Life in Khagrachhari is slowly returning to normal after the road blockade enforced by Jumma Chhatra Janata was suspended late Tuesday, easing the suffering of residents. However, Section 144, which bans public gatherings, is still in place in Khagrachhari Sadar and Guimara upazilas.
During a visit to Shapla Chattar in Khagrachhari town on Wednesday, vehicles were seen moving freely and most shops had reopened. Long-distance bus services also resumed in the morning. Security forces remained deployed at key intersections, checking and questioning individuals they considered suspicious.
“I can finally return home today as the blockade has been lifted,” said Anil Bikash Chakma, who had been stranded in town after visiting a doctor. Truck driver Md Zainal Abedin expressed relief that he could resume work, saying his family had suffered during the days he could not earn. At a bus counter, passenger Anil Dev, who was travelling with his family to Rangunia in Chattogram for Durga Puja, said, “We had been unable to go home for days. Today we can finally leave.”
The blockade was called off after Jumma Chhatra Janata announced on Facebook that it had received assurances from the district administration and was also considering the upcoming Durga Puja. The suspension will continue until October 5, but the group warned of tougher programmes if its eight-point demands are not met.
Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandker said Section 144 will remain in place until law enforcement deems the situation fully stable.
The protests began after a teenage girl was allegedly raped while returning from private tutoring on September 23. Her relatives found her unconscious in a field that night. Police later arrested one suspect, Shayan Sheel, while the victim’s father complained about three unidentified men.
The incident triggered widespread anger, leading Jumma Chhatra Janata to enforce a blockade across the three hill districts. Tensions escalated further on Sunday at Ramesu Bazar in Guimara upazila, where violent clashes between protesters, security forces, and locals siding with law enforcers left casualties, deepening unrest in the region.
New normal Khagrachari after 4 days long protest.
