An indefinite transport strike and a 72-hour blockade are ongoing across three hill districts in connection with the ongoing conflict in Rangamati and Khagrachari.
The United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) called for the blockade, while transport owners and workers jointly announced an indefinite strike.
The strike was in protest of the vandalism of buses, CNGs, trucks, and injuries to workers during a clash in Rangamati on Friday.
The violence left several shops set ablaze and houses and businesses burned. In response, no long-distance buses have left or arrived in Rangamati since Saturday, and inter-district bus services remain suspended, causing significant disruptions for travellers. Most shopping malls stayed closed throughout the morning.
Section 144 is still in effect in Rangamati’s municipal area, and the army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) are patrolling key locations. The army has been deployed at major intersections, and residents face regular checks while moving around the city.
Since Friday afternoon, the situation has begun to calm, and law enforcement agencies are working to restore order.
According to law enforcement officials, Saturday's situation is more controlled compared to Friday, and efforts to normalize the area are underway.
Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Local Government Rural Development and Cooperative Adviser AF Hassan Arif, and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma are scheduled to meet with local political leaders on Saturday to discuss the next steps for managing the situation.
