Police will step up security at big-screen World Cup viewing venues across Dhaka to prevent football celebrations from turning violent following the killing of a BNP leader after Brazil's victory over Japan, reports Daily Sun.
The announcement was made by Detective Branch (DB) Additional Commissioner Mohammad Shafiqul Islam at a press briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre on Minto Road on Friday.
The briefing followed the arrest of four suspects in the murder of Mohammad Abul Bashar Badsha, general secretary of a local BNP unit in Adabar.
Shafiqul said all police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and the Detective Branch had been instructed to identify big-screen World Cup viewing venues, coordinate with organisers and deploy officers where necessary to ensure public safety.
"Many people gather at big-screen venues across the city to watch World Cup matches. We are keeping these places under surveillance. Police will remain vigilant so that no unwanted incidents take place," he said.
He urged football fans to celebrate responsibly, saying sporting rivalry should never lead to violence.
"Winning and losing are part of sport. Everyone should respect others' opinions and support for different teams and show tolerance," he added.
According to investigators, the violence was triggered by celebrations following Brazil's 2-1 World Cup victory over Japan on Monday night.
A group of youths were celebrating with drums and whistles in the Nabodoy Housing area of Adabar when a man identified as Habib allegedly assaulted one of the celebrants, Nirab, leading to a dispute.
The conflict later escalated, and on Wednesday night, Badsha was hacked to death during the ensuing violence.
Detectives from the DB's Tejgaon Division arrested four suspects, Nirab, Ripon, Majnu and Mizanur Rahman, from Mymensingh on Thursday in connection with the killing.
"Ripon directly stabbed the victim during the attack," Shafiqul said. "Acting on information provided by the suspects, detectives also recovered the knife used in the murder."
He added that the president of the same BNP unit, who was injured in the attack, remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and warned that security would be strengthened at World Cup viewing venues throughout the tournament to prevent similar incidents.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
