Rangamati, Oct 25 (V7N) – A half-day road and waterways blockade called in protest against alleged attacks, baton charges and vandalism targeting protesters in Sajek had little impact on public life in Rangamati district on Saturday, with long-distance buses and passenger launches on Kaptai Lake operating normally.

Security was tightened at key locations across the district from the morning to protect residents and maintain law and order. Members of law enforcement agencies were deployed at important roads, intersections and public gathering places in Rangamati town.

Despite the blockade call, long-distance buses left for their scheduled destinations, while ticket counters operated as usual. Passenger and cargo launches also continued to operate on Kaptai Lake, allowing people to travel with relatively little disruption.

Local residents said the presence of security personnel at important locations helped maintain normal movement and reassured people going about their daily activities.

The half-day blockade was announced for Rangamati and Khagrachhari districts following allegations that protesters enforcing a road blockade in Sajek, under Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati, had been attacked and subjected to baton charges. The protesters also alleged that houses and shops had been vandalised.

The organisers called for road and waterway transport to remain suspended in both districts. However, transport services in Rangamati continued largely as normal, and the programme did not cause any major disruption to the district’s daily activities.

The blockade was linked to tensions surrounding the Sajek incident and demands raised by organisations described as supporters of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF). The protest also raised concerns about security and the potential for further unrest in the hill districts.

Authorities strengthened security at key locations to prevent further incidents and protect residents and their property.

While tensions continued over the Sajek incident, the largely normal operation of road and water transport in Rangamati indicated that the blockade had limited practical impact on public life in the district.

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