Violence erupts in Bangladesh: mob attack at famous singer James’ concert, several injured

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Amid rising violence and unrest in Bangladesh, a concert by renowned singer James was cancelled due to security concerns. The event was scheduled to take place in Faridpur, around 120 km from Dhaka. Continuous attacks on artists and cultural institutions forced the organisers to call off the programme. Reports suggest that around 25 students were injured in the incident.

According to local media, the music programme was organised on Friday night around 9 pm to mark a school anniversary. During the event, a group of attackers allegedly tried to force their way into the venue and began pelting stones and bricks at the crowd. Students present at the spot resisted the attack, but as the situation worsened, the organisers decided to cancel the concert.

The incident was highlighted by noted Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen on social media platform X. In her post, she stated that the cultural centre Chhayanaut was reduced to ashes and Udichi, an organisation promoting music, dance, poetry and folk culture, was also set on fire. She further wrote that extremists did not even allow popular singer James to perform.

Taslima Nasreen also mentioned that a few days earlier, Siraj Ali Khan, son of legendary Maihar gharana musician Ustad Allauddin Khan, had arrived in Dhaka but returned to India without performing due to the deteriorating situation. She quoted him as saying that he would not perform in Bangladesh until the safety of artists, music and cultural institutions is ensured.

Who is singer James?

James is among the most popular and influential singers in Bangladesh. Apart from playback singing, he is widely known as the lead singer and lyricist of the rock band Nagar Baul. He has also lent his voice to several Hindi films, including the hit song ‘Bheegi Bheegi’ from Gangster and ‘Alvida’ from Life in a… Metro.