Sajek Correspondent, CHT News
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Bangladesh Army personnel have been accused of
harassing shopkeepers and business owners in Ujobaazar, Sajek, Rangamati, under
the pretext of questioning them.
According to local eyewitnesses and those affected,
army personnel arrived in Ujobaazar at around 8 p.m. on Monday, November 2,
2026, in two pickup trucks and six dump trucks and took up positions in the
market. Beginning Tuesday morning, November 3, they allegedly began harassing
shopkeepers and business owners through repeated questioning
A business owner, who requested anonymity, said army
personnel had asked them about the whereabouts of leaders and activists of the
Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee.
Expressing frustration, the business owner said,
“Although armed members of the PCJSS (Santu Larma faction) move around openly,
the army has taken no action against them. Instead, it is looking for those who
have been protesting for more than a month, demanding the removal of these
armed members. Ordinary shopkeepers and business owners are being harassed
through repeated questioning.”
Another local resident said, “We have learned that armed members of the PCJSS are currently stationed at Nangalmara Field, which is only about one kilometer from the Tiger Tila Army Camp. However, instead of going there, the army has taken up positions in Ujobaazar, harassing local residents and creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.”
“Judging by the army’s behavior, it appears that the
army itself is assisting the armed members of the JSS,” the resident added.
On October 22, the Sajek Public Rights Protection
Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association organized their third round of
peaceful blockades on the Sajek tourist road, pressing several demands,
including the removal of armed members of the PCJSS (Santu Larma faction). Army
personnel allegedly attacked protesters during the blockade.
On October 26, a government delegation met with
leaders of the two organizations. However, the meeting ended without an
agreement because the authorities did not accept their demands.
As a result, the two organizations have continued
their indefinite blockade of the Sajek tourist road.
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