The indefinite road blockade called by Jumma students and locals in Khagrachhari has entered its fourth consecutive day, keeping daily life at a standstill.
Although restrictions on the Khagrachhari–Chattogram and Khagrachhari–Dhaka highways have been partially relaxed, long-distance bus services remain suspended.
Only a limited number of battery-run auto-rickshaws were seen operating on internal roads, while most residents stayed indoors unless absolutely necessary. Section 144, imposed by the local administration, also remains in force in Khagrachhari Sadar and Guimara upazilas.
On Tuesday (30 September), visits to Shapla Chattar and Chengi Square in Khagrachhari town revealed heavy deployment of law enforcement personnel at key intersections. People moving in groups were questioned before being allowed to pass. Except for pharmacies, most shops and businesses remained closed.
Meanwhile, the bodies of three indigenous men killed in Sunday’s violence in Guimara were handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations on Monday night, and cremations were held later that evening, according to Guimara Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Enamul Haque Chowdhury.
He said security forces — including the army, BGB, police, and APBn — are working to stabilize the situation.
Sector Commander Colonel Md Abdul Mottakim confirmed that nine platoons of BGB are patrolling Khagrachhari town round the clock, with two more platoons on standby. Section 144 remains in effect in Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila, and Guimara.
On Monday, six representatives of the protesting Jumma student community met with local authorities, placing an eight-point demand including the withdrawal of Section 144. While officials urged them to lift the blockade, the meeting ended without resolution.
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondker told reporters: “No untoward incidents have taken place so far. Once the situation normalizes, Section 144 will be withdrawn.”
