Attack on Music Concert: Bangladesh’s Cultural Sphere Slips Back into Crisis

Dhaka: A music concert by Nagar Baul James, widely regarded as a legend of Bangladeshi rock music, was disrupted by a mob attack in Faridpur, underscoring the growing insecurity surrounding cultural events in the country.

The incident occurred on Friday (December 26) around 9 pm, at a school campus where the concert was scheduled to take place. The violence erupted as a large crowd had gathered to watch the popular singer perform.

What Happened in Faridpur:
Just minutes before the programme was to begin, a group of outsiders attempted to breach the security barricades and force their way onto the stage. The attackers allegedly hurled stones at the stage and tried to seize control of the venue, triggering panic among organisers and spectators. To prevent further escalation, the organisers cancelled the concert. James, often referred to as the “Rock Guru” of Bangladesh, was safely escorted out of the venue without injury.

James, the legendary Bangladeshi rock icon, was scheduled to perform at the Faridpur Zilla School anniversary concert. Sadly, the event was attacked by a local extremist group, leading to widespread vandalism. An alarming blow to culture and artistic freedom. This is a total… pic.twitter.com/g8RiMhCqfi

— Saifur Rahman (@saifurmishu) December 26, 2025

Background: A Nation Gripped by Unrest:
Bangladesh has been witnessing intense internal unrest since December 18, following the killing of Inquilab Mancho spokesperson Usman Hadi (Sharif Usman Hadi). The incident has further inflamed an already volatile political and social environment.

Escalating Violence:
The situation deteriorated after allegations emerged that Chhatra League activists shot and killed Usman Hadi on December 12. Since then, widespread incidents of arson, vandalism and looting have been reported in major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong.

Cultural Institutions Under Attack:
Several prominent institutions have reportedly been targeted amid the unrest. Leading media organisations such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, along with cultural bodies like Chhayanaut and Udichi, have come under attack. Residences of political leaders have also been subjected to violence, reflecting the breadth of the ongoing turmoil.

Threat to Artistic Freedom:
Cultural activists warn that the growing influence of extremist elements has created an environment in which artists are increasingly unable to work freely. The attack on James’s concert is being seen as a stark indicator of the prevailing law-and-order breakdown and a troubling sign for the future of Bangladesh’s cultural and artistic life.