Md. HaSan Al Mamun, Dighinala (Khagrachhari)

The ongoing road blockade in Sajek, which has continued for nine consecutive days, will be relaxed for one day following a decision by the Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association.

Considering the difficulties faced by local residents and the need to ensure the supply of essential commodities, vehicle movement along the Sajek road will be allowed from 6am to 6pm on Sunday (November 1).

The decision was announced in a press release sent to the media on Friday (October 30). The statement was issued by the organisations, with Member Secretary of the Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee, Bijoy Kanti Chakma, informing the media about the decision. The announcement was made on behalf of the two organisations by Babudhan Chakma and Natun Joy Chakma.

According to the press release, the temporary relaxation was decided in consideration of local residents' essential needs and the public suffering caused by the blockade. However, the indefinite road blockade will resume as before after 6pm on Sunday.

The two organisations have also taken into consideration the smooth celebration of the Kathina Chibar Dana festival, an important religious occasion for Buddhists. The statement said special relaxation arrangements could be made through discussions. Religious institutions and monastery authorities have been requested to contact the protesting organisations in this regard.

The Sajek Gon Odhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association have been carrying out protests for a long time over various demands. As part of the movement, an indefinite road blockade began on October 22.

The blockade has brought business activities in Sajek, a tourism-dependent area, to an almost complete standstill. Tourism activities, the supply of essential goods and the normal movement of local residents have also been disrupted. The prolonged blockade has caused severe hardship for local business owners and residents.