Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad called a half-day road and waterway blockade in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, alleging attacks by law enforcement agencies on blockade supporters during a road blockade in Sajek.
Amid the blockade, video footage captured by a law enforcement drone showing armed individuals manoeuvring in Khagrachhari has surfaced.
Following the circulation of the video on social media, it generated widespread discussion across local and national media outlets.
From Saturday morning, tree logs were felled onto roads across various upazilas of Khagrachhari district to obstruct vehicular movement. In some places, tyres were set alight to picket in support of the blockade.
Both the police and the army were seen maintaining an alert stance to keep the situation under control. Local sources mentioned that when picketers attempted to erect blockades in various locations, they dispersed upon sensing the presence of law enforcement personnel.
Meanwhile, claims have been made that the movements and manoeuvres of several armed persons were captured by law enforcement drones during the blockade. According to various sources, the video was filmed in Bailyachhari area of Matiranga upazila.
Those concerned said several individuals were seen moving about carrying weapons in the video before departing on motorcycles.
Immediately after the video spread across social media platforms, extensive discussions ensued. Alongside local and national online news outlets, the video was also broadcast by several television channels.
The open presence of armed individuals during a programme such as a blockade has created concern at the local level.
According to relevant observers, allegations of such activities by armed men during a blockade programme have raised fresh questions regarding public safety and the law and order situation.
However, the identities of the individuals seen in the video, their organisational affiliations, and the exact nature of the weapons could not be independently verified.
Under these circumstances, stakeholders stressed that it is essential to verify the authenticity of the video, the time and place of recording, and the identities of those visible.
Concurrently, they highlighted the necessity of remaining vigilant to ensure that no violence or armed activity surrounding the blockade poses a threat to public security.
