Normalcy is returning to the hill district Khagrachhari,
with no reports of new violence till Monday morning--the last day of the
72-hour blockade called by Jumma students protesting recent incidents.
Though long route traffic remained suspended, the presence
of inter-district vehicles was noticeable. Commuters, however, alleged that
motorbikes and autorickshaw drivers are charging extra fares taking the
advantage of the blockade. Sadar police station’s Officer-in-Charge Abdul Baten
Mridha said patrolling by the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh and police is going
on to maintain law and order. The presence of students at the educational
institutions is thin compared to other days due to the blockade.
Rangamati's Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shirin
Akter said over 1,000 tourists stranded in Sajek have not been brought back yet
as movement of vehicles from the spot remained suspended due to security
reasons. The blockade was called on Friday by protesting Jumma students and
activists based in Dhaka in response to recent violent incidents in
Khagrachhari and Rangamati. The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF)
supported the protest.
