Tourists Face Disruption as Road Blockade in Sajek Sparks Standoff with Security Forces

An indefinite blockade of the tourist road leading to Sajek in Rangamati has caused difficulties for travellers, with reports of a standoff involving protesters, security forces and tourists in Khagrachhari. Journalists were also reportedly present at the scene as tensions developed. Protesters alleged that tourists were being deliberately transported from Khagrachhari to Sajek despite the ongoing blockade.

The blockade has been organised by the Sajek Karbari Association and the Sajek People's Rights Protection Committee. Protesters are demanding the withdrawal of armed members allegedly affiliated with the Santu Larma-led faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) from the area. According to sources familiar with the programme, the organisers have announced that the blockade will continue until their demands are met.

The protesters alleged that armed JSS members stationed in Machalong and other parts of Sajek have been intimidating, harassing and mistreating local residents. They also accused the Bangladesh Army of providing assistance and food supplies to the alleged armed members.

However, no independently verified evidence supporting these allegations was available for this report. Official responses from the relevant authorities have also yet to be independently confirmed.

Meanwhile, some parties have claimed that the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF), another regional political organisation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is involved in organising the blockade. According to those making the claims, the blockade would be withdrawn if the alleged JSS armed members left the area.

However, UPDF's alleged involvement in the blockade and the organisation's official position on the matter could not be independently verified.

The JSS and UPDF have long been involved in political disputes and allegations of clashes over territorial influence and control in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. At various times, tensions between regional organisations have affected the security, daily lives and economic activities of local communities.

Recent allegations concerning the movement and presence of armed members in different areas have added further sensitivity to the situation.

There have also been allegations that competition between the two sides to expand their influence and establish control in the hill region has intensified following the change of government.

Alongside allegations of increased JSS activities in several areas, its continuing disputes with UPDF have also drawn attention.

However, establishing the actual circumstances surrounding these developments requires reliable information, eyewitness accounts and official explanations from law enforcement agencies.

Sajek is one of Bangladesh's most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors from different parts of the country every day.

A prolonged blockade of the tourist road could create uncertainty over transportation, accommodation and safety for travellers. Tourists travelling with families and children may face particular difficulties under such circumstances.

Clear instructions from the relevant authorities regarding tourist movement during the blockade are therefore essential.

If travel restrictions are imposed due to security concerns, tourists should be informed in advance, and appropriate arrangements should be made to ensure that stranded visitors can reach their destinations safely.

Those concerned have also emphasised the importance of engaging in dialogue with the protesters to minimise public inconvenience.

In the interests of security and tourism in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, allegations of armed conflict, intimidation and restrictions on civilian movement require impartial investigation.

Allegations against any organisation should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence, and any action taken by the authorities should be based on verified information.

Official statements from the Bangladesh Army, police, local administration, JSS and UPDF would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the blockade.

Administrative decisions regarding the current status of the blockade, tourist safety and the restoration of normal traffic movement along the road will also be important.

Maintaining a stable environment in tourism-dependent Sajek requires ensuring the safety of local communities, visitors and all other stakeholders.

Effective measures by the relevant authorities are essential to prevent ordinary residents and tourists from suffering as a result of political disputes or conflicts between regional organisations.