Bangladesh
Thousands evacuated from Sajek as blockade turns violent
Thousands of tourists left Sajek under security escort on 22 October after clashes along the road to Khagrachhari. Police reported no tourist injuries. The military blamed UPDF gunmen, while the group denied a gunfight and accused security forces of firing. Tourist travel remains suspended.
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From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief
23 OCT 2026 · 1/25
Thousands of tourists were escorted out of Sajek to Khagrachhari on 22 October after a renewed road blockade led to clashes and reported gunfire in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila. Tourist travel to the valley remains suspended.
Returning visitors said their convoy was stopped at several points before soldiers helped them reach Khagrachhari around 12:45pm. They described stone-throwing and confrontations along the route. Police said no tourists were injured.
The military’s Inter-Services Public Relations directorate said blockaders stopped vehicles at Gangaram Bazar and threw stones at security personnel and tourists. It alleged that armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front then opened fire, prompting soldiers to respond.
UPDF disputed the military’s account. Spokesperson Angya Marma denied that a gunfight had occurred and alleged that security personnel fired to disperse a peaceful blockade. The competing accounts have not been independently resolved.
Reports of injuries also differed: police reported wounded soldiers and police personnel, while the military’s statement reported no casualties. Published estimates of the number evacuated varied.
The blockade resumed at 6am after a pause for Durga Puja. Local organisations demand the removal of armed members of another hill political group, JSS. The disruption has also restricted local transport and tourism businesses.