Half-Day Road Blockade in Khagrachhari and Rangamati Over Sajek Incident

A half-day road blockade is underway in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts in protest against allegations of attacks on blockade participants, baton charges, and vandalism of homes and shops in Sajek, Rangamati. The Student-People’s Struggle Council is observing the blockade on Saturday, October 24, in solidarity with the demands of Sajek residents.

The blockade has halted long-distance bus services from Khagrachhari to Dhaka and Chattogram, as well as traffic on internal roads across the district. Many commuters and working people have been left stranded, although some light vehicles have continued to operate on a limited scale in parts of the town and its outskirts.

Early Saturday morning, picketers set tyres on fire to obstruct traffic in the Dakshin Khobongpuria area of Khagrachhari district headquarters. Law enforcement personnel later removed the tyres and cleared the road. No other untoward incidents had been reported elsewhere in the district at the time of reporting.

Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Md. Mortoza Ali Khan said police had been deployed at key locations to prevent any further incidents during the blockade.

Meanwhile, the blockade on the Sajek road in Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati has continued for a third consecutive day. The Sajek People's Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association called the action to press three demands, including the removal of armed members allegedly affiliated with the faction supported by the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), led by Santu Larma.

During the ongoing blockade, allegations emerged that participants were attacked, subjected to baton charges, and that homes and shops were vandalized in the Ujho Bazar area of Sajek on Thursday. The Student-People’s Struggle Council called the half-day blockade in both districts to protest these alleged incidents and express solidarity with Sajek residents.

Nirmal Chakma, the organization’s organizing secretary, announced the programme in a press release. Disruptions to road transport have raised concerns among commuters, transport operators and businesses linked to tourism.

Law enforcement surveillance has been strengthened in key and sensitive areas to maintain normal conditions and ensure public safety.