Over 50 injured as two neighbourhoods clash over football match in Bera

Residents of two neighbourhoods clashed over a football match in Pabna's Bera. More than 50 people were reportedly injured. Allegations have emerged that several shops and at least 15 homes were vandalised, looted and set on fire during the clashes.

The clashes continued from 8pm to 10pm on Sunday (October 11) in the Nazim Bazar area of Bera municipality. Police and upazila administration officials arrived at the scene to bring the situation under control.

According to local sources, an inter-ward football tournament had been under way for several days at the Bera BB Pilot Model High School ground in the municipal area. On Sunday, a match was held between wards 2 and 9 of the municipality. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time. A dispute arose between the two sides when steps were taken to decide the result through a penalty shootout.

At one point, residents of Sardarpara in ward 2 and Bongaon in ward 9 became embroiled in clashes. As tensions escalated, the two sides chased each other. Several shops were set on fire during this time. There were also allegations of vandalism, looting and arson at at least 15 homes.

Many of those injured in the clashes are receiving treatment at Bera Upazila Health Complex and other facilities. Their names and identities could not immediately be ascertained.

On receiving the news, Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rulant Chakma arrived at the scene. Alongside police from Bera Model Police Station, personnel from the neighbouring Santhia and Sujanagar police stations also went to the scene to bring the situation under control. Law enforcement personnel brought the situation under control after nearly two hours of efforts.

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows police firing blank shots and gas to bring the situation under control. Police, however, have not acknowledged this.

Confirming the clashes, Bera Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nayan Kumar Sarkar said the violence began over a football match. The situation is now under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area.