Section 144 restrictions imposed in Khagrachhari since Saturday remain in effect, though the “Jumma Student and Public Forum” has temporarily relaxed its blockade on the Dhaka–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Khagrachhari highways.
The group’s media cell announced the partial withdrawal on Facebook Monday morning, saying the decision was taken to ensure treatment for those injured in Sunday’s clashes in Guimara and to allow the burial of those killed.
“Until further notice, the blockade on Dhaka–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Khagrachhari roads will be lifted from noon to facilitate medical care for the injured and burial of the deceased,” the post read, urging full cooperation with a medical team arriving from Dhaka. The post added that blockades on all other district roads would continue.
The protest began early Saturday in response to the reported gang rape of a Marma schoolgirl in Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar. Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tires and tree trunks. In response to mounting tension, local authorities imposed Section 144 from Saturday afternoon.
On Monday, security forces maintained checkpoints at key locations including Chengi Square, Shapla Chattar, College Gate, Swanirbhar and Zero Mile, questioning people moving through the restricted areas.
The ongoing unrest has disrupted road communications between Khagrachhari and Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangamati and other parts of the country, stranding thousands of passengers, including tourists. Public transport in Dighinala, Panchhari and Matiranga upazilas has also been suspended except for emergency services.
Tourists visiting Khagrachhari were among those trapped. Mohammad Kamal Hossain from Narayanganj said his 23-member group arrived early Saturday and has been unable to move since. “We cannot travel or return home due to the blockade,” he told reporters at Shapla Chattar on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of three indigenous people during Sunday’s violence in Guimara, which occurred despite Section 144. The ministry said 13 members of the armed forces, including a major, and three police officers including the Guimara police chief were also injured. It pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Amid the tension, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Committee has appealed to the “Jumma Student and Public Forum” to suspend the blockade during Durga Puja festivities. In a joint statement Sunday night, Khagrachhari chapter president Ashok Majumdar and general secretary Tamal Dash Liton urged organizers to call off the protests to allow the annual festival to be observed peacefully.
They also demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of the gang rape and called for an immediate, dialogue-based resolution to the crisis so that Sharadiya Durga Puja could be celebrated in an atmosphere of communal harmony.
