72-hour roads, waterways blockade underway in Khagrachhari, Rangamati

Staff Correspondent: A 72-hour roads and waterways blockade is underway in protest against the recent attacks, arson, and violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts.

No long-distance vehicles have left Khagrachhari, although some light vehicles were seen operating within the town as the day progressed, reports out Khagrachhari correspondent.

Superintendent of Police of the district Md. Arefin Jewel confirmed the situation.

“The overall law and order situation in the district remains peaceful, with no new reports of unrest,” he said.

72-hour roads, waterways blockade underway in Khagrachhari, Rangamati

The blockade was called from a rally in Dhaka on Friday protesting violence in the two hill districts, with regional organization United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) declaring their support and participation in the protest.

UNB Rangamati correspondent also reported that long distance vehicles movement remained suspended in the town since morning due to the blockade.

Shops and markets were also closed in the town.

On Wednesday morning, a man named Mamun was severely injured in a lynch-mob attack after being accused of theft in Khagrachari, later he died while receiving treatment at a Khagrachhari hospital.

Following this incident, further unrest led to the deaths of three people and injuries to several others in Dighinala and Khagrachari sadar. Over a hundred shops were set on fire in Dighinala.

A high-level delegation led by Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, is schedule to visit Khagrachhari today to monitor the situation.

He will meet with local political leaders in the afternoon to discuss measures to restore law and order in the district. Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry Adviser Suprodip Chakma and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser AF Hassan Arif are among delegation members.