Section 144 restrictions continue in Khagrachhari after deadly clashes as blockade on highways eased

The indefinite ban on public gatherings in Khagrachhari remains in force amid deadly unrest over the alleged rape of Marma schoolgirl, although the group protesting the incident has eased its road blockade on the Dhaka and Chattogram highways.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the "Jumma Chhatra-Janata" announced that the blockade on the Dhaka–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Khagrachhari roads would be relaxed from noon “until further notice”.

It said the move was intended to allow better medical care for those injured “by Army and police fire and settler attacks” in Guimara on Sunday, and to enable the burial of those killed during the violence.

The group also requested cooperation in ensuring the arrival of a medical team from Dhaka to treat the injured without obstruction.

Blockades will continue on all other roads in the district, the post added.

The protest action was enforced by the Jumma Chhatra-Janata from early Saturday after the alleged gang-rape of a teenage girl from the Marma community. Demonstrators blocked roads by burning tyres and felling trees.

As tensions escalated, the Upazila administration banned gatherings and assemblies under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on Saturday. Both the blockade and the restrictions continued into Monday.

Security forces set up checkpoints at Chengi Square, Shapla Chattar, College Gate, Swanirbhar and Zero Mile, questioning those moving through the restricted areas.

TRAVEL PARALYSED

Road links between Khagrachhari and Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangamati and other districts have been suspended, stranding both locals and tourists.

Connectivity with nine Upazilas, including Dighinala, Panchhari and Matiranga, remain cut off, except for emergency services.

Tourists who arrived in Khagrachhari on Friday said they were unable to visit Sajek or return home.

“Twenty-three of us arrived in Khagrachhari early on Saturday. Since then, we’ve been trapped in the town. We can’t go sightseeing, nor can we go home because of the blockade. Many others here are stuck like us,” said Mohammad Kamal Hossain, a visitor from Narayanganj.

DEADLY CLASHES IN GUIMARA

Despite the Section 144 order, three members of the hill community were killed in attacks by assailants in Guimara on Sunday.

The home ministry issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the deaths, and said those involved would be brought to justice.

Thirteen Army personnel and three police officers, including the chief of Guimara Police Station, were reportedly injured in the clashes as well.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad has appealed to protesters to lift their ongoing blockade during the Durga Puja, the biggest festival for the country's Hindu community.

In a joint statement on Sunday night, Khagrachhari puja celebration committee chief Ashok Majumder and General Secretary Tamal Das Liton urged the Jumma Chhatra-Janata to roll back the blockade for the sake of peace and festivity.

The committee also demanded the “harshest punishment” for those involved in the alleged rape of the schoolgirl in Khagracchari's Singinala on Sept 23, calling for dialogue to resolve the issues swiftly so that Durga Puja could be celebrated peacefully across communities.