Uneasy calm in Khagrachhari after deadly clashes over schoolgirl rape
Life in Rangamati was normal, minor protests in Bandarban
Highlights
- Three Marma youths killed in protests over alleged rape
- Section 144 imposed by authorities
- Blockade enforced in hill districts with minor protests in Bandarban
- Protesters demanded arrests, compensation, treatment, and repeal of Section 144
Following Sunday's deadly violence in Khagrachhari over the alleged rape of a Marma schoolgirl, the district remained eerily quiet yesterday (29 September), while life in neighbouring Rangamati returned to normal and minor protests took place in Bandarban.
Three people were killed and several others injured during clashes in Guimara upazila amid a blockade called to protest the rape. The incident prompted the Jumma Chhatra Janata to announce an indefinite blockade across the three hill districts on Sunday night.
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The group later said on Facebook that blockades on the Dhaka–Khagrachhari and Chattogram–Khagrachhari roads would be eased from midday yesterday.
Rejecting an army statement on the incident, the group also claimed it concealed key details and misrepresented the events of 27–28 September.
Eerie calm under Section 144
Sheikh Billal Hossain, additional superintendent of Khagrachhari police, told The Business Standard that no fresh clashes were reported.
"Khagrachhari is currently calm. Light vehicles are moving within the town. Section 144 restricts public gatherings, and most shops remain closed except those selling essentials," he said.
Law enforcement agencies stayed on high alert to prevent further unrest.
Local journalist Nurussfa Manik said traffic on the Dhaka-Khagrachhari and Chattogram-Khagrachhari highways resumed from noon, though movement between the district town and upazilas remained limited.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Saber said no new patients were admitted. "Treatment continues for ten people injured over the past two days, and post-mortem examinations are under way for the three bodies received on Sunday afternoon," he said.
Police have identified the three deceased – all Marma residents aged between 20 and 22 – as Teiching Marma of Ramsu Bazar, Athuihpru Marma of Amtali Para, and Akhrao Marma of Cheng Guli Para, all from Halfchhari Union in Guimara.
Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondker said the administration was holding dialogues with all sides to maintain peace.
Normalcy in Rangamati, minor protest in Bandarban
Authorities said the violence did not spill over into Rangamati, where life remained normal despite calls for a hill-wide blockade. Traffic operated smoothly across the district and its upazilas, though the Dhaka–Khagrachhari road remained closed.
In Rowangchhari, Bandarban, the Adivasi Chhatra Janata held a peaceful procession demanding justice for the rape and subsequent killings. Local residents said life elsewhere in the district continued as usual.
Resident Biplob Chakraborty told TBS, "Traffic is normal in Bandarban. The blockade had little effect, though tension from the Khagrachhari incident lingers."
Bandarban Superintendent of Police Md Shahidullah Kawsar said, "The Rowangchhari procession was peaceful. Protesters dispersed by 10am. No other incidents occurred, and traffic remains normal."
Protesters issue eight demands
The Jumma Chhatra Janata, which enforced the blockade, issued eight demands, including the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the remaining rape suspects, compensation for damages, and state-funded treatment for the injured.
The group also sought the unconditional release of arrested students, an independent probe into alleged army-settler violence on 27-28 September, safety guarantees for all dialogue participants, and repeal of Section 144.
It warned of tougher action if demands were ignored.
According to police, the schoolgirl was allegedly gang-raped on Tuesday night while returning home and was later found unconscious in a field around 11pm. One suspect has been arrested and placed on six-day remand.
During Sunday's blockade, a market in Guimara was set ablaze, destroying several shops and damaging nearby homes. Later that day, clashes in Ramsu Bazar left three people dead and at least ten injured.
Meanwhile, rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expressed deep concern over the violence, urging the government to launch a judicial inquiry, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the safety of the victim and her family.
ASK also stressed that any alleged use of excessive force must be investigated without delay.
