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The Rangamati district administration has temporarily closed the Sajek tourist spot in Baghaichhari upazila for unavoidable reasons, directing tourists staying there to leave by 5pm on Tuesday (October 13).
The closure took effect at 6pm on Sunday and will remain in force until further notice, according to an emergency public notice signed by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi.
The decision came amid an indefinite blockade called by the Sajek Committee for Protection of Public Rights and the Sajek Karbari Association, which began at 6am on Sunday and disrupted traffic on the Sajek-Dighinala road.
Barricades at several points left tourists and vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.
Tourists travelling from Khagrachhari towards Sajek were stopped near Gangaram Uzobazar in the Baghaihat area, while those attempting to leave Sajek were stranded in Machalong.
Authorities had planned to facilitate tourist movement between Khagrachhari and Sajek with military escorts, as is customary. However, the blockade disrupted the arrangements.
Following discussions with the administration and assurances from officials, the protesters withdrew the blockade at around 5pm on Sunday.
Tourists stranded on both sides subsequently resumed their journeys with assistance from the army and local administration.
Although the blockade has been withdrawn, the district administration’s closure order remains in effect. Tourists currently staying in Sajek have been instructed to leave the area by the specified deadline and return safely to their respective destinations.