Drivers and transport workers operating on the Khagrachhari–Sajek road are planning to go on a work stoppage demanding higher wages and allowances, coinciding with the temporary suspension of an ongoing blockade on the road.

The Sajek blockade organizers have announced a 12-hour relaxation of the restrictions to facilitate the transportation of essential goods. However, drivers and workers are reportedly preparing to suspend their services during the same period.

Masum Parvez, finance secretary of the Khagrachhari Jeep Owners Association, confirmed the development to Ittefaq Digital on Saturday night.

He said drivers and workers had been demanding higher wages and allowances for a long time. However, recurring disruptions and declining income had prevented the owners from meeting their demands.

He added that the workers had informed the association of their intention to observe a work stoppage, although no formal written notice had been submitted.

According to transport workers, they plan to stage the work stoppage on Sunday along the Khagrachhari–Dighinala road as part of their ongoing demand for increased wages and benefits.

Ongoing Blockade and Security Concerns

An indefinite blockade has been underway in Sajek since October 22, called by the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association. It is the third phase of their protest.

One of their key demands is the withdrawal of armed members allegedly affiliated with the faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS) led by Santu Larma from Sajek. The organizers claim their presence has created insecurity in the area.

However, the PCJSS has rejected the allegations. Its information and publicity secretary, Sajib Chakma, accused the protesters of attempting to divert attention from alleged long-standing harassment and oppression of local residents by armed members of the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF).

Amid the ongoing tensions, the two protest organizations announced that the blockade would be relaxed for 12 hours on Sunday, from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, to allow the transportation of essential commodities.

The organizations said the indefinite blockade would resume on Monday.

The announcement was made in a joint statement issued Friday night by Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Public Rights Protection Committee, and Notun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association.

Tourists Stranded, Sajek Valley Closed

The unrest in Sajek has disrupted tourism and daily life in the area.

The first phase of the blockade began on October 11, leaving approximately 1,500 tourists stranded. The protest was later withdrawn following intervention by the administration and law enforcement agencies, after a 48-hour ultimatum.

The second phase began on October 15 over allegations that the demands had not been met. The blockade was suspended from October 16 to 21 for Durga Puja before resuming on October 22.

Citing security concerns, the Rangamati district administration has kept Sajek Tourist Valley closed since October 22.

Gunfire was also reported in the Ujo Bazar area while tourists were being evacuated. Law enforcement agencies blamed armed UPDF members for the incident, but the organization denied the allegation.

On October 24, the Student-People's Struggle Council organized a half-day blockade in Rangamati and Khagrachhari in protest against alleged attacks, beatings and vandalism of homes and shops.

Fresh Gunfire Between Armed Groups

Meanwhile, another exchange of gunfire reportedly took place on Saturday afternoon between armed members of the PCJSS, led by Santu Larma, and the UPDF, led by Prasit Khisa, amid tensions over control of Sajek Valley.

The incident triggered panic and concern among local residents.

Rangamati Superintendent of Police Muhammad Abdur Rakib confirmed the incident, saying no casualties had been reported.

Tofazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Sajek Police Station, said the exchange of gunfire occurred in the remote Kalabunia area of Sajek Union, where armed members of the two organizations were involved.

He also confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far.