The supporters of a dawn-to-dusk blockade set tyres on fire and place tree branches on the road in Khagrachhari on Saturday.

The operations of all modes of transport have remained suspended since Sunday morning, September 28, as an indefinite road blockade continues in Khagrachhari, protesting the alleged rape of a schoolgirl.

Although no untoward incidents have been reported so far, security has been tightened in the district town and surrounding areas. Police, along with seven platoons of members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and army patrols, are maintaining order.

The blockade follows Saturday’s clashes and protests.

The situation remains tense, with residents staying indoors in fear. Business establishments, including shops across the town and suburbs, remain shut.

Meanwhile, the local administration on Saturday, September 27, imposed Section 144 for an indefinite period in Khagrachhari municipality, Sadar upazila, and Guimara.

Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandakar said the restriction will remain in force until the situation improves.

The unrest stems from a September 23 incident, when three youths allegedly raped an indigenous eighth-grade student in the Singinala area while she was returning home from private tuition.

The victim’s father filed a case with Sadar Police Station that night against three unidentified men.

Police, with the help of the army, arrested a suspect, Nayan Shil, the following morning.

Source: UNB