Rockstar James' concert cancelled in Bangladesh after mob hurls bricks; Taslima Nasreen slams jihadi mindset

Popular Bangladeshi rock icon James' concert was cancelled in Faridpur (about 120km from Dhaka) amid a series of attacks on artists and cultural institutions in the Bangladesh.

The performance, scheduled for Friday night, had to be called off following clashes at the Faridpur Zila School campus during the institution's 185th anniversary celebrations. According to local media reports, a group of people tried to forcefully enter the venue after they were denied entry. The agitators reportedly hurled bricks and stones and even tried to take control of the stage.

While students of Faridpur Zila School resisted the attack, several sustained injuries. Eventually, the local administration and organisers decided to cancel the concert.

Expressing her anger over the incident, author Taslima Nasreen said, "Jihadists did not allow the renowned singer James to perform at an event." James, widely known as the 'Guru of Rock' in Bangladesh, managed to leave the venue safely.

"The cultural center Chhayanaut has been burned to ashes. Udichi—the organization that was built to foster a secular and progressive consciousness through the promotion of music, theater, dance, recitation, and folk culture—has also been burned to ashes. Today, jihadists did not allow the renowned singer James to perform at an event," she posted on X.

Highlighting another recent incident, the exiled author wrote how a Siraj Ali Khan - distinguished artist of the Maihar gharana - had to return to India without performing in Dhaka.

"A few days ago, Siraj Ali Khan had come to Dhaka. He is the grandson of Ali Akbar Khan, the son of the world-famous maestro Ustad Allauddin Khan. Siraj Ali Khan himself is a distinguished artist of the Maihar gharana. He returned to India without performing any program in Dhaka, saying that he would not come to Bangladesh again until artists, music, and cultural institutions are safe," Nasreen posted.

What we know about Bangladesh unrest

Bangladesh has seen escalating unrest since December 18, following the assassination of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Osman Hadi, also known as Sharif Osman Hadi. He was shot on December 12, allegedly by members of the Chhatra League, who reportedly fled to India.

Since then, several cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong, have witnessed riots, arson, and mob violence. Media offices such as Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, as well as cultural organisations like Chhayanaut and Udichi, have been targeted. Homes of political leaders have also been attacked.

Lynching and mob attacks

A Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and his body set on fire over blasphemy allegations in Mymensingh. Taslima Nasreen claimed that Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das was falsely accused of blasphemy by a Muslim coworker at his factory in Mymensingh district.

Reacting strongly to the lynching of Das, India termed the killing “horrendous” and urged Dhaka to ensure swift justice for those responsible.

Days after Das' lynching, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was beaten to death by a mob in Rajbari district over allegations that he had gone to a villager’s home to demand extortion money.