Authorities in Khagrachhari have imposed Section 144 indefinitely in the district following unrest over the alleged rape of a Marma schoolgirl.
The district commissioner, A B M Iftikharul Islam Khandakar, confirmed the move in a press release on Saturday afternoon. According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday night, and since then, protests and tensions have escalated across the hill district.
On Wednesday, police, with support from the army, arrested 19-year-old Shoyon Sheel in connection with the case. The following day, the group “Jumma Chhatra-Janata” staged a half-day road blockade in protest.
Amid ongoing demonstrations on Saturday, authorities announced the imposition of Section 144 throughout Khagrachhari Sadar and the municipality from 2:00 pm until further notice. The order restricts all gatherings, protests, and road blockades in the area. The press release warned that anyone violating the order would face legal action.
Officials cited a serious deterioration in law and order and potential threats to public safety and property as reasons for enforcing the measure under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898.
