Dhaka, Bangladesh – An indefinite road blockade at Sajek in Rangamati continued into its third day on Saturday, with joint forces patrolling the area to maintain law and order.
The blockade is being enforced jointly by the Sajek Ganadhikar Rakkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. Their three demands include the immediate removal of armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (Santu group) from the area and ensuring the security of local residents.
Authorities reported no untoward incident during the day.
The army, police and other law‑enforcement agencies are working together to safeguard people staying in Sajek and to preserve peace.
In parallel, a half‑day road and waterway blockade was observed in Khagrachhari as protesters reacted to a gunfight at Ujjobazar in Sajek.
The Chhatra‑Janata Sangram Parishad announced a half‑day blockade in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts starting at 5 a.m., supporting the ongoing movement in Sajek.
Early on Saturday, protesters set tyres on fire and blocked a road in the South Khobongpuria area of the district town. Law‑enforcement agencies later removed the burning tyres and cleared the road for traffic.
Earlier on Thursday, nearly 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley were evacuated with the help of the army and police amid the indefinite blockade.
Armed members of the UPDF allegedly opened fire on tourists and law‑enforcement personnel during the evacuation.
Why it matters
The blockade hampers tourism and highlights ongoing security tensions in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, affecting local livelihoods and national stability.