports, the anniversary programme was meant only for registered former and current students.
News of James’s appearance drew a large crowd of outsiders, many of whom gathered on nearby Mujib Road after being denied entry. Organisers later arranged projectors outside so they could watch the programme, but tensions continued to rise.