Several individuals began throwing bricks.
A concert by Nagar Baul frontman James was abruptly cancelled in Faridpur following violent disorder outside the venue.
The performance was scheduled on December 27, 2025, as part of Faridpur Zilla School’s 185th anniversary celebrations.
The cultural programme and reunion event marked the final day of festivities planned by the historic institution.
Chaos erupted when large groups of outsiders gathered after learning that James would perform at the school grounds.
The organisers had intended the programme to remain limited to registered former and current students only.
Despite these restrictions, thousands of unregistered individuals arrived and congregated along nearby Mujib Road.
When security denied them entry, tensions escalated rapidly outside the school premises.
Organisers attempted to defuse the situation by setting up projectors outside for the waiting crowd.
The effort failed to calm emotions, and unrest continued to build as the evening progressed.
Around 9:30 pm, groups of outsiders reportedly attempted to climb the school’s boundary walls.
When security personnel stopped them, several individuals began throwing bricks and stones toward the compound.
The stone-throwing injured around 25-30 people inside the school grounds.
At least 4-5 individuals managed to breach the wall before being restrained by Zilla School students.
With the situation worsening, organisers assessed growing risks to performing students and attendees.
Shortly before 10 pm, a member of the security subcommittee announced the cancellation of the programme.
Benjir Ahmed Tabriz later confirmed that multiple organisers and attendees were injured during the unrest.
Several injured individuals required hospital treatment following the violent clashes outside the venue.
James and his band had already arrived in Faridpur earlier that evening and remained at a guest house.
According to Nagar Baul’s spokesperson, disturbances were reported soon after the programme officially began.
By 10:30 pm, the band was informed that the concert had been called off completely.
James later described the cancellation as a clear failure of planning and organisational management.
He stated that the organisers were responsible for ensuring safety and proper crowd control measures.
Police officials estimated that between 20-25 thousand people had gathered outside.
“It was impossible to accommodate such a large number within the school premises.”
Authorities added that denying entry to outsiders triggered the initial disorder and subsequent violence.
To ensure overall safety, officials decided that cancelling the performance was the only viable option remaining.
The incident highlighted serious challenges surrounding crowd management at high-profile public cultural events in Bangladesh.
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