Violence erupts at Cox’s Bazar DC Gold Cup final, 50 injured

The final of the Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Gold Cup Football Tournament descended into violence on Friday due to overcrowding in the stands as spectators went on a rampage, vandalising the stadium, press box, dressing rooms, and even uprooting the goalposts.

The final between Ramu and Teknaf upazilas was scheduled to kick off at 3:00pm. However, by 2:00pm the gallery was overflowing with fans.

Agitated spectators, who were queuing outside the venue, then broke through the gates and stormed onto the field, filling the ground within moments.

Security forces, including army personnel, were deployed to remove them. But once forced out, many spectators began attacking from outside.

Around 5:30pm, organisers officially suspended the match. Immediately after the announcement, thousands of spectators stormed the field again, unleashing widespread vandalism.

Police fired tear gas and charged batons to bring the situation under control. At least 50 people, including Cox's Bazar Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury, Sadar Police Station Investigation Officer Faruk Hossain, as well as several policemen and Ansar members, were reported injured.

"The stadium has suffered extensive damage. Everything has been ransacked," said district sports association member Mohammad Hossain.

Doctors at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital said about 30 injured people had received treatment so far.

"Our members have also been injured. More details will be available once the situation is fully under control," said Elias Khan, officer-in-charge of Cox's Bazar Sadar Police Station.

Additional Superintendent of Police Nazmus Sakib Khan said the unrest broke out because more spectators entered than the gallery could accommodate.

"We tried to ensure that no one was seriously injured. But due to unruly behaviour, we had to take steps to control the situation," he said, adding that any legal action would be decided after discussions with senior officials.

Spectators alleged they had been forced to buy tickets at inflated prices. Although the official price was Tk 50, many claimed to have paid between Tk 200 and Tk 500 but were still unable to enter the gallery.

"I bought a ticket for Tk 200 but waited at the gate for an hour without being allowed in. Later, I saw everyone pushing in through the gate together," said Sabbir Hossain, a spectator from Teknaf.

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