A 72-hour road and waterways blockade in three hill districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban – since 6am this morning has resulted in no long-distance vehicles operating in the areas, disrupting communications.
The blockade – CHT Blockade – came following the death of four people in Khagrachari and Rangamati amid clashes between indigenous communities and Bangalis.
The 72-hour blockade was called under the banner of “Aggrieved Jumma Chhatra Janata” to protest incidents of attacks and arson, demanding the punishment of the culprits.
The blockade was announced yesterday (20 September) at a protest rally in Chattogram city.
Communications between Chattogram, Rangamati and Bandarban are also disrupted. Buses to the districts from Dhaka have also not left.
In Rangamati, CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, which usually cover short distances, were also seen kept off the roads.
Shops and businesses in the areas have also been asked to remain closed.
Yesterday, the administration concerned issued section-144 in both Khagrachari and Rangamati to bring a volatile situation under control.
