A Lalpur upazila Chhatra Dal leader in Natore has been accused of announcing through loudspeakers that Section 144 had been imposed at a football field, leading to the cancellation of a traditional tournament final in Keshabpur village on Friday. Organisers said the announcement followed their refusal to name a former municipal mayor as chief guest and the leader as special guest. Police visited the site after receiving reports and restored calm.

The tournament has been held in the village for about six decades and involves residents, students, young people and sports enthusiasts, locals said. Six teams of local college, high school, madrasa and university students, as well as employed participants, took part in this year’s event, which began about 15 days earlier. The final had been scheduled after Friday prayers.

Natore district Chhatra Dal issued a show-cause notice to the accused leader, Mohammad Maruf Ali, on Sunday and ordered him to appear in person by Monday to explain the allegations. Lalpur upazila Chhatra Dal convener Rayhan Kabir Suis said no individual has authority to declare a government decision such as Section 144. Police said they did not directly witness the loudspeaker announcement.