An indefinite road blockade has resumed in Sajek for a second time after two local organisations accused the administration of failing to meet three demands within a 48-hour deadline. The protest began on Thursday morning, 15 October, bringing traffic to a halt along the Sajek–Dighinala road and disrupting transport between Sajek, Baghaichhari and Dighinala.
The blockade was called by the Sajek Karbari Association and the Gan Adhikar Rakkha Committee. Local residents said protesters had been staging pickets at several points along the road, including Gangaram Uchha Bazar, since the morning. Tree trunks had been placed across the carriageway and tyres set alight to prevent vehicles from passing.
All types of vehicles travelling from Sajek and Baghaichhari towards Dighinala were consequently unable to use the route. The organisers have not announced a deadline for ending the blockade, leaving the duration of the disruption uncertain.
Organisations Cite Failure to Honour Assurances
The renewed protest follows an earlier blockade on 11 October, when the two organisations demanded action on three issues. According to a joint statement issued by their leaders, the administration had assured them that the demands would be addressed within 48 hours. The organisations temporarily suspended the indefinite blockade in response to that assurance.
However, they alleged that the agreed period expired without the demands being implemented, prompting them to resume the road blockade.
The decision was announced in a joint statement sent to the media on Wednesday, 14 October. It was signed by Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gan Adhikar Rakkha Committee, and Nutun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association.
One of the principal demands concerns the removal of armed members of the Santuchakma-led faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS) from various locations in the Machalong area of Sajek.
The available report does not specify the other two demands in detail. It also provides no further information about any response from the administration following the announcement of the renewed blockade.
The organisations’ allegations and demands have therefore become central to the dispute, while the prospects for resolving the situation remain unclear.
Tourist Destination Remains Closed
The road disruption comes as Sajek’s tourism operations are already suspended. The district administration announced the indefinite closure of the tourist destination from 12 October. According to the report, no tourists are currently staying in the area.
Located in the hill district of Rangamati, Sajek is one of Bangladesh’s best-known tourist destinations. Its green hills, expansive valleys and views of clouds drifting across the landscape attract visitors from different parts of the country. Road transport is essential for reaching the destination, making any prolonged disruption along the Sajek–Dighinala route a significant obstacle to travel.
The combination of the administrative closure and the renewed blockade has left the resumption of tourism uncertain. Residents and other road users travelling between Sajek, Baghaichhari and Dighinala may also face difficulties while the route remains blocked. However, the available information does not quantify the number of people affected.
No specific timetable has been announced for lifting the blockade, and there is no confirmed information about further talks between the administration and the protesting organisations.
The immediate situation will depend on whether progress is made towards addressing the three demands and restoring normal road access. Until then, transport disruption is likely to remain a concern for local communities, while prospective visitors will have to wait for an official announcement on the reopening of Sajek’s tourist facilities.
