Khagrachhari Gate empty of tourists amid blockade
The Khagrachhari Gate area is deserted amid a road blockade called by two organizations in Sajek. Photo: Agamir Somoy
It is 8 am. The Khagrachhari Gate area is usually bustling with tourists at this time. However, the area was completely quiet due to a half day blockade in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts, including the Sajek tourist area. Shops also remained closed as no tourists were around.
The Chhatra Janata Sangram Parishad has called a half day blockade on roads and waterways in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts today, Saturday, in support of the road blockade called by two organizations in Sajek and in protest against security forces' attacks on the blockade participants.
Long distance vehicles have remained off the roads in Khagrachhari since morning due to the blockade. However, battery powered three wheelers are operating within the city. Buses that arrived in Khagrachhari early in the morning after overnight journeys entered the city under special security arrangements.
Meanwhile, at around 7:30 am, picketers attempted to stage a protest by obstructing the road in the Fire Service area in support of the blockade. Police chased them away. Apart from this incident, no other protests had been reported by morning.
Police have been deployed at various intersections across the city to maintain control of the situation. Police, members of the Detective Branch (DB) and other security personnel are also patrolling the area.
