The indefinite blockade on the Sajek tourist road in Rangamati continued for the fourth consecutive day of its third phase on Sunday.
Authorities are holding an emergency meeting with the blockade organisers to discuss ways to resolve the situation.
The blockade, called by the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, is now being enforced with a five-point demand, replacing the three demands raised earlier.
Since Sunday morning, protesters have staged picketing at several locations, including Machalong, Hajachhara, and the 8-kilometre and 14-kilometre points in Baghaichhari. They also set fire to tyres and tree branches at different points along the road.
Bijoy Kanti Chakma, member secretary of the Sajek Gano Odhikar Rokkha Committee, said protesters had been picketing at various locations since the morning and had prevented shopkeepers from opening their businesses.
Tofazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sajek Police Station, said the blockade was progressing peacefully.
“Occasionally, one or two motorcycles are moving through the area. No untoward incident has occurred,” he said.
The meeting involving headmen and karbaris from Rangamati district began at 10am at the deputy commissioner’s office, chaired by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi.
Khagrachhari lawmaker Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, also chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, and former state minister and MP Dipen Dewan are also attending the meeting.
Officials are expected to brief journalists on the decisions taken after the meeting.
