Bangla Press Desk: The tourist hub of Sajek in Rangamati remains closed due to a blockade called by two local organizations and restrictions imposed by the administration. This has caused significant financial losses for tourism-related businesses. According to them, the closure during the peak tourist season is resulting in a daily loss of approximately 10 million (one crore) taka. Operators are being forced to cancel advance bookings for cottages and resorts and refund payments to tourists.
Given this situation, tourism-related business owners and transport workers held a protest in Khagrachhari on Friday, demanding the lifting of the travel ban while ensuring the safety of tourists.
According to the Sajek Cottage-Resort Owners Association, there are 120 cottages and resorts in Sajek. During the peak season, nearly all rooms in these establishments are booked in advance. Other sectors—including tourist transportation, restaurants, food services, and the supply of clean drinking water—are also heavily dependent on tourism; consequently, businesses in these areas are suffering as well.
Rahul Chakma Jon, the association’s organizing secretary, stated that many cottage and resort owners established their businesses using bank loans. With tourism at a standstill, their income has ceased, yet they are still required to pay loan installments. Since many livelihoods depend on this sector, a permanent solution to the situation is essential.
Indra Chakma, owner of Sajek Hillview Resort, noted that all rooms at his resort were booked in advance through October 27. Due to the closure, he has had to refund these bookings, claiming a loss of over 400,000 (four lakh) taka in the last 10 days.
Clashes surrounding the blockade and the evacuation of tourists
The 'Sajek Committee for the Protection of Public Rights' (Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee) and the 'Sajek Karbari Association' initiated an indefinite blockade of roads in Sajek on October 11, citing three primary demands. These include the removal of armed members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS)—led by Santu Larma—from the area, an end to searches of local residents' homes, and a cessation of threats against the local population. Although the blockade was temporarily suspended following assurances from the administration, it resumed last Thursday as the demands remained unmet.
Due to the blockade, approximately 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek on Thursday were evacuated toward Khagrachari with the assistance of the army and police. During this operation, a clash broke out between the protesters and law enforcement personnel in the Gangaram Ujobazar area of Baghaichhari Upazila, Rangamati. Police reported that an exchange of fire subsequently occurred involving an armed group. Five army personnel and two police officers sustained injuries during the clash.
The police allege that the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) was involved in the shooting; however, the organization has denied these allegations.
Following the clash, many residents of the Ujobazar area fled their homes, fearing for their safety. Shops in the area remained closed yesterday, and many residents have yet to return home; a tense atmosphere persists.
Demand for Lifting Restrictions
Yesterday afternoon, tourism-related business owners and transport workers held a protest march and rally at Shapla Chattar in the Khagrachari municipality. The rally was presided over by Ayush Chakma, president of the Hill Transport Association. Speakers demanded the immediate lifting of the travel ban to Sajek—ensuring tourist safety in the process—and the restoration of normal transport services. They also called for effective measures to put an end to extortion in the hill tracts. Furthermore, the speakers issued a warning of intensified protests if their demands are not met within 48 hours.
Meanwhile, the 'Student-People's Struggle Council' (Chhatra-Janatar Sangram Parishad) has called for a half-day blockade of road and waterway transport in Rangamati and Khagrachari today, Saturday, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This action is being taken to protest the attacks, beatings, and the destruction of homes and shops in Sajek, as well as to support the demands of the local residents.
BP/SP
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