Khagrachhari blockade disrupts transport as protesters block roads

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A half-day blockade of roads and waterways disrupted transport in Khagrachhari and Rangamati on Saturday following allegations of attacks on protesters in Sajek.

The blockade, organised by the Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad, began in the morning, suspending long-distance bus services between Khagrachhari and destinations including Dhaka and Chattogram.

Protesters set tyres on fire near the Fire Service station in Khagrachhari town and placed logs and burning tyres at several points along the Khagrachhari–Chattogram highway, Panchhari road and Sajek road.

Traffic remained light across the district’s nine upazilas. No major incidents were reported in the morning, while the army and police stayed on alert to maintain order.

Security personnel patrolled different parts of the town. Protesters manning several roadblocks fled as army personnel approached, while the disruption left many passengers stranded.

Businessman Md Bayezid, who had travelled from Magura, said he was unable to find transport to Marishya. He said he learned about the blockade only after arriving in Khagrachhari and was struggling to make the remaining 50-kilometre journey.

Local resident Ganesh Tripura also said he could not find transport to Matiranga despite needing to travel there urgently. He called for peace and said residents did not want such blockades.

Tourist Dewan Oishi said she had been stranded for three days after failing to visit Sajek. She had travelled to Khagrachhari on Wednesday for the trip, later visited Rangamati town because Sajek was closed, and returned to Khagrachhari. She said she planned to return to Dhaka once the blockade ended.

Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station chief Md Kai Kislu said police were working to keep the situation under control. Officers were deployed at several locations, including Chengi Square, Swanirvar, Zero Mile and Alutila, supported by two mobile teams.

Police also escorted buses arriving from Dhaka into Khagrachhari overnight, Kislu said.