At least 25 students were injured in a mob attack in Bangladesh that forced the cancellation of a concert by popular rock singer James, who has also sung several hit Hindi film songs, officials and organisers have said. The incident occurred on Friday night in Faridpur, amid a recent spate of attacks on cultural institutions in the country. In recent weeks, organisations such as Chhayanaut and Udichi Shilpi Goshthi in Dhaka have been vandalised.

James’ concert was to mark the closing of Faridpur Zilla School’s 185th anniversary celebrations. Just before the programme was due to begin, a group of outsiders tried to force entry after being turned away, throwing bricks and stones and attempting to seize the stage. Students of the school resisted the attackers, and at least 25 were injured by flying debris, according to the organisers. The concert was cancelled at 10 pm.