Khagrachari Correspondent, CHT News
Sunday, September 28, 2025
The daylong blockade continues today (Sunday, September 28) in Khagrachari under the banner of “Jumma Students and People” in protest of the rape of an indigenous schoolgirl and to demand exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. Previously, they had also enforced a full-day blockade yesterday (Saturday).
During Saturday’s blockade, at least 10 people were injured in an attack and shooting by army and settlers in the Ramesu Bazar area of Guimara, according to preliminary reports. There are fears that some may have died in the attack. In addition, settler Bengalis set fire to shops owned by indigenous people, destroying several of them.
During the blockade yesterday, settler attacks were also reported in the Khejurbagan (Upazila Parishad) area, Mahajan Para, and Pankhaiya Para of Khagrachari Sadar. In response to these attacks and to press their earlier demands, the Jumma Students and Masses announced an indefinite road blockade on their Facebook page late at night. Though they briefly withdrew the announcement, it was reinstated a few hours later.
From this morning, Jumma students and youth in Ramgarh took to the Khagrachari–Dhaka regional highway to enforce the blockade. They blocked roads by burning tires and placing tree logs. When BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) personnel attempted to remove the logs, scuffles broke out between them and the protesters. Later, army and police arrived and spoke with the demonstrators to calm the situation. The blockade is ongoing, and all types of vehicular movement remain suspended.
Army-Settler Attack in Guimara
Meanwhile, around 12 noon today, army personnel opened fire on Jumma students and youths who were enforcing the blockade in front of Guimara Town Hall in the Ramesu Bazar area. At least 10 people were injured, and there are fears that some may have died.
In addition, settlers set fire to indigenous-owned shops, reducing several to ashes.
Reports also indicate that Jumma student and youth groups are enforcing the blockade in Dighinala upazila as well.
Due to the blockade, no long-distance transportation has departed from Khagrachari town.
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