Police to monitor big-screen World Cup screenings in Dhaka: DB chief

Police will step up surveillance at venues hosting big-screen Fifa World Cup screenings across the capital in an effort to prevent violence and other untoward incidents, Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) Shafiqul Islam has said.

“Police stations across Dhaka have been instructed to identify locations where matches are being screened on large displays and maintain a security presence there,” he told reporters at the DMP Media Centre on Minto Road today (3 July).

Earlier, on the night of 29 June, a man named Habib allegedly assaulted a young man named Nirob during an altercation in Dhaka’s Adabar when local teenagers were celebrating Brazil’s victory over Japan with drums and whistles.

According to police, the dispute later escalated, leading to the killing of local BNP leader Md Abul Bashar Badsha, 45, who was hacked to death, while another party leader, Md Saddam Hossain, 35, was injured.

Police have so far arrested seven people in connection with the killing.

Referring to the incident, Shafiqul, also the DB chief, said, “We are monitoring these places [hosting big-screen football screenings]. All police stations under the DMP have been instructed to coordinate with organisers and deploy personnel so that no unwanted incident occurs.”

He also urged people to celebrate responsibly and remain tolerant of supporters of rival teams.

“Let the celebrations remain celebrations and not turn into tragedy. Football is a game of wins and losses. We should enjoy the matches while respecting others’ right to support their own teams,” he added.