Football match disputes spark violent clashes in Comilla and Habiganj

Violent clashes triggered by football matches have resulted in numerous injuries in the Comilla and Habiganj districts of Bangladesh.

In Comilla's Debidwar, a dispute over a goal during the Fridge-TV Cup football final between the Viralla and Aliyabad teams led to a confrontation between players and supporters. At least 15 people were injured. Following the clash, locals blocked the Comilla-Sylhet regional highway with trees for approximately one hour, causing significant traffic congestion. The blockade was eventually lifted following police intervention and mediation by community elders.

In Habiganj's Bahubal, a separate incident occurred in the Mirpur Bazar area where a dispute during an indoor football match escalated into a two-hour conflict between residents of Baniagao and Paschim Joypur. Clashes involved the use of local weapons, bricks, and torches for illumination in the dark. At least 50 people were injured, with several seriously wounded individuals transported to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. Local businesses also reported damage during the unrest, and additional police were deployed to restore order.