Supporters of a strict Bangladeshi preacher are raising Islamic flags to counter the excitement around the World Cup. This has put police on high alert, according to reports on Wednesday.
Football is very popular in Bangladesh, a country with a Muslim majority. Many fans cheer for Brazil and Argentina, with hundreds of thousands showing their support.
Mufti Harun Izhar, a Muslim leader, has urged his followers to remove the flags of Argentina and Brazil. He wants them to raise white flags with the Kalima, which is a declaration of faith, wherever they can.
These Islamic flags have been seen in more than a dozen districts. Police have said they will take action if these flags cause any problems. "We are on alert," said police spokesman Shahadat Hossain in a statement to AFP.
After Izhar's speech spread online, supporters have also held motorcycle rallies. They ride around with the flags and play religious songs.
Izhar told AFP that "there should be restraint in displaying support for Argentina, Brazil or any other country."
He clarified that the white flags raised by his supporters are not the same as those used by the Taliban in Afghanistan or the black flags of the Islamic State group.
"Secularists have certain attitudes towards these flags, and readily label them Taliban flags or ISIS flags, that is not correct," he added, referring to the Islamic State group.
Zahed Ur Rahman, an adviser to the prime minister, said the government is watching the situation closely.
"This could send the wrong message globally," he told reporters on Tuesday.
Some football fans are not happy about this.
"Football helps people forget their hardships and challenges for a while," said Mohammad Moniruzzaman Chisty, a die-hard Brazil fan.
"For us, football is the ultimate form of entertainment."
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