Armed operatives of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) opened fire on tourists and security forces in the Gangaram Bazar area of Sajek under Rangamati district, according to a press statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The armed group reportedly used local villagers as human shields to set up unauthorized blockades along the Sajek-Baghaihat road, leaving approximately 3,000 visiting tourists stranded in the hill tract destination.
To ensure the safe return of the stranded visitors, a joint patrol team comprising members of the Bangladesh Army and the police formulated an escort operation to transport the tourists toward Khagrachari. However, as the convoy proceeded around 10:00 AM on Thursday, blockaders set up barricades in the Gangaram Bazar vicinity, directly impeding the movement of the tourist vehicles.
The ISPR statement noted that law enforcement and military personnel initially attempted peaceful negotiations with the blockaders to allow the unarmed visitors to pass without incident. Despite the dialogue, at around 10:45 AM, elements incited by the UPDF began aggressively hurling stones and projectiles at both the security personnel and the tourist vehicles, creating chaos and endangering civilian lives. To bring the situation under control, law enforcement officers resorted to baton charges to disperse the aggressive crowd and clear the road.
The tension escalated dramatically at approximately 11:00 AM when armed UPDF insurgents opened fire, discharging an estimated 30 to 40 rounds toward the joint forces and the stranded convoy. Security personnel took defensive positions immediately to protect the civilians and neutralize the immediate threat, preventing mass casualties.
Following the confrontation, authorities intensified security cordons throughout the Sajek corridor. Joint security teams are continuing operations to escort all trapped tourists safely out of the area while stepping up patrols to maintain public order and deter further attacks by armed regional outfits.
