More than 25 people were injured after a mob attacked a music concert by popular Bangladeshi singer James in Faridpur, about 120 km from the capital, forcing the cancellation of the event, local media reported.
The concert, scheduled to begin around 9 pm on Friday, was part of anniversary celebrations of a local school.
According to reports, trouble broke out when a group of attackers attempted to force their way into the venue and began pelting bricks and stones at the audience, triggering panic among those present.
Local residents said students attending the programme initially tried to resist the attackers, but the situation quickly spiralled out of control.
In view of the escalating violence and safety concerns, local authorities ordered the immediate cancellation of the concert, The Daily Star reported.
The incident has intensified concerns over growing attacks on artists, performers and cultural spaces across Bangladesh.
Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen reacted sharply to the episode, describing it as part of a wider and disturbing pattern of hostility towards music and cultural expression.
In a post on X, Nasreen said cultural institutions such as Chhayanaut and Udichi had already been targeted and destroyed, and alleged that radical elements were now openly preventing artists from performing.
She claimed that renowned singer James was not allowed to take the stage due to pressure from extremist groups.
Nasreen also referred to recent incidents involving visiting artistes.
She said Siraj Ali Khan, a noted musician and grandson of legendary sarod maestro Ali Akbar Khan, returned to India without performing in Dhaka, citing concerns over the safety of artists and cultural institutions.
She added that Ustad Rashid Khan’s son, Arman Khan, had similarly declined an invitation to perform in the Bangladeshi capital.
James, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated musicians, is the frontman of the rock band Nagar Baul and commands a massive following in the country.
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He is also known internationally for his playback singing in Hindi films, including popular tracks such as Bheegi Bheegi from Gangster and Alvida from Life In A Metro.
Observers say the disruption of a concert by an artist of James’ stature points to the increasing confidence of radical groups in targeting cultural events.
In recent months, several cultural organisations, artists, journalists and media offices have faced repeated attacks, often amid allegations of inadequate intervention by law enforcement agencies.
The Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has come under criticism for failing to rein in violent mobs, with critics alleging that arson and targeted attacks are being tolerated or even encouraged, contributing to a deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Some have warned that the unrest could be used as a justification to delay elections scheduled for February.
