A daylong road blockade called by ‘Jumma Chhatra-Janata’ is underway in Khagrachhari on Saturday (27 September) protesting the assault of a woman.
The blockade, which began in the morning, has brought all local and long-distance traffic in the district to a standstill, leaving residents and tourists facing severe disruptions.
According to sources, around 2,000 tourists are stranded in the Sajek Valley, while many others remain stuck in Khagrachhari town.
Md Arif, in charge of the Khagrachhari–Sajek transport counter, said more than 200 vehicles carrying about 2,000 tourists travelled to Sajek on Friday. Several more vehicles were prepared to depart on Saturday but were not allowed to leave without administrative clearance.
Protesters have blocked at least six to seven vehicles in the Bolpaiye Adam area of Khagrachhari town, forcing many passengers to walk into the city. Night coaches from various parts of the country have also been stranded at different points in the district.
Demonstrators have erected barricades on major roads, including Khagrachhari–Dhaka–Chattogram highway, and on routes to Panchhari, Dighinala and Mahalchhari by burning tyres, placing tree trunks and even felling trees directly onto the roads.
Md Faruk, a tourist from Noakhali, said he came to Khagrachhari with friends to visit Sajek but was caught off guard by the blockade. Another tourist, Md Solaiman from Gazipur, said he was travelling with young children and was unsure whether to book a hotel if the vehicles could not move.
Police said no untoward incidents have been reported so far. Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel stated that additional police forces have been deployed at key points and security has been tightened. Law enforcement is working to remove the barricades and restore normal traffic.
On 23 September, a teenage girl was allegedly gang-raped in Khagrachhari Sadar area while returning home from private tuition. The victim’s father later filed a case against three unidentified persons. With the help of the army, police arrested suspect Shayon Shil, who is now in remand.
