Protests by 'Tawhidi Janata' halt World Cup final public screening in Jashore

A large-screen broadcasting of the football World Cup final was cancelled at the eleventh hour in Jessore on Sunday night following strong opposition from a group of local Muslim congregants. The incident took place at the central Jashore Eidgah ground.

The fashion retail brand Sailor had been organizing large-screen screenings of key World Cup matches at the Jashore Town Hall ground throughout the tournament. However, due to an ongoing tree fair at the original venue, the organizers chose the Eidgah ground as an alternative location for the final match and had finalized all technical preparations.

The situation escalated at around 9pm when a group of local worshippers, identifying themselves as 'Tawhidi Janata', gathered at the venue on Sunday. Demanding the preservation of the religious sanctity of the Eidgah ground, they opposed the screening and prepared to form a human chain in protest.

To maintain order, law enforcement personnel rushed to the spot to mediate between the organizers and the protesters. Following discussions, it was mutually decided to call off the screening at the religious site, prompting the organizers to dismantle and remove their equipment.

Yasin Arafat, one of the protesting worshippers, stated that an Eidgah ground is a sacred space dedicated to religious observances, making it an inappropriate venue for a football screening. He also expressed gratitude to the local administration for their swift intervention.

Speakers at the gathering emphasized that the Eidgah ground is reserved exclusively for Islamic prayers and that hosting entertainment events there compromises its spiritual dignity. They strongly condemned the initiative and urged authorities to protect the sanctity of religious sites.

Jashore Superintendent of Police, Syeda Rafiqul Islam, confirmed that the screening was suspended following a joint consultation involving the organizing committee, the district administration, and the protesters to ensure peace and order in the city.

The police chief added that security forces remain highly vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents surrounding the match, urging all citizens to remain calm and cooperative.