The performance began at around 8pm on Monday (2 November) at the Science Building premises of the university. A large number of students and teachers gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of the celebrated musician and enjoy his performance live.
James, popularly known as the frontman of the band Nagar Baul, last performed at Jagannath University during its founding anniversary celebrations in 2016. His return after a decade made the concert particularly special for students, many of whom had grown up listening to his music.
As he took to the stage, the audience responded with loud cheers and applause. Students enthusiastically joined in, singing along to familiar tracks and creating an energetic atmosphere across the campus. Many also recorded moments from the performance on their mobile phones, hoping to preserve memories of the occasion.
For several students, the opportunity to watch one of Bangladesh’s most popular rock musicians perform at their own university was a memorable experience.
Israt Jahan, a student of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said she had been listening to James’s songs since childhood. Watching him perform live on her university campus and singing along with him was an extraordinary experience, she added.
She said the anniversary celebrations would remain a cherished memory for students because of the special musical performance.
Shahriar Kader Plabon, a student of the Department of Marketing, also expressed his excitement at attending the concert. He said the opportunity to enjoy a live performance by an artist as popular as James had made the occasion particularly enjoyable.
He also pointed to the enthusiasm among students throughout the concert, saying that similar cultural events should be organised every year.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin was also present during the performance. Addressing students, he said the university would take initiatives to bring James back for future university programmes and celebrations. His assurance was welcomed by the audience, with students expressing their excitement at the prospect of seeing the singer perform on campus again.
The concert formed part of Jagannath University’s 21st founding anniversary celebrations, held on 2 November 2026. This year’s anniversary theme was ‘Youthful Spirit, United Jagannathians’.
A range of programmes and activities took place throughout the day to mark the occasion, with cultural events forming an important part of the celebrations. James’s concert was among the major attractions, drawing considerable interest from the university community.
For Jagannath University students, the evening was more than just another musical event. James’s return after a decade brought together different generations of music lovers on campus, giving the anniversary celebrations an added sense of excitement and making the occasion particularly memorable.
