Parbatya Chattogram Nagorik Parishad condemns Sajek blockade, calls for joint operation against armed groups

The Parbatya Chattogram Nagorik Parishad (PCNCP) has condemned the blockade of Sajek Valley and what it described as a disinformation campaign against the Bangladesh Army, calling for a joint operation to recover illegal firearms and restore law and order in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).

In a press release issued today (25 October), signed by its Chairman Md Abdul Hamid Rana and Secretary General Mohammad Solaiman, the organisation accused the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) and the Parbatya Chattogram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) of organising blockades to expand their influence in the area.

The release alleged that the two groups were fighting for territorial control and a share of extortion proceeds, putting Sajek’s tourism sector at risk.

According to the statement, the UPDF announced a blockade in the Ujobaazar area of Sajek, mobilising supporters, including men and women, to drive the PCJSS out of the area.

It also alleged that two UPDF-affiliated organisations, the Sajek Gono Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, took part in the programme.

The blockade was enforced from 11 to 15 October, suspended from 16 to 21 October for Durga Puja celebrations, and resumed on 22 October, the release said.

On the morning of 22 October, as tourists were leaving Sajek, protesters allegedly obstructed them and armed individuals opened fire.

The release claimed that shots were fired in an effort to ensure the safety of tourists and army personnel. It also alleged that several members of the security forces were injured by stones and bricks thrown by protesters.

The statement further said the Chhatra-Janata Sangram Parishad, which the PCNCP described as another UPDF-affiliated organisation, called a half-day blockade of roads and waterways in Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts on 24 October, alleging that protesters had been attacked in Sajek.

Condemning the blockade and what it called a misinformation campaign against the army, the PCNCP urged the authorities to launch a comprehensive joint operation under army leadership against the armed groups, recover illegal weapons and restore law and order.

The organisation also claimed that while the UPDF had previously dominated Sajek, the PCJSS had taken control of most areas in recent months. It alleged that disputes over territorial influence and the distribution of extortion proceeds were behind the clashes.

The PCNCP warned that continued blockades and armed rivalries were pushing Sajek’s tourism sector towards collapse and urged the public to oppose attempts to disrupt tourism in the area.