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Rangamati Correspondent: At least six people—including three to four army personnel and two police officers—were injured during an exchange of fire between security forces and protesters enforcing a blockade at Ujo Bazar in Sajek, Rangamati. This information was shared by Rangamati Superintendent of Police (SP) Abdur Rakib during a press conference held at his office on Thursday (October 22) afternoon.
SP Abdur Rakib stated, "Law enforcement agencies requested the protesters at Ujo Bazar to clear the road so that tourists currently in Sajek could travel safely to their destinations. In response, the protesters threw bricks and stones at the security personnel, injuring three to four army members and two police officers."
He added that when shots were fired at the security forces, they returned fire. "An intermittent exchange of gunfire took place for nearly two hours, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM," he said.
The situation is currently calm, and Ujo Bazar is under the control of law enforcement. All tourists have safely departed from Sajek. The entire incident will be investigated, and legal action will be taken against those involved.
Earlier, around 11:00 AM on Thursday, a clash broke out at Ujo Bazar when law enforcement attempted to remove a barricade—set up as part of a blockade on the Sajek road—to facilitate the transport of tourists toward Khagrachhari.
While the protesters initially threw bricks and stones, the situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire. According to the latest reports, the tourists have reached a location near Dighinala safely.
SP Abdur Rakib reiterated that law enforcement had requested the protesters at Ujo Bazar to clear the road to allow tourists in Sajek to reach their destinations safely. The protesters responded by throwing bricks and stones at the security personnel, resulting in injuries to three to four army members and two police officers.
Subsequently, shots were fired at the security forces, who returned fire. The exchange of gunfire continued intermittently for approximately two hours, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. He further stated that the situation is currently calm and that Ujobazar is under the control of law enforcement agencies. Additionally, all tourists have left Sajek safely. He added that the entire incident will be investigated, and legal action will be taken against those involved.
BP/TD
