A dawn-to-dusk road blockade is underway in Khagrachhari on Saturday (Sept 27), as demonstrators demand the arrest and exemplary punishment of those accused of gang-raping an eighth-grade student earlier this week.

The protest, called by Jumma student and civic groups, began at 6 am and will continue until 6 pm, effectively shutting down road links between Khagrachhari and other districts.

Residents have blocked major roads at several points, including Chengi Square, Dighinala, Panchhari and Ramgarh, using felled trees, logs and burning tyres. Security has been tightened across the hill district to prevent further escalation.

Wednesday saw a similar half-day blockade held over the same demand.

The case stems from an incident on Tuesday evening, when several youths allegedly drugged and gang-raped the teenager in Singinala area as she was returning home from private tuition. Police have arrested one suspect, 19-year-old Shayan Shil, and the victim’s father has filed a case with the local police station.

Officer-in-Charge Abdul Baten Mridha said efforts were underway to track down other suspects involved in the assault.

SMS/