After four days unrest, Khagrachhari returned to normal on Wednesday, as the ‘indefinite’ road blockade got suspended until 5 October.
Since the morning, a few long-distance buses resumed operations, though full-scale transport services have not yet restarted.
Passengers at bus counters have increased, while limited vehicle movement has been observed in the town and suburbs. Shops also have reopened gradually.
Protesting an alleged rape of a schoolgirl, ‘‘Jumma Chhatra-Janata’’ group had called the blockade.
In a Facebook post late Tuesday, the group announced suspension of the programme, citing respect for Durga Puja and assures to meet their eight-point demand.
Section 144, however, remains in force across the district, and public anxiety has not fully subsided. Additional security is still in place in Khagrachhari and Guimara, with army patrols alongside BGB and police deployment.
Meanwhile, a five-member probe committee has been formed to investigate the incidents.
Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Saber has not yet confirmed reports circulating on social media that no evidence of rape was found in the medical test. He said the report will be submitted to the court through police.
On 27 and 28 September deadly violence left three people killed and many injured in Khagrachhari and Guimara.
In Guimara’s Ramesu Bazar area, numerous shops, houses, and offices were torched.
BRTC ticket seller Bidyut Chakma said vehicles have started leaving Khagrachhari in the morning, traffic has also resumed.
Khagrachhari Sadar police officer-in-charge Abdul Baten Mridha said, “Life is returning to normal. Traffic has resumed. We hope everything will fully normalise soon.”
Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khandker added that vehicular movement has resumed, and the situation is gradually stabilising. “Once normalcy is restored, we will consult all stakeholders and consider lifting Section 144,” he said.
