Play store
At least six people, including three to four army personnel and two police officers, were injured in a nearly two-hour exchange of gunfire between security forces and armed groups in Uzobazar area of Sajek in Rangamati on Thursday.
Around 3,000 tourists stranded in the popular hill resort were safely evacuated, police said.
Speaking at a press conference at his office on Thursday afternoon (October 22), Rangamati Superintendent of Police Rakib said the incident occurred amid an indefinite road blockade jointly called by two local organisations — Sajek Karbari Association and Sajek Gana Odhikar Rakkha Committee.
On Thursday morning, a convoy of tourists returning from Sajek Valley reached Uzobazar, where protesters blocked the road and prevented them from proceeding. Demonstrators also burned tyres at several points, including Shuknachhara in Baghaichhari.
The police superintendent said security personnel requested the protesters to clear the road to allow tourists to return safely. The protesters allegedly threw bricks and stones at the security forces, injuring several army and police personnel.
According to police and eyewitnesses, members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), an armed group, then opened fire on security personnel from behind the blockade. Security forces returned fire, triggering intermittent gunfire from around 11am to 1pm.
Officer-in-Charge of Sajek Police Station Toffazzal Hossain also said the armed group fired at law enforcement personnel, prompting the army to retaliate.
An Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson confirmed that an exchange of gunfire took place involving army personnel as they attempted to bring the situation under control.
Despite the clashes, security forces formed a protective perimeter and safely escorted the stranded tourists and their vehicles out of the area. All tourists subsequently left Sajek without injury, police said.
The police superintendent said the situation was now calm and security forces had taken control of Uzobazar. He added that an investigation would be conducted and legal action taken against those involved.
Earlier on Wednesday evening, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi announced the temporary closure of Sajek Valley until further notice. Tourists staying in the area were instructed to leave by 4pm on Thursday.
Additional army patrols remain in the area as authorities continue to monitor the situation.