CHT blockade underway for second day in Rangamati

A 72-hour blockade is currently underway in the three hill districts, including Rangamati, for the second consecutive day in protest of attacks on indigenous communities.

No long-haul bus left Rangamati this morning (22 September), and inter-district bus services were also suspended.

The markets and shopping centres of Rangamati town were closed too, while the auto-rickshaws and human haulers circling the town were also not seen.

Around 11am, some picketers were seen at the Doyel Chattar area near Rangmati's old Bus Stand. All of them were transport workers, who were seen turning back the vehicles which tried to pass the area.

Contacted, General Secretary of Rangamati District CNG-Autorickshaw Workers' Union and Drivers' Welfare Association Md Mizanur Rahman Babu said, "We have informed the advisers about our demands. Although they have given us assurance, the blockade will continue until the safety of our vehicles and workers is not ensured."

When asked about the prevailing situation, Additional Superintendent of Police of Rangamati Sadar Circle Md Saiful Uddin said, "The situation is normal now. We have not heard about any untoward incident anywhere since the morning."