C T Online Desk: Over 800 tourists have been stranded in Sajek due to a transport strike and a 72-hour blockade across the three hill districts following incidents of violence in Rangamati and Khagrachhari.
On Saturday morning, the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) announced the blockade in response to clashes in Rangamati on Friday, which resulted in damaged buses, CNG autorickshaws, and trucks, as well as injuries to workers.
The owners and workers jointly called for an indefinite transport strike as a result of these incidents.
The blockade has primarily affected those who travelled to Sajek from Khagrachhari on Friday.
Suparna Deb Barman, president of the Sajek Cottage Owners Association, said that arrangements will be made to return tourists once the situation improves.
According to Md Yasin Arafat, a transport worker in Khagrachhari said: “On Friday morning and afternoon, 115 jeeps and over 50 CNG-driven Mahindra vehicles entered Sajek, with each jeep carrying 12-14 passengers.”
He said that blockade supporters have set fires at various locations on the roads, and there are reports of planks being removed from bailey bridges, making it dangerous for vehicles carrying tourists. Consequently, the association decided not to allow any vehicles to return from Sajek.
Suparna Deb Barman said that over 800 tourists are currently stranded in Sajek due to the blockade and mentioned that law enforcement is in regular contact with them.
A youth named Md Mamun lost his life in a beating incident related to a motorcycle theft in Khagrachhari, which sparked protests and subsequent violence in the hill town of Rangamati.
Shirin Akhtar, the Upazila Executive Officer of Baghaichhari in Rangamati, said that no vehicles were allowed to operate on Saturday due to the risks posed by the blockade, and the situation will determine further actions.
