The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has decided to implement special surveillance at large screen venues across the capital where football World Cup matches are being shown, to prevent fan excitement from escalating into violence. Alongside local police stations, the Detective Branch (DB) will also enhance security in these areas.
This information was announced by Md. Shafiqul Islam, Additional Commissioner of the DB, at a press conference held at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road on Friday afternoon (July 3).
The press conference was organized following the arrest of individuals involved in the murder of BNP leader Md. Abul Bashar Badsha, who was killed in a clash centered around celebrating Brazil’s victory in Adabor, Dhaka.
Md. Shafiqul Islam stated, “Matches are shown on large screens in various locations across the capital. Police are keeping these areas under surveillance. All DMP police stations have been instructed to identify these big screen venues and coordinate with the organizers. Police personnel will be deployed there as needed. Additionally, the DB will maintain constant surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents.”
Appealing to the city dwellers, he said, “May the joy surrounding the game remain confined to celebration and not turn into sorrow in any way. There will always be wins and losses in sports, so I urge everyone to respect each other’s opinions and support, and to behave with tolerance.”
According to DB sources, last Monday night, some local teenagers were celebrating Brazil’s victory against Japan in the Football World Cup by playing drums and flutes in the Nobodoy Housing area of Adabor. During this time, a person named Habib assaulted a young man named Nirab. Due to the ensuing conflict stemming from this incident, Unit BNP General Secretary Md. Abul Bashar Badsha was hacked to death on Wednesday night.
In connection with direct involvement in the incident, Nirab, Ripon, Majnu, and Mizanur Rahman were arrested from Mymensingh on Thursday by the DB’s Tejgaon division.
The Additional Police Commissioner stated that among the four arrested, Ripon was directly involved in the stabbing. Based on information provided by them, the knife used in the murder has also been recovered.
He further added that the Unit BNP President, who was injured in the attack, is undergoing treatment in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The DMP has stated that the police are on high alert to ensure that the excitement and emotions of supporters surrounding the World Cup do not lead to any deterioration in the law and order situation.