Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam has stated that the Section 144 will be lifted swiftly if the situation normalises following the blockade’s withdrawal.
He also mentioned that a five-member committee, headed by an additional deputy commissioner, has been formed to investigate violent incidents.
Iftekharul added, “The blockade needs to be lifted to meet the demands of the protesters.”
On Monday, the deputy commissioner visited the areas affected by violence in Guimara and distributed relief materials to those affected. He also had discussions with the victims and administration officials to address their concerns.
“Discussions have started with the representatives of protesters, and out of the eight demands they raised, seven are being considered. The issues will be resolved through dialogue,” he added.
Local sources confirmed that during the blockade, a tripartite gunfight occurred on Sunday in the Guimara upazila of Khagrachhari district between the security forces, Bengali settlers, and the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), resulting in at least three indigenous people being killed and several others, including 13 army personnel, injured.
The clash began in the afternoon at Ramesu Bazar in Guimara. During the altercation, miscreants violating Section 144 orders set fire to several shops.
Following the violence, the “Jumma Chhatra Janata” called for an indefinite blockade across the three hill districts – Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari.
This protest was in response to the alleged rape of a schoolgirl in Khagrachhari, and similar clashes had occurred earlier on Saturday during the blockade.
