Day-long road blockade underway in Khagrachhari over gang rape of schoolgirl
Passenger and goods transport from the district remains suspended, while limited public transport continues to operate around the town
Protests demanding justice for the alleged gang rape of a schoolgirl in Khagrachhari have entered a second day, with demonstrators enforcing a day-long road blockade across the district today (27 September).
The blockade, called by protesters under the banner of Jumma Chhatra-Janata, began at 5am and is scheduled to continue until 6pm.
The group had announced the programme at a rally following earlier demonstrations yesterday (26 September).
During the blockade, protesters set tyres on fire and erected barriers at several key points, including the entrance to Khagrachhari town in Chengi Bridge Union Parishad, Chengi Square, and Narayan Khaiya.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Internal routes in Dighinala, Mahalchhari, and Panchhari were blocked using tree trunks, bricks, and burning tyres.
Picketing has also been reported on regional highways in Ramgarh, Manikchhari, and Guimara upazilas. As a result, many long-distance night coaches, including those from Dhaka, remain stranded at various points.
Transport leaders said no decision has yet been made regarding the movement of tourist vehicles on the Khagrachhari–Sajek route.
Passenger and goods transport from the district remains suspended, while limited public transport continues to operate around the town.
Abdul Baten Mridha, officer-in-charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, said, "Although vehicles are being obstructed at various points, work is underway to remove the barriers. Police have been deployed at different locations."
The protests began on Wednesday (24 September), when Jumma Chhatra-Janata called for punishment of those allegedly involved in the gang rape of a girl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar on Tuesday (23 September).
On Thursday (25 September), the group enforced a half-day blockade before escalating to yesterday's rally and today's day-long programme.
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF)-backed Hill Students' Council, Hill Women's Federation, and Ganotantric Jubo Forum have expressed solidarity with the movement.
According to media reports, the victim's father said his daughter, an eighth-grader, went missing while returning from private tuition on Tuesday.
Family members and locals later found her unconscious in a field around 11pm. She was taken to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.
Police said one suspect has been arrested and placed on a five-day remand by court order, while efforts continue to apprehend others involved.
Speaking to UNB, OC Abdul Baten said a suspect, Shoyon Shil, was arrested with the assistance of the army and a court put him on remand.
At yesterday's rally, speakers accused law enforcement of negligence, saying the delay in arrests had emboldened the perpetrators
