Rangamati, Oct 12 (V7N) – The Rangamati district administration has announced the indefinite closure of Sajek, a popular tourist destination in Baghaichhari upazila, due to disruptions to tourist travel caused by an indefinite blockade on the Sajek-Dighinala road.
Tourists currently staying in Sajek have been instructed to leave the area and return safely to their respective destinations by 5pm on Tuesday, October 13.
The directive was issued in an emergency public notice on Sunday, October 11, by the Judicial Munshikhana branch of the Rangamati Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Signed by District Magistrate Nazma Ashrafi, the notice said Sajek Valley would remain closed from 6pm on Sunday until further notice.
The blockade began at 6am on Sunday following a call by the Sajek Karbari Association and the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee. The groups blocked the Sajek-Dighinala road, disrupting traffic and causing difficulties for tourists travelling to and from the destination. Barriers were reportedly created at several locations by placing tree trunks across the road and burning tyres.
The two organisations called the blockade to demand the removal of armed members of the Santu Larma faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) from Sajek.
They alleged that the presence of armed members and threats against local residents had created insecurity in the area. The groups announced the blockade after their demands were not met within the stipulated period.
The road blockade raised concerns about the safe return of tourists already staying in Sajek, as well as uncertainty over travel plans for new visitors.
Considering the situation, the district administration ordered the closure of the tourist destination and instructed visitors to leave within the specified timeframe.
The closure will remain in force until further notice. Tourists are therefore advised to postpone travel to Sajek until the administration issues an updated directive.
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