Mob halts women’s football tournament in Dinajpur, 10 people injured after clash

The incident takes place at Hakimpur Upazila’s Bawna temporary ground in Dinajpur

A group of people using the banner "Towhidi Janata" has forced the cancellation of a women’s football tournament in Dinajpur’s Hakimpur Upazila after it clashed with the tournament’s organising committee, leaving at least 10 people injured.

The incident took place on Tuesday around 3pm at the Upazila’s Bawna temporary football ground under the Ali Hat Union, according to Hakimpur UNO Amit Roy.

Eventually, the Upazila administration announced the suspension of the football tournament.

The 'Bawna Student Welfare Council' organised a women’s football tournament in the area to mark the Victory Day. Football enthusiasts purchased tickets to watch the match, according to police and witnesses.

In the afternoon, the group under the banner of "Towhidi Janata" marched to the temporary ground, demanding the suspension of the match.

Tensions escalated between the two groups upon their arrival at the scene.

Upon receiving information about the situation, UNO Amit Roy, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Hakimpur-Ghoraghat Circle) ANM Niamat Ullah, Hakimpur Police Station Chief Md Sujan Mia, and Inspector (Investigation) Jahangir Alam, along with a police team, rushed to the spot and attempted to control the situation by engaging with both sides.

Despite their efforts, the two groups clashed, leaving at least 10 people injured.

“We first submitted a memorandum to the Upazila administration, demanding the suspension of the tournament. The administration assured us the game would not take place. But on Tuesday, they announced via loudspeaker that the tournament would resume and falsely claimed they had permission from the district commissioner,” alleged Abdul Alim, a representative of the group.

“When we arrived at the scene with our procession in the afternoon, police asked us to stay calm. However, the tournament organisers suddenly attacked us in the presence of the administration. Seven of our people, including Galib, Abdur Rahman, and Raihan, were injured and later hospitalised,” Alim added.

Rakibul Hasan, a member of the tournament’s organising committee, questioned the calls to halt the event.

“Why should the women’s football tournament be stopped? These women have brought glory to the country by winning matches abroad. They reached the national level after progressing from the grassroots.”

“It’s shocking to see the administration seemingly supporting a group under the guise of religion to disrupt the game. Has the country turned into a Taliban state?” Rakibul questioned.

Police will take action against those involved in the clash, said UNO Amit.