Khagrachhari administration on Saturday imposed Section 144 in Sadar and Guimara upazilas of the hill district amid the escalating tensions following massive protests against the gang rape of a Marma schoolgirl.
District Magistrate ABM Iftekharul Islam announced the restriction on Saturday, citing fears of deteriorating law and order. The restriction measure will remain in force until further notice, official sources said.
The decision came after clashes broke out between the protesters and local Bengali youths in Khagrachhari Sadar. Despite the restriction, the dawn-to-dusk road blockade called by the protesters was still underway.
Guimara Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Airin Akter also imposed Section 144 in the upazila, citing security concerns and risks to life and property.
To maintain order, seven platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the district.
According to the victim’s family, the gang rape occurred on 23 September in Singinala area, when the schoolgirl was returning home after private tuition.
A group of miscreants allegedly drugged and gang-raped her, leaving her unconscious in a field, where she was later found by relatives.
The victim’s father filed a case with Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station against three unidentified suspects.
Since the incident, the Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP) and other hill organisations staged protests across the district, demanding the perpetrators’ arrest and exemplary punishment.
Hill students living in Dhaka also staged demonstrations in several places of the capital. Earlier last week, a half-day blockade was observed in Khagrachhari.
