At least 12 people killed in World Cup-related violence across Bangladesh

At least 12 people have been killed across Bangladesh in a series of violent incidents linked to the FIFA World Cup, as the country’s deep-rooted passion for Argentina and Brazil spills into deadly confrontations between rival supporters.

Among the victims was Md Shariful Islam, 38, a battery-powered rickshaw driver and sole breadwinner for his family in Cumilla. He was assaulted and killed by Argentina supporters after mocking Lionel Messi’s missed penalty during last week’s Argentina-Egypt match, in which Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir made the save. Islam was a Brazil fan. His wife, Beauty Begum, said: “How can people kill someone over a football match? I have two daughters. Who will they call father now? My two daughters have become orphans. I want the harshest punishment for those who killed my husband.”

The deaths span a range of incidents across the country. Fayaz Tajrian died on 8 July in a motorcycle crash in Chattogram while travelling to watch the Argentina-Egypt match. In Narail, Mostafa Kazi was hacked to death following a football-related dispute. In separate incidents in Chattogram, Mahidul Islam was killed when a goalpost collapsed during celebrations, while Khokon Karmakar collapsed and died before a friendly match organised by supporters in Barguna.

Clashes between rival student groups at Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University in Tangail left at least 10 people injured, including an assistant proctor, and resulted in the vandalisation of several academic buildings.

The violence is not without precedent. A study found that 23 people died during the 2022 World Cup in Bangladesh due to clashes between rival fan groups. In 2014, at least three people died while hanging flags from electric wiring, and in 2018 a 12-year-old boy was electrocuted putting up a Brazil flag.

Millions of Bangladeshis have followed the World Cup with intense fervour, backing Argentina and Brazil in a display of football passion that transcends national borders. The country’s connection to the sport dates to the 19th century, when British colonisers introduced football to Calcutta, then the capital of undivided India. FIFA and Argentine players acknowledged Bangladesh’s extraordinary support during the 2022 tournament, expressing surprise at the scale of backing from a nation almost 17,000km from Buenos Aires.