The Khagrachhari hill district has seen a return to normal at large after the ongoing road blockade was suspended by the Jumma Chhatra Janata front, following assurances of fulfilling eight demands, and in respect of the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, reports bdnews24.com.
However, Section 144 continues to be enforced in the district town and Guimara.
The unrest began following the alleged gang rape of a Marma girl in Khagrachhari's Sadar Upazila on the night of Sept 23.
However, no evidence of rape was found after conducting all necessary tests.
Shops in the city reopened on Wednesday morning after a four-day closure, and the number of people in the area has increased, confirmed Mohammad Hasan Maruf, the additional district commissioner of Khagrachhari.
The blockade had been instated following allegations of the "rape" of a Marma girl, and was called off on Tuesday night through a press release, with the suspension lasting until Oct 5.
Starting Wednesday, traffic resumed on all roads connecting Khagrachhari to Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rangamati. Due to the Durga Puja holidays, an increase in tourist arrivals has been observed, with many heading towards Sajek.
Authorities said Section 144 will be lifted in phases, as the situation normalises.
To maintain law and order, security measures across the district have been heightened. Joint patrols by the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police continue, with checkpoints set up at key intersections and entry points, where strict searches are under way.
Amid the Durga Puja celebrations, Brig Gen Hasan Mahmud, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade, visited the Shri Shri Lakshminarayan Temple in Khagrachhari. He toured the temple premises and exchanged greetings with the devotees present.
Additional District Commissioner Maruf said, "Section 144 is still in place. However, since it is the Puja, we are not hindering people's movement. Based on the police report, a decision regarding the lifting of Section 144 may be taken soon."
The unrest began following the alleged gang rape on Sept 23. Protests and tension followed in the hill district.
The following day, with the help of the Army, the police arrested a 19-year-old youth named Shayon Sheel in connection with the incident.
The Jumma Chhatra Janata organised a half-day road blockade on Thursday, demanding the arrest and trial of all involved. The protest escalated when the blockade was intensified at 5am on Saturday.
