The FIFA World Cup has sparked celebrations and excitement across the globe, and Bangladesh is no exception despite the national team missing out on the tournament. But intense support for favourite teams has also triggered deadly incidents, leaving at least 10 people dead and 45 others injured so far.

Supporters of popular teams have engaged in heated arguments over football, and some disputes have escalated into violent clashes. Authorities said they would strengthen monitoring at venues where people gather to watch matches on big screens.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Detective Branch chief Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam said the DB would keep surveillance at public screening locations to prevent any untoward incidents.

Social and crime expert Touhidul Haque, a prof at Dhaka University, said people often struggle to accept victory and defeat in sports. He said football remains a form of entertainment where both outcomes are natural, but many people fail to maintain a balanced attitude towards winning and losing.

Three killed in football-related disputes

Three people died in separate incidents linked to football disputes on 1 July.

In Dhaka’s Adabar area, unidentified attackers targeted BNP’s Nobodoy Housing unit President Saddam Hossain and General Secretary Abul Bashar Badsha. Doctors declared Badsha dead after authorities took him to hospital.

In Ashulia, a teenager named Nahid Hasan died after attackers stabbed him and buried his body. Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tarikul Islam said the killing stemmed from a dispute over a football match.

In Sylhet’s Zakiganj, Alam Ahmed died after his cousin Parvez stabbed him during celebrations surrounding a football match in Lamargram village under Khalachhara union. Zakiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdur Razzak said police arrested Parvez over the killing.

Three die while hanging team flags

Three people also died from electrocution while putting up flags of their favourite teams.

On 19 June, school student Mahin Sheikh died after he suffered an electric shock while hanging a Brazil flag on a tree in Mymensingh’s Gafargaon.

On 15 June, Ramhari Baishnab died while installing an Argentina flag near Laldighi area in Chattogram.

On 9 June, Faisal died from electrocution while hanging a Brazil flag in Manikganj Sadar.

Four more deaths

In Narail Sadar, a group of teenagers allegedly killed an elderly man named Mostafa Kazi after a dispute over a football match last Friday. Attackers reportedly hacked him and beat him with a hammer.

On the same day, Mahidul Islam, a young man in Chattogram’s Halishahar area, died after a lamppost collapsed.

Also on Friday, Khokon Karmakar died after suffering a stroke during football practice in Barguna’s Taltali.

Earlier on 13 June, a young man died in a road accident while joining a motorcycle rally organised during World Cup celebrations in Bhola.

Authorities and experts have urged supporters to enjoy football responsibly and avoid turning sporting rivalries into violence.