Police stations across the capital and the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will tighten security at public big-screen football viewing venues to prevent violence stemming from supporters' rivalries during the FIFA World Cup.
Additional Commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Md Shafiqul Islam made the announcement at a press conference at the DMP Media Centre on Friday.
The briefing followed the arrest of four people over the fatal murder of BNP leader Md Abul Bashar Badsha, allegedly triggered by a clash between football supporters in Adabar after Brazil's World Cup match.
Shafiqul Islam said police have identified public venues across the capital where World Cup matches are shown on big screens.
"People gather at various locations across the city to watch matches on big screens. We have brought those venues under surveillance. All DMP police stations have been instructed to coordinate with the organisers and deploy personnel, while the DB will also maintain a presence to prevent any untoward incidents," he said.
Urging residents to celebrate responsibly, he said: "Let the joy of football remain a celebration, not turn into tragedy. We should be tolerant of one another and respect rival supporters. Winning and losing are part of the game. Everyone has the right to celebrate."
According to the DB, a group of local teenagers were celebrating Brazil's World Cup victory with drums and whistles on June 30 when a man named Habib allegedly assaulted a youth named Nirab, sparking a dispute.
The altercation later escalated, and on the night of July 1, Md Abul Bashar Badsha, general secretary of a BNP unit in Nabodoy Housing area of Adabar, was hacked to death.
DB's Tejgaon Division arrested four suspects Nirab, Ripon, Majnu and Mizanur Rahman from Mymensingh on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the killing.
Shafiqul Islam said Ripon allegedly stabbed the victim, adding that detectives recovered the knife used in the murder after the arrests.
Meanwhile, Adabar Police Station arrested three more suspects in connection with the case in a separate operation.
With the latest arrests, the total number of detainees in the case has risen to seven, said Adabar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jahidul Islam.
