The Jumma Students and People’s group has suspended its ongoing road blockade in Khagrachhari until October 5, following assurances that their eight-point demand would be addressed and in consideration of the Durga Puja festival. However, Section 144 remains in force in Khagrachhari town and Guimara upazila.
After four days of shutdown, shops in the district town reopened on Wednesday morning, and people began moving freely, gradually restoring normalcy.
The blockade had been enforced in protest over the alleged gang rape of a Marma teenage girl. In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the group announced the temporary suspension of their program.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Md. Hasan Maruf confirmed that although Section 144 is still in effect, shops will remain open. “Since Puja is ongoing, we are not restricting public movement. Based on police reports, the curfew order may be lifted soon,” he said.
From Wednesday morning, transport resumed on all major routes connecting Khagrachhari with Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangamati. The holiday period has also brought in tourists, with many traveling to Sajek Valley.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified security across the district. Army, BGB, and police are jointly patrolling, while checkpoints with strict searches have been set up at key points, bringing some relief to the public.
On Wednesday morning, Brigadier General Hasan Mahmud, Commander of the 203 Infantry Brigade, visited the Lakshmi Narayan temple in Khagrachhari town to exchange greetings with devotees.
The unrest began on September 23 after allegations of gang rape against a Marma girl in Khagrachhari Sadar upazila. Police, with army assistance, later arrested a 19-year-old suspect, Shoyon Shil. Protests followed, including road blockades that paralyzed communication across Chattogram-Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari-Rangamati, and Khagrachhari-Sajek highways.
Tensions escalated in Guimara upazila, where violence broke out despite Section 144, leaving at least three people dead in clashes. A five-member committee has since been formed by the district administration to investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, a three-member medical board that conducted tests on the alleged victim reported no signs of rape. Dr. Joya Chakma, senior gynecology consultant at Khagrachhari Modern Sadar Hospital and head of the medical team, confirmed: “We submitted our report after conducting all necessary examinations. No evidence of rape was found.”
