Eradicating Illegal Arms and Terrorist Threats Is Key to Resolving the Sajek Crisis

The hills, forests, waterfalls, and diverse cultures of the Chittagong Hill Tracts are valuable assets for Bangladesh. Peace and security in this region are vital for the country’s sovereignty, national unity, economic potential, and tourism. However, long-standing land disputes, political distrust, armed activities, extortion, and the spread of illegal weapons repeatedly disrupt the region’s development. Recent unrest in Sajek, Rangamati, has brought these old issues back into the national spotlight. At a time when the government has formed three high-level committees to find a permanent solution, the Sajek unrest raises new questions. It is necessary to investigate through a neutral inquiry whether there are deliberate conspiracies to disrupt these government efforts. However, establishing the rule of law and uncovering the truth is the state’s responsibility, rather than turning assumptions into proof.

According to reports up to October 28, the road blockade in Sajek has entered its seventh day. Indefinite blockades called by the Sajek Gono Odhikar Roksha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association since October 22 have disrupted road communication with Sajek via Dighinala. An earlier blockade started on October 11. Although programs were suspended from October 16 to 21 due to Durga Puja, the blockade resumed on October 22 because demands were not met. On that day, tourist vehicles were stranded, and reports emerged of about 3,000 tourists being stuck. Clashes and gunfire targeting tourist convoys also resulted in injuries to six members of law enforcement. Considering the situation, the army and police took steps to safely evacuate tourists. Local residents allege that the presence and dominance of armed members from JSS (Santu Larma faction) and UPDF are creating insecurity. Their accusations include extortion, intimidation, and harassment. The relevant authorities need to investigate the truth of these claims, but the allegations should not be taken lightly. At the same time, the disruption of public movement, emergency medical care, essential goods supply, and tourist safety due to the blockade is unacceptable. If any group tries to control the area through armed force, the state must take legal action based on specific evidence, not on ethnic or political identities.

To resolve the crisis, a meeting between the administration, public representatives, and protesters was held on October 26. According to Wadud Bhuiyan, Member of Parliament for Khagrachhari and President of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, a consensus has been reached on four out of the protesters’ five demands. However, a final solution was not reached due to disagreements over the demand to remove alleged armed members from Sajek and set a specific timeframe for it. While the progress on four points is positive, a permanent solution is difficult without resolving the core disputed issue. The government should publish the points of agreement in writing, set timelines for their implementation, and continue dialogue to settle the remaining disputes. Additionally, protection must be ensured for stranded people, affected business owners, and vulnerable locals, ensuring no group holds people’s lives and livelihoods hostage.

The government’s recent formation of three high-level committees on September 10 is crucial. A 19-member national committee headed by the Prime Minister, a 15-member executive committee led by the Home Secretary, and a 9-member advisory committee headed by the chairman of the CHT Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee have been formed. Their responsibilities include reviewing security and border situations, curbing terrorism, ensuring coordination among agencies, promoting communal harmony, regional development, and recommending a national action strategy. The executive committee has been tasked with preparing a national strategy within three months.

The key question is whether vested quarters are destabilizing the situation before these government initiatives can yield results. A neutral investigation must identify who is behind the violence, where illegal weapons come from, whether groups are using the situation for political gain, and if organized criminal syndicates are active. If proven, culprits must be brought to justice, while baseless claims and propaganda must be clearly identified. Eliminating illegal weapons must be the top priority. Isolated operations alone will not provide a permanent solution; the sources, supply routes, smuggling networks, financing, and users of weapons must be identified. Law-abiding and precise operations require stronger intelligence sharing among the army, BGB, police, and intelligence agencies. Furthermore, preventing border weapon smuggling, dismantling extortion networks, and establishing safe reporting systems for locals are essential. It is equally important to avoid harassing innocent people, protect human rights, and follow due legal process so that security operations earn public trust.

Misinformation and malicious propaganda targeting the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the patriotic army must be countered through facts, evidence, and responsible communication. The security forces play a vital role in protecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, the most effective way to protect state institutions is through professionalism, legal action, transparency, and accountability.

The economic toll of the Sajek unrest is significant. Disruptions to tourism are harming resorts, cottages, transport, restaurants, local guides, small businesses, and agricultural suppliers. While initial reports noted about 60% booking cancellations, recent media reports suggest tourism-related businesses face daily losses ranging from Tk 1.20 crore to Tk 1.50 crore, with another report citing daily losses of up to Tk 5 crore. Sajek currently has 135 resorts and cottages and over 20 restaurants. To protect the tourism industry, decisions on operating activities must be based on realistic security assessments, ensuring transportation, medical care, rescue systems, and reliable information services. Supporting small entrepreneurs, training local youth in tourism management, and expanding markets for local crafts and agricultural goods are also vital.

The Chittagong Hill Tracts are an inseparable part of Bangladesh, and the future of the nation is tied to the safety, employment expectations, and livelihoods of the people there. Resolving the Sajek crisis requires a neutral investigation, halting the spread of illegal weapons, and ensuring the fair rights of all communities. We hope that the rule of law, harmony, peace, and permanent development will replace arms, distrust, and instability in the hills.

The writer: An economic analyst, columnist and researcher on the Chittagong Hill Tracts.