Section 144 amid blockade over rape of Khagrachhari girl

The local administration yesterday imposed Section 144 in Khagrachhari as tensions flared during a dawn-to-dusk road blockade in the district, demanding justice for the rape of a schoolgirl.

According to an order signed by District Magistrate ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondokar, the restriction on public gatherings will remain in effect for an indefinite period.

The order states that Section 144 has been imposed to prevent potential untoward situations due to a significant deterioration in law and order in Khagrachhari municipality and Sadar upazila.

However, despite Section 144 being in effect, violence erupted near the Youngdo Buddhist Temple in Khagrachhari town around 7:00pm. Two individuals were rescued and taken to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital; one was later transferred to a private facility for advanced care.

Khagrachari Civil Surgeon Mohammad Saber reported that 23 injured people sought treatment throughout the day. Of them, 21 were discharged after receiving primary care, while two were admitted.

Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 tourists were escorted from Sajek to Khagrachari under security force protection last night.

In a statement, Border Guard Bangladesh said, "Seven platoons of BGB have been deployed to maintain law and order in Khagrachhari."

During yesterday's blockade, which started at 5:00am under the banner of "Jumma Chhatra-Janata", traffic on the Chattogram–Khagrachhari, Khagrachhari–Rangamati and Khagrachhari–Sajek roads became suspended.

Tyres were set on fire, and tree trunks were placed on the roads at different parts of the district.

Protesters alleged that during the blockade, they were attacked near the Sadar upazila office premises, leaving protesters injured.

Jumma Chhatra-Janata spokesperson Ukenyu Marma said, "From the beginning, we have been observing the blockade peacefully. We urge everyone to end the blockade in a peaceful manner."

"However, some miscreants have tried in different ways to undermine the legitimacy of our student- and public-led blockade," he added.

Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel said police were trying to restore order in the area.

The rape incident reportedly occurred on September 23 when the class-eight girl was returning from private tuition around 9:00pm.

The victim's father filed a case on September 24 with Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station against three unidentified men.

So far, police have arrested one suspect, who was placed on a six-day remand by a court.