Popular television actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba has expressed deep sadness over the death of a Brazil supporter from Kushtia following the team’s World Cup defeat.
Brazil’s exit from the tournament shocked millions of fans worldwide. The five-time world champions lost to Norway in the round of 16, leaving supporters, including many in Bangladesh, disappointed.
Among them was Ratan, 21, from Kumarakhali upazila of Kushtia. According to his family, he became emotionally distressed after Brazil’s defeat and criticism from others over the result. They said he later died by suicide.
The incident took place at around 11am on Monday (6 July) in the Ghoraighat area of Kaya Union. Ratan, son of Hossain Mistry, worked as a labourer.
Apurba, who is also a Brazil fan, said the news left him shocked. The actor shared a message on his verified Facebook page, urging football fans not to treat the sport as more important than life.
Apurba wrote that he was deeply hurt after learning that a Kushtia boy had died by suicide following Brazil’s defeat, leaving behind his two-month-old child.
“Enjoy the game as entertainment. There will always be wins and losses. A victory from your favourite team can bring happiness, while a defeat can bring sadness. But it should never become bigger than life. At the end of the day, it is only a game,” he wrote.
The actor said a team that loses today can win again tomorrow, and a missed trophy can return in the future. However, a life lost can never come back.
Apurba also called on fans to avoid excessive trolling and personal attacks during football debates. He said banter is part of sports, but insults and humiliation can deeply hurt others.
“Something that may seem funny to you can become a painful experience for someone else,” he said.
