Transport shutdown continues in Khagrachhari

A lull has descended on Khagrachhari and Rangamati in the wake of the violent clashes between ethnic minorities and Bengalis that resulted in four deaths in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.

A transportation shutdown is underway in the southeastern districts, while educational institutions were devoid of students and shops remained shuttered.

Forty-six hours after the onset of disturbances, a ban on public gatherings under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure was lifted at 11am on Sunday in Rangamati, a day after the order was removed in Khagrachhari.

During the second day of a 72-hour blockade initiated by the group ‘Bikkhubda Jumma Chhatra-Janata’ in response to attacks, murders, and arson against hill communities, protesters demonstrated by burning tyres on roads in Khagrachhari, Sajek, Panchhari, and Ramgarh.

Consequently, transport links have not only been disrupted between Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Dhaka, and Chattogram, but also within local Upazilas such as Dighinala, Panchhari, and Matiranga.

Khagrachhari Police Superintendent Md Arefin Jewel said the blockade has remained peaceful, adding: "Security has been strengthened to prevent violence. Patrols by the army, BGB, and police have been intensified."

Despite the withdrawal of the Section 144 ban, life in Rangamati town has yet to return to normal after Friday’s unrest.

The 72-hour blockade by the aggrieved ethnic minority students has been compounded by an ongoing, indefinite strike by transportation workers, further stalling vehicle movement.

This has forced both government and private officials to commute by motorcycle or on foot.

At Banarupa’s vegetable market, a few people, compelled by necessity, are shopping, but the lack of public transport has rendered the town eerily quiet.

Teachers are arriving at educational institutions on foot and on time, yet the lack of students has left them to pass the time in idle conversation. A similar atmosphere pervaded local offices.

Firoz Al Mahmud Sohel, head of the Birth Registration Department of Rangamati Municipality, said, "We are typically very busy. The current crisis and transport shutdown have left the area deserted."

Transport owners and workers have continued their strike, having received no response from the administration.

"Unless compensation for damaged vehicles and drivers is provided, and until the administration offers assurances, the strike will continue," said Mizanur Rahman Babu, general secretary of the Autorickshaw Drivers' Association.

"We have not yet been called for discussions," he added.

Security measures remain tight in the town with military, police, BGB, and Ansar personnel stationed at various points.

At 11am, the district's Deputy Commissioner Mosharraf Hossain Khan and Police Superintendent Forhad Hossain surveyed areas affected by Friday’s violence.

Khan explained that the need to stabilise the situation in the town prompted the local administration to lift the ban on gatherings under Section 144.

Additionally, a peace meeting is scheduled for 3pm on Sunday at the district administration offices.

Meanwhile, local BNP leaders Advocate Mamunur Rashid and Saiful Islam Shakil have advised Rangamati residents to ignore any rumours of unrest.

The ongoing blockade, however, has left about 1,500 people stranded in the tourist hub of Sajek Valley.

Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akhtar said, "Due to security concerns associated with the blockade, no vehicles were allowed to leave on Saturday. All tourists stranded in Sajek are safe and well. Further actions will depend on the how the situation evolves."