72-hour ‘CHT blockade’ underway; indefinite transport strike in Rangamati

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.

It 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.

Amid the burning of CNG run-autorickshaws, transport association leaders have also called an indefinite strike in Rangamati, while long-buses have been suspended on Khagrachari.

Heavy presence of army, police and other law enforcement officials has also been observed at main junctions. 

Aside from public transport, few private vehicles could also be seen on the roads in the areas. 

Nirnimesh Dewan, president of the Jeep Owners Association, said, "Our vehicles operate on various roads from Khagrachari to Chattogram. But we are not doing so now due to the blockade."

In Rangamati, CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, which usually cover short distances, were also seen kept off the roads.

The town wears a deserted look.

Shops and businesses in the areas have also been asked to remain closed.

Some cargo vehicles were seen to be grounded. Private vehicles, including motorcycles, were however, seen on inner roads.

General Secretary of Rangamati District Rickshaw Pullers Union Mizanur Rahman Babu said, "We will not withdraw from the movement unless our demands are met."

Some locals said the situation was still at a standstill. They were afraid to leave their homes even to buy essentials.

Meanwhile, three advisors are visiting Rangamati and Khagrachari districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts today to discuss the ongoing situation. They are, Home Affairs Advisor Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury , Advisor in charge of the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Hasan Arif. 

They will observe the emerging situation and exchange views with the locals.

Yesterday, the administration concerned issued section-144 in both Khagrachari and Rangamati to bring a volatile situation under control.