James concert cancelled as violence leaves 25 injured in Bangladesh’s Faridpur | VIDEO

Faridpur: Concert by Bangladeshi rock legend James, popularly known as Nagar Baul, was cancelled on Friday night after violence erupted at Faridpur Zila School during celebrations marking the institution’s 185th anniversary. At least 25 people were injured in the incident, most of them students.

The concert was scheduled to begin around 9:30 pm on the school grounds as the concluding event of a two-day anniversary programme. However, escalating tension on the campus shortly before the performance forced organisers to call off the show on security grounds.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of outsiders attempted to enter the venue after being denied access, triggering a confrontation with students of Faridpur Zila School. The situation quickly deteriorated, resulting in clashes that left several students injured.

At around 10:00pm, Dr Mustafizur Rahman Shamim, convener of the organising committee, announced from the stage that the concert had been cancelled following instructions from the Faridpur Deputy Commissioner due to the unstable situation.

Rajibul Hasan Khan, convener of the publicity and media sub-committee of the anniversary programme, said the organisers had made full preparations for the concert, but the sudden unrest created chaos. He said approximately 15 to 20 students were injured during the incident. 'Considering the overall situation and following directives from the district administration, we were compelled to cancel the event,' he added.

The anniversary celebrations began on Thursday with the hoisting of national and commemorative flags, the rendition of the national anthem, oath-taking ceremonies and a colourful procession through the town. The procession featured banners, festoons and horse-drawn carriages and drew wide participation from students, teachers and alumni.

Friday night’s programme was intended to conclude the celebrations with a raffle draw, cultural performances and the headline concert by James.