The exchange of gunfire continued intermittently for around two hours, from 11am to 1pm on 22 October. The incident occurred as security personnel sought to clear the road to ensure that tourists staying in Sajek could travel safely to their destinations.
Rangamati Superintendent of Police Abdur Rakib disclosed the details at a press conference held at his office on Thursday afternoon.
According to Rakib, security personnel approached the protesters at Uzobazar and asked them to remove the blockade so that tourists could leave the area safely. The situation escalated when the protesters allegedly threw bricks and stones at members of the security forces, injuring several army personnel and two police officers.
The confrontation subsequently intensified when gunshots were fired at security personnel, prompting them to return fire, the police chief said. The exchange continued intermittently for approximately two hours, raising concerns over the safety of people travelling through the area.
Authorities later brought the situation under control. Security forces regained control of Uzobazar, and the area was reported to be calm following the confrontation.
Rakib said all tourists staying in Sajek had left the area safely. According to the latest information available at the time, the tourists had reached the vicinity of Dighinala, a key transit point for people travelling between Sajek and other parts of the region.
He also assured that the incident would be investigated and that legal action would be taken against those found responsible. However, the police chief did not provide further details about the identities of the protesters, the reasons behind the blockade or the circumstances that led to the initial escalation.
Sajek, located in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, is a popular tourist destination known for its hills, cloud-covered landscapes and scenic surroundings. Visitors generally travel through Dighinala to reach the area, making road access particularly important for tourists and local residents alike.
Road blockades in the region can disrupt transport and create difficulties for visitors seeking to leave safely. In such circumstances, ensuring safe passage for tourists becomes a priority for the authorities, particularly when tensions escalate.
Thursday’s incident highlighted the security challenges that can arise when efforts to clear a blocked road turn confrontational. Although the situation in Uzobazar was reported to have stabilised, the authorities’ investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.
For now, security personnel remain in control of the area, while officials have confirmed that all tourists have left Sajek safely.
