DHAKA — Around 3,000 tourists stranded in Sajek, Rangamati, were safely evacuated to Khagrachhari after armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) allegedly opened fire on tourists and law enforcement personnel following a road blockade on Thursday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a press release, the ISPR said armed UPDF members blocked the Sajek-Baghaihat road in the Gangaram Bazar area of Rangamati, disrupting traffic and leaving thousands of tourists unable to leave the popular hill destination. The Bangladesh Army and police subsequently launched a coordinated operation to restore road communication and ensure the tourists’ safe evacuation. No casualties were reported.
According to the ISPR, the blockade began around 10:00am when protesters obstructed the road at Gangaram Bazar, halting the movement of tourist vehicles. Army and police patrol teams attempted to negotiate with the blockaders to secure safe passage for the stranded tourists. However, at around 10:45am, the situation escalated when the blockaders allegedly threw bricks and stones at law enforcement personnel and tourists. Security personnel used a baton charge to disperse the crowd and restore traffic movement, the release said.
At approximately 11:00am, armed UPDF members reportedly fired 30 to 40 rounds at law enforcement personnel and tourists. The Army patrol team returned fire in self-defence and to protect the tourists, forcing the armed individuals to flee the area, according to the ISPR.
Following the incident, the Army and police worked together to evacuate approximately 3,000 stranded tourists safely to Khagrachhari. The ISPR said the joint security measures helped restore movement along the road and prevent further harm to visitors. Preliminary information cited in the release suggested that the blockade and subsequent violence may have been planned in advance. The release also alleged that local residents were intimidated and used as human shields during the incident.
The ISPR expressed serious concern over the alleged targeting of tourists and law enforcement personnel, as well as the reported forced involvement of local residents in the blockade. According to the release, a section of armed UPDF members had taken positions in the tourist area, reportedly under pressure from ongoing security operations in different parts of the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).
The ISPR said such violent activities threaten peace, stability and public safety in the hill region. They also negatively affect tourism and the livelihoods of local communities that depend on visitors.
The Bangladesh Army, in coordination with the civil administration and other law enforcement agencies, would continue working to maintain peace and stability in the CHT and safeguard the lives and property of residents and tourists, the release added.
