A market in Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari was set ablaze on Sunday during a blockade enforced by “Jumma Chhatra Janata” protesting the gang rape of a hill teenager. Several shops and adjacent homes were burned in the attack, according to local sources.
The incident occurred around 1:00 pm at Ramesu Bazar, about 100 yards from the Chattogram–Khagrachhari highway. Videos shared on Facebook showed shops engulfed in flames. Most of the affected shop owners are reported to be from the hill communities.
The situation in Guimara remained tense after the incident. Although blockade supporters had left the roads, they stayed in nearby areas as law enforcement agencies patrolled heavily. Earlier in the day, clashes erupted between protesters and security forces, with gunfire reportedly heard. At least six people were injured, locals said.
Two protesters said they had been demonstrating peacefully on the road near a food warehouse when security forces arrived and an argument broke out. They alleged that security personnel opened fire, causing panic. “After the gunshots, 20–25 masked and unmasked men came, looted Ramesu Bazar and nearby houses, and then set them on fire. Several motorcycles were also torched,” said one of the protesters.
Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Md Arefin Jewel, when contacted, said he was busy and asked to be called later. Guimara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Enamul Haque Chowdhury confirmed tensions between hill residents, Bengali settlers and law enforcement. “The situation is heated. Details will be shared later,” he said.
The blockade began at 5:00 am Saturday under the banner of “Jumma Chhatra Janata.” Traffic between Chattogram–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati, and Khagrachhari–Sajek remains suspended, with protesters burning tyres and placing tree trunks on roads.
In Khagrachhari town, shops stayed closed and security forces maintained checkpoints at key points. Residents venturing out for essential work were being questioned.
The Khagrachhari district administration convened a meeting at its conference hall on Sunday afternoon, chaired by Deputy Commissioner A.B.M. Iftekhar Uddin Khondaker. Parbatya Chattogram Affairs Adviser Supradeep Chakma, speaking as chief guest, said, “Certain quarters are trying to exploit unrest in the hill tracts. All communities must live peacefully together.”
The protests stem from the reported gang rape of a teenage girl on Tuesday night while she was returning home from private tuition. She was rescued unconscious from a field two hours later. Police have arrested one suspect, who has been remanded for six days.
