Protest over schoolgirl's rape: Indefinite road blockade halts traffic in Khagrachhari as Section 144 remains in force
The district administration enforced Section 144 from 2pm yesterday in Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila and Guimara upazila, citing a “severe deterioration of law and order and the risk of harm to lives and property”
All modes of transport have remained suspended in Khagrachhari since this morning (28 September) as an indefinite road blockade continues over the alleged rape of a schoolgirl.
No fresh clashes have been reported, but security has been tightened, with police, seven platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and army patrols deployed across the district town and nearby areas, reports UNB.
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The blockade follows yesterday's (27 September) day-long protests, which saw rallies, clashes, and the imposition of Section 144 in parts of Khagrachhari.
The district administration imposed Section 144 from 2pm yesterday in Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila, and Guimara upazila, citing a "serious deterioration of law and order and risk of harm to lives and property." It has been extended indefinitely.
During Saturday's blockade, protesters and counter-groups clashed in Sadar Upazila Parishad, Mohajan Para, Narikel Bagan, Chengi Square, and Shahid Kader Road.
Police reportedly intervened with tear gas and blank shots to disperse the groups.
According to media reports, at least 25 people were injured, one critically, and several shops in Swanirbhar and Narikel Bagan were attacked.
Police reportedly detained three youths on suspicion of sabotage at a Buddhist monastery.
The blockade left around 2,000 tourists stranded in Sajek, Rangamati, as they could not return without passing through Khagrachhari. Under special arrangements, they were later escorted back and allowed to leave at night.
The protests began on Wednesday (24 September), when Jumma Chhatra-Janata demanded justice for the gang rape of a Marma girl in the Singinala area of Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila.
According to the survivor's father, his daughter went missing while returning from private tuition on Tuesday night (23 September). She was later found unconscious in a field and admitted to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
Police said a 19-year-old suspect, Shayan Sheel, was arrested with the help of the army and placed on a five-day remand. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other suspects.
Earlier, protesters blocked roads with tree trunks and bricks, set tyres on fire, vandalised an ambulance in Alutila, and attacked an auto-rickshaw in Narankhaiya.
Although police say the situation is now calm, locals remain anxious, and there are reports that protesters may call for another indefinite blockade. Superintendent of Police Md Arefin Jewel urged all parties to remain patient.
