The disruption of Bangladesh singer James’s performance has renewed criticism of the interim government, with opponents accusing it of failing to curb radical mobs and allowing a deteriorating law-and-order situation ahead of upcoming elections.
BY PC Bureau
December 27, 2025: Popular Bangladeshi singer James’s concert in Faridpur, around 120 kilometres from Dhaka, was cancelled on Friday following an attack by a mob, amid a spate of assaults on artists, performers and cultural institutions across Bangladesh.
According to local reports, the concert was scheduled for 9 pm to mark the anniversary of a local school. Trouble erupted when a group of attackers attempted to force their way into the venue and began pelting bricks and stones at the gathering. Local residents said students initially resisted the attackers, but the event was eventually called off on the directions of local authorities to prevent further violence.
At least 25 people were reportedly injured in the incident.
The attack drew sharp reactions on social media, with several observers describing it as part of a broader campaign by hardline Islamist groups opposed to music and cultural events. James, one of Bangladesh’s most popular rock musicians, reportedly managed to escape safely.
Author Taslima Nasreen highlighted the incident, warning of what she described as a dangerous pattern taking shape in the country. In a post on X, she said cultural organisations such as Chhayanaut and Udichi — long regarded as symbols of Bangladesh’s secular and progressive cultural movement — had been attacked and burned in recent times. “Today, jihadists did not allow the renowned singer James to perform at an event,” she wrote.
Radicalisation on Peak In Yunus’ Bangladesh
Yunus Led radical mob attacked a concert of Bangladesh’s biggest rockstar James at Faridpur because music is Haram & he also played bollywood songs. pic.twitter.com/ATv5zjxRL7
— Defence Sphere (@DefenceSphere) December 27, 2025
Nasreen also pointed to recent instances involving other prominent artists. She said Siraj Ali Khan, grandson of legendary sarod maestro Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and a distinguished artist of the Maihar gharana, returned to India without performing in Dhaka, stating he would not visit Bangladesh until artists and cultural institutions were safe. She added that Arman Khan, son of celebrated vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan, had also declined an invitation to perform in Dhaka for similar reasons.
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James, a singer-songwriter, guitarist and composer, is the frontman of the iconic Bangladeshi rock band Nagar Baul. He has also sung popular Hindi film songs, including Bheegi Bheegi from Gangster and Alvida from Life in a… Metro. Widely admired in Bangladesh, the disruption of his concert has been seen by many as a sign of growing confidence among radical elements.
In recent months, Bangladesh has witnessed repeated attacks on cultural institutions, artists, journalists and media offices, as hardline Islamist mobs have increasingly taken to the streets. Critics allege that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has failed to rein in the violence, and some claim the unrest is being deliberately stoked to create a law-and-order crisis that could be used to delay elections scheduled for February.
