Vehicular movement suspended in Rangamati for sine die

Movement of all types of vehicles has been suspended indefinitely from Saturday (September 21) in protest against vandalism of transport and beating of drivers during the violent clashes between Bangali locals and ethnic minority people in Rangamati.

Rangamati Transport Owners’ Association made the announcement on Friday (September 20) night.

Abdur Rahim Akash, general secretary of Rangamati Truck Owners’ Association, said that at least 10 of their trucks were vandalized during the clash.

Md Mohiuddin Selim, leader of Rangamati Bus Owners’ Association, said that three of their buses were vandalized in the coat building area of Rangamati city. In this incident, the Transport Owners Association has announced suspension on the movement of all types of traffic in Rangamati from Saturday.

Mizanur Rahman Babu, general secretary of Rangamati Auto-rickshaw Drivers’ Association, said that three of their auto-rickshaws were vandalized. Five drivers were beaten up and they are now admitted in Rangamati Sadar Hospital.

Mentionable, violent clashes left a person dead and several others injured in Rangamati, a district neighbouring the troubled Khagrachari region.

Local sources said that on Friday morning, in response to an attack in Dighinala of Khagrachari, local students staged a protest march in Rangamati. As the procession reached the Bonorupa market, rumours and tension spread throughout the town, creating panic among residents.

During this chaotic situation, multiple businesses at Bonorupa market were attacked, and several establishments were set ablaze.

On Thursday, clashes erupted between the local indigenous population and Bengali settlers in Dighinala, destabilising the area, and leading to incidents of arson in various locations.

To maintain order, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mosaraf Hossain Khan announced the imposition of Section 144 in the Rangamati municipal area.