A road blockade in Sajek, a popular tourist destination in Rangamati, has been withdrawn after one day, with the Sajek Karbari Association and the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee announcing that no blockade would be enforced on Monday or Tuesday.
The two organisations announced the withdrawal around 5pm on Sunday, October 11, following several rounds of talks with law enforcement agencies. The decision has paved the way for traffic to resume normally on the Sajek road.
The organisations had announced an indefinite blockade in a joint statement around noon on Saturday, October 10. They cited concerns over unrest among local residents, alleging that the presence of members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS-Santu group) in Sajek was creating tension.
Earlier, on October 8, the organisations had issued a 48-hour ultimatum at a rally in Ujjo Bazar in Sajek. They called the blockade after their demands were not met within the stipulated period.
The blockade caused difficulties for 1,244 tourists who had travelled from different districts across the country. The Bangladesh Army escorted them safely back to Khagrachhari.
Officer-in-Charge of Sajek Police Station Toffazzal Hossain said the law and order situation had remained normal despite the blockade. “There is no obstacle to travelling to Sajek,” he said.
According to sources at Baghaihat Zone, the Army would continue to support efforts to ensure tourists’ safety. Tourists who had been stranded were safely transported from Sajek to Khagrachhari on Sunday.
Officials responsible for Baghaihat Army Zone had earlier given special assurances regarding security arrangements for the tourists’ safe return.
