Armed members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) opened fire on tourists and a joint patrol of law enforcement agencies in the Gangaram Bazar area of Sajek, Rangamati, leaving around 3,000 tourists stranded, according to an official statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The disruption escalated when UPDF operatives forcibly placed local residents on the road as human shields to set up road blockades, entirely cutting off vehicular movement along the critical Sajek-Baghaihat corridor. The sudden roadblock left thousands of holidaymakers trapped within the tourist hub, unable to leave for Khagrachhari.
To ensure the safe passage of the stranded visitors, the Bangladesh Army and police promptly initiated a joint security operation. Around 10:00 AM on Thursday, when security convoys were escorting tourist vehicles through the Gangaram Bazar area, demonstrators halted the convoy by placing obstacles across the thoroughfare. Security personnel initially attempted to resolve the impasse peacefully through dialogue with the demonstrators.
However, during negotiations around 10:45 AM, instigated by UPDF operatives, demonstrators suddenly began hurling bricks and stones at the joint patrol and civilian tourist vehicles. To restore order and ensure the physical safety of travelers, law enforcement resorted to a baton charge, temporarily dispersing the mob to resume convoy movement.
The standoff turned perilous around 11:00 AM when armed UPDF insurgents opened indiscriminate fire targeting both security personnel and civilian travelers from surrounding cover. Security forces responded with defensive tactical measures while prioritizing the safety of tourists and non-combatants. Additional reinforcements have been deployed in the vicinity, and coordinated efforts remain underway to rescue and safely transport all stranded visitors.
