The FIFA World Cup is, above all, a grand gathering of humanity. Every four years, this global event seems to bind the entire world together with a single thread.
Millions of people set aside differences of language, religion, race, geography, and politics to share the same emotions and excitement. In Bangladesh, however, the colors of this celebration appear even more vibrant than in many other countries.
During the World Cup, especially, our villages, towns, and cities are adorned with the flags of Brazil and Argentina. Yet, when the bright colors of celebration are stained with the red of bloodshed, the very meaning of the festival sadly comes into question.
Yesterday's tragic incident in Cumilla, where a football supporter lost his life following an argument while watching a World Cup match, serves as another painful reminder of this reality.
Nor is Cumilla an isolated case. Reports indicate that supporters clashed in Bogura over a match, while, earlier, a football fan in Kushtia reportedly took his own life. These cannot simply be dismissed as isolated incidents.
During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Bangladesh witnessed at least 23 football-related deaths, along with numerous injuries and hospitalizations resulting from clashes among supporters.
While the rest of the world celebrates the World Cup with joy and enthusiasm, fresh lives are lost in different parts of Bangladesh as the price of hostility. Is this what football teaches us?
Football is a game that wins people's hearts; it is not a language of hatred but of love and unity. Accepting victory and defeat with dignity, respecting one's opponents, and honoring the rules of the game—these are the very values that define football.
In every match, one team will win and the other will lose; that is the natural outcome of sport. But if supporters lose their lives over the result of a game, then it becomes clear that the problem lies not in football but in our own minds and attitudes.
Football history contains many inspiring examples that celebrate the triumph of humanity. During the Nigerian Civil War in 1969, both sides reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire to watch an exhibition match featuring the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé.
Although historians continue to debate the exact details of the incident, its symbolic significance as a testament to football's power to unite people remains undeniable.
Likewise, in 1995, sport played an unforgettable role in helping to unite South Africa's deeply divided society after apartheid. History therefore teaches us a clear lesson: sport does not divide people.
It is also worth noting that the very players who inspire the passions of millions of supporters never preach hatred. After the final whistle, they embrace their opponents, congratulate them, and console the defeated.
Yet, thousands of miles away, we become hostile toward one another in their names. Can such behavior truly be considered the mark of a civilized supporter?
The deep affection that Bangladeshis have for Brazil and Argentina has been widely covered by international media. This passion is indeed a vibrant part of our culture. However, when emotion turns into blind fanaticism, celebration gives way to sorrow.
The intolerance displayed over football does not remain confined to the playing field; it reflects itself throughout society. A society that can become violent over a sporting event is also one where differences of opinion, political disagreements, or social disputes can easily escalate into conflict.
Such a tendency cannot simply be dismissed as harmless sporting enthusiasm. Therefore, instead of allowing football to become a source of confrontation and violence, should we not strive to cultivate the true values that the game represents?