Around 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek Valley were safely evacuated to Khagrachhari following a blockade and exchange of gunfire between law enforcement agencies and an armed group.
The disruption began early Thursday morning when local demonstrators backed by the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) blocked the Sajek-Baghaihat road near Gangaram Bazar and Ujo Bazar with tree trunks. The Sajek Karbari Association and the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee called the indefinite blockade to demand the removal of armed members belonging to the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS-Santu Larma) from the region.
Around 8:30 am a convoy of roughly 450 vehicles carrying tourists attempted to leave Sajek Valley but was halted by blockaders. In response to the escalating tension, the local administration temporarily closed the Sajek Valley Tourist Centre on safety grounds.
Efforts by the Bangladesh Army and police to negotiate a peaceful passage were met with violence around 10:45 am, as protesters hurled bricks and stones at security personnel and tourists also injuring several officers and visitors. Law enforcers used batons to disperse the crowd and clear the road.
Tensions escalated further around 11:00 am when armed UPDF operatives opened fire on security personnel firing approximately 30 to 40 rounds. Army units returned fire in self-defence also forcing the attackers to retreat after an exchange that lasted until nearly 1:00 pm.
In a press release, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate stated that the blockade and subsequent gunfire were pre-planned by the UPDF. ISPR also condemned the group for allegedly intimidating local residents into acting as human shields, noting that such violent disruptions severely harm regional stability, tourism and local livelihoods.
Conversely, the UPDF rejected the allegations. UPDF spokesperson Angya Marma claimed news of the shootout was "false and fabricated" asserting that security forces fired indiscriminately to disrupt a peaceful protest and engaged in baton charges and intimidation.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib confirmed that security forces restored order and successfully escorted all stranded tourists out of the area under tight guard. No casualties were reported and authorities announced that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the violence.
