schoolgirl rape

Normalcy returns to Khagrachhari as blockade withdrawn after 4 days

Life in Khagrachhari has begun returning to normal since Tuesday night after a four-day disruption, as a road blockade enforced by a group was suspended until October 5. Though long-distance transport services have not fully resumed, a few vehicles left the district on Wednesday morning. Passenger presence increased at bus counters while limited traffic was seen in the town and surrounding areas. Business establishments, including shops reopened after remaining shut for four days. The indefinite blockade was called by an organisation named ‘Jumma Chhatra-Janata’ in protest of the alleged rape of a schoolgirl. On Tuesday night, the group announced on its Facebook page that the blockade would be suspended out of respect for the Durga Puja and in light of assurances from the administration to meet their eight-point demand. Situation in Khagrachhari now normal: Home Adviser But, Section 144, imposed by the district administration, remains in effect. Despite the suspension, tension persists among locals as additional security measures continue in Khagrachhari and Guimara, with army patrols, BGB and police patrolling. A five-member panel was formed to investigate the recent incidents. Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Shaber said he could not confirm social media claims that medical tests found no evidence of rape, noting that the report would be submitted to court through police. During the blockade on September 27 and 28, at least three people were killed and many injured in clashes. Several shops, homes, and offices in Guimara, including Ramsu Bazar, were set on fire. Officer-in-charge of Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station Abdul Baten Mridha said normalcy is gradually being restored, with vehicles running and no fresh incidents reported.

2 months ago

Khagrachhari unrest: Blockade cripples life for third straight day

Tension remains high in Khagrachhari district following Sunday’s violence and protests over the alleged rape of a schoolgirl, which left three people dead and several others injured in Guimara upazila. Meanwhile, the indefinite road blockade organised under the banner of Jumma students and local residents entered its third day on Monday, bringing normal life to a near standstill. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Khagrachhari District Hospital late on Sunday evening, but their identities have yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile the blockade on roads connecting Dhaka and Chhatogram has been relaxed temporarily to facilitate services from 12pm on Monday. Army issues statement on communal violence in Khagrachhari Jumma students and local residents announced the relaxation via a Facebook post on Monday morning. According to the post, the roads will be open from 12pm until further notice to allow critically injured Jumma protesters, who were hurt in clashes with law enforcers in Guimara upazila, to receive treatment and to facilitate the proper burial of deceased Jumma victims. The post also reads that a medical team from Dhaka is scheduled to arrive and authorities at all levels were urged to ensure unobstructed access. Unrest erupted in the hill district after the reported rape of a schoolgirl on the night of September 23. Businesses belonging to both hill and Bengali communities have been attacked and vandalised in various parts of Khagrachhari over the past few days. At least three people were killed and several others injured in an armed attack by miscreants in Guimara upazila on Sunday. In an official statement issued on Sunday evening, the Ministry of Home Affairs expressed deep sorrow over the killings and extended sympathy to those injured, including an army major, 13 army personnel, the officer-in-charge of Guimara Police Station, three other policemen and several others. Section 144 has been imposed in Khagrachhari town, Sadar upazila and Guimara upazila. The movement of all modes of transport has been suspended since Sunday morning, disrupting daily life. Protesters are reportedly setting up hidden barricades at various points, although they have not appeared openly. Streets in the town and its outskirts remain deserted, with residents largely confined to their homes except for urgent needs. Trucks and pickups carrying raw materials to markets in Longdu, Bagaichhari and other areas remained stranded, causing widespread disruption to trade and everyday activities. Army personnel, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police forces remain deployed across different areas. Although one suspect has been arrested in connection with the rape of the schoolgirl, two others are still at large.

2 months ago