James concert cancelled after attack, vandalism at Faridpur Zilla School; at least 20 injured
Just before the programme was due to begin, a group of outsiders allegedly attempted to force their way into the venue after being denied entry. They hurled bricks and stones and tried to seize control of the stage
A concert by popular Bangladeshi band icon James (Nagar Baul), scheduled as the closing act of Faridpur Zilla School's 185th anniversary celebrations, was cancelled last night (26 December) following an attack and vandalism allegedly carried out by outsiders, leaving at least 20 people injured.
The two-day anniversary programme began on Thursday (25 December) morning. James was slated to perform on the final day, with his concert scheduled for around 10pm on a temporary stage set up on the school premises.
However, just before the programme was due to begin, a group of outsiders allegedly attempted to force their way into the venue after being denied entry. According to witnesses, they hurled bricks and stones and tried to seize control of the stage.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Students of Faridpur Zilla School resisted the attack, forcing the agitators to retreat. Amid the escalating situation, the organisers announced the cancellation of the concert.
Around 10pm, organising committee convener Mustafizur Rahman Shamim announced from the stage that the concert had been cancelled on the instructions of the Faridpur district administration, citing the volatile situation.
Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the anniversary programme's publicity and media sub-committee, said the reasons behind the attack remained unclear.
"We could not understand why and who carried out the attack on James's concert. At least 15 to 20 students of Faridpur Zilla School were injured after being hit by bricks," he said.
"Considering the overall situation, we were compelled to cancel the programme following instructions from the district administration," he added.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Azmir Hossain said the exact number of casualties was yet to be confirmed.
"The number of injured in the attack is not yet known. We are trying to gather detailed information," he said.
He also claimed that the attackers were not members of any militant or criminal group.
"We believe they were fans of James. Out of frustration at being deprived of listening to their favourite artist's performance, they carried out the attack. There is nothing beyond that," he added.
