Armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) opened fire on tourists and law enforcement personnel in Sajek. The Bangladesh Army confirmed this in a press release.

On October 22, 2026 (Thursday), in the Gangaram Bazar area of ​​Sajek—located in the Rangamati district—armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) forcibly used local residents as human shields to blockade the road and opened fire on tourists and law enforcement personnel.

As a result, traffic on the Sajek-Baghaihat road was halted, leaving approximately 3,000 tourists visiting Sajek stranded.

In response to the situation, the Bangladesh Army and the police jointly implemented necessary security measures to ensure the safe transport of the stranded tourists to Khagrachhari. During the evacuation process, at approximately 10:00 AM, the individuals enforcing the blockade created obstacles on the road in the Gangaram Bazar area, halting the movement of vehicles carrying tourists. Army and police patrol teams initiated discussions with those enforcing the blockade to ensure the safe passage of the tourists. During these discussions, at approximately 10:45 AM, individuals—incited by the UPDF—suddenly began throwing bricks and stones at law enforcement personnel and tourists. To bring the situation under control, law enforcement personnel used a baton charge to disperse the group and restored the movement of tourist vehicles.

Subsequently, at approximately 11:00 AM, armed UPDF members reportedly fired 30–40 rounds at law enforcement personnel and tourists. In response, the Army patrol team returned fire—acting in self-defense and to ensure the safety of the tourists—prompting the armed individuals to flee the scene. Through the coordinated efforts of the Bangladesh Army and the police, the stranded tourists were safely evacuated. There were no casualties reported in the incident. According to preliminary information, the blockade and acts of violence orchestrated by the UPDF appear to have been premeditated. Allegations that the local population was coerced into participating in the blockade through intimidation—and used as human shields—are deeply concerning. It is understood that, finding themselves cornered due to ongoing security operations in various parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a faction of the UPDF’s armed wing has taken up positions within tourist areas.

Such violent activities not only disrupt peace, stability, and public safety in the Chittagong Hill Tracts but also exert a detrimental impact on the tourism industry and the livelihoods of the local population. The act of placing innocent tourists at risk and forcibly involving ordinary citizens in blockade activities is particularly alarming.

The Bangladesh Army, in coordination with the civil administration and other law enforcement agencies, continues to work toward maintaining peace, harmony, and stability in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, while ensuring the safety and security of both the local population and tourists. The Bangladesh Army remains committed to its ongoing efforts to preserve a peaceful environment in the region.