A scene of Khagrachari Sadar during the ongoing blockade in the district. Photo: Courtesy
A 72-hour road and waterways blockade is underway in three hill districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban.
The blockade begins since 6am on Saturday morning which has resulted in halt of playing long-distance vehicles in the areas, disrupting communications.
The CHT blockade came following the death of four people in Khagrachari and Rangamati amid clashes between indigenous communities and Bangalis.
Though the blockade programme is underway, no reports of untoward incident were received so far. Even there were no reports of picketing in support of the blockade.
Army, police, and BGB personnel were seen patrolling in Khagrachari since morning. The law and order situation was normal in the district, reports our Khagrachari correspondent.
Khagrachari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Baten Mridha said that overall situation is in normal in the city with no reports of untoward incident were received so far. Additional security measures have been taken to maintain law and order situation in the district town.
However, tourists visiting Khagrachari are facing sufferings due to the blockade. Khagrachari Jeep Owners Association’s lineman Arif said, “All vehicles heading for Sajek have been stopped for the blockade. If the administration decides, the vehicle will be released.
He said 80 cars left Khagrachari last Friday and around 600 tourists are waiting for departure.
Arafat Ali Mondal, a tourist who came to visit Khagrachari from Naogaon, said that they came to Khagrachari with a team of 10 people to go to visit Sajek. After the arrival, we came to know the about the siege.
He said the hotel was booked in advance, they were contacted, the hotel was not informed about the blockade.
The 72-hour blockade was called under the banner of "Aggrieved Jumma Chhatra Janata" to protest incidents of attacks and arson, demanding the punishment of the culprits.
The blockade was announced yesterday (20 September) at a protest rally in Chattogram city.
Communications between Chattogram, Rangamati and Bandarban are also disrupted. Buses to the districts from Dhaka have also not left.
In Rangamati, CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, which usually cover short distances, were also seen kept off the roads.
Shops and businesses in the areas have also been asked to remain closed.
On Friday, the administration concerned issued section-144 in both Khagrachari and Rangamati to bring a volatile situation under control.
