Bangladeshi Rock Singer James' Concert Foiled by Mob Attack, 20 Injured in Faridpur

A highly anticipated concert by Bangladeshi rock singer James was abruptly cancelled on Friday after a violent mob stormed the venue in Faridpur city, leaving at least 20 students injured. The incident unfolded at around 9pm at the Faridpur District School campus, where James was set to perform for an event marking the 185th anniversary of the institution. Eyewitnesses reported that miscreants hurled stones and vandalized the venue, prompting the police to intervene. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Azmir Hossain, the attackers were 'outsiders' who attempted to force their way into the venue and take over the stage. Despite full preparations, the concert was cancelled at the instruction of the Faridpur deputy commissioner. The attack has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many blaming 'extremist groups' for the vandalism. The incident is the second such attack on a cultural event in Bangladesh, following the vandalism and arson attack on a classical musician's concert in Dhaka last week. In a statement, the head of the anniversary publicity and media subcommittee, Rajibul Hasan Khan, expressed shock and confusion over the attack, saying 'we do not understand why, for what reason, or who carried out the attack.' The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of artists and cultural events in Bangladesh. Renowned classical musician Shiraz Ali Khan, who was scheduled to perform at an event in Dhaka last week, has expressed his intention to boycott the country until artists and cultural institutions are 'respected and protected.'