Nepal’s capital descended into unrest on Monday (Sept 8) as student and public protests flared, prompting authorities to impose a sudden curfew. 

The escalating turmoil has disrupted preparations for the Bangladesh national football team, which is currently in Kathmandu for a friendly series against Nepal.

The Bangladesh Football Federation confirmed that the team’s scheduled training session was cancelled after officials warned of escalating tensions in the city. 

The squad, led by captain Jamal Bhuiyan, had been due to train at 3:15 pm local time, but the plan was called off around 2:30 pm due to safety concerns.

“The situation outside had become too tense. The players remained in the hotel, where they are safe,” team media manager Sadman Sakib said.

The second match of the Bangladesh-Nepal FIFA friendly series is slated for Tuesday at Kathmandu’s Dasharath Stadium. However, the unrest has thrown the fixture into doubt, with organisers monitoring whether the match can proceed as planned.

Nepal’s government declared a curfew from Monday afternoon in key areas of the capital after demonstrators clashed with security forces. Authorities are maintaining tight security around sensitive zones, including Parliament, where protests intensified.

While the Nepal team trained on Sunday following the first match, Bangladesh had rested. With Monday’s cancellation, the visitors may now face the prospect of taking the field without two days of practice. 

Both teams, however, completed their pre-match press conference, leaving the city’s volatile situation — rather than football tactics — as the central focus ahead of the scheduled clash.

SMS/