The Jumma Chhatra-Janata has announced the complete withdrawal of its blockade in Khagrachhari, which had been in place for four days following allegations of the gang rape of a Marma teenage girl.
The announcement came on Saturday morning through a press release issued by the group’s media cell.
According to the statement, the decision was made “to perform religious rituals for the martyrs, provide humanitarian assistance to the injured and affected families, and in partial consideration of the assurances given by the administration.”
The organization said that on October 1, a second round of talks was held with the chairman of the district council, the deputy commissioner, and representatives of the police and intelligence agencies regarding the recent violence in Khagrachhari and Guimara. During the meeting, the group reiterated its eight-point demand, including the withdrawal of Section 144 and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the killings.
The press release added that the administration assured them of implementing the demands and announced a cash assistance of Tk 50,000 for the families of the deceased.
The unrest began on the night of September 23 when a Marma girl was allegedly gang-raped in Khagrachhari Sadar upazila, sparking protests and tension across the hilly district.
Police, with the help of the army, arrested one suspect the following day. Demanding the arrest and trial of the others accused, Jumma Chhatra-Janata organized a half-day road blockade on September 25.
On September 27, the group called for an indefinite blockade, halting traffic on major routes including Chattogram–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati, and Khagrachhari–Sajek. The next day, despite Section 144 being in effect, violent clashes in Guimara left three indigenous people dead.
In response, the district administration formed a five-member investigation committee to probe the incident. After four consecutive days of blockade, the group suspended their protest on September 30 until October 5.
That same day, doctors reported that medical examinations had found no evidence of rape.
Meanwhile, police have filed three separate cases in connection with the violence in Guimara and Khagrachhari Sadar upazilas, naming over a thousand unidentified individuals as suspects.
