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Published : 29 Sep 2025, 07:34 PM
Section 144 restriction has remained in force for a third consecutive day in Khagrachhari town, Sadar municipality and Guimara Upazila following unrest over the alleged rape of a Marma schoolgirl.
Although no fresh violence was reported on Monday morning, Guimara continued to see a tense calm after clashes on Sunday left three people dead.
Vehicular movement between Khagrachhari, Dhaka and Chattogram resumed from Monday noon after the blockade was partially lifted.
Road links to Rangamati, however, remain cut off due to the shutdown enforced by Jummo Chhatra Janata, while connections with nine other Upazilas including Dighinala, Panchari and Matiranga are also suspended. Only emergency services are being allowed.
The suspension of road transport for three days has left residents struggling.
A total of 518 tourists, stranded in Sajek, were brought back under Army protection and reached Khagrachhari town on Monday afternoon.
Checkposts have been set up at Chenghi Square, Shapla Chattar, College Gate, Swanirbhar and Zero Mile in the district town. People on the streets are being questioned.
The current spell of unrest began on Wednesday, after a Marma teenager was found “unconscious” in a field the night before.
Her father filed a rape complaint at Sadar Police Station late Tuesday. Police, with assistance from the Army, arrested a suspect early Wednesday morning.
Protests demanding justice soon erupted across Khagrachhari and turned violent.
Despite the imposition of Section 144, banning all gatherings and deployment of additional Army and BGB troops, the situation deteriorated.
On Sunday, three people were shot dead during clashes in Guimara.
The victims, all aged between 20 and 22, were residents of Halfchhari Union of the Upazila.
They were named as Teiching Marma, 20, son of Alakai Marma from Ramsu Bazar, Athuihpru Marma, 21, son of Thuhlaiang Marma from Amtali Para, and Akhrao Marma, 22, son of Hasu Marma from Cheng Guli Para.
A major in the Army was among 16 personnel injured in the clashes, while Guimara Police chief and two others were also hurt.
Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General Ahsan Habib Palash said postmortem examinations had been completed. One of the injured was transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.
Khagracchari Civil Surgeon Saber Ahmed said, “From Sunday to this morning, 14 patients were admitted. One was referred to Chattogram last night, while 13 remain under treatment.”
Guimara Police chief Md Enamul Haque Chowdhury said Army, BGB and police patrols have been running since Monday morning.
“The situation is now under control. No untoward incidents or reports of picketing have been received,” he added.
