Travel Restriction Lifted in Sajek as Blockade Suspended for Durga Puja

PothikTV News Desk: 15 October 2026, 2:35 pm

Authorities in Rangamati have officially lifted the travel restriction on tourist spots in the Sajek Valley after local organizations temporarily suspended a road blockade program in light of Sharadiya Durga Puja.

The suspension decision was announced on Thursday evening through a joint statement signed by Natun Joy Chakma, president of the Sajek Karbari Association, and Babudhan Chakma, convener of the Sajek Gono Adhikar Rokkha Committee.

According to the statement, the road blockade along the Sajek tourism route has been called off for six days, from October 16 to October 21. The decision was taken following a request from the Sajek Machalong Bazar Durga Puja Celebration Committee and to show respect toward the major religious festival of the Hindu community nationwide.

The organizations clarified that their movement was not influenced by any political party, nor was it directed against any specific ethnic, religious, or caste group. Instead, they stated that the blockade was called solely to protect the safety, lives, and property of local residents in Sajek.

The leaders warned that if the local administration fails to meet their three-point demand within this period, they will resume their agitation after the conclusion of Durga Puja. They urged the administration to promptly implement their demands and restore a peaceful environment for the region.

Following the announcement, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi issued an official public notice around 7:30 PM on Thursday, announcing the immediate withdrawal of the travel ban across all tourist spots in the Sajek Valley.

With the restriction lifted, the popular hill destination has once again opened up for tourists, clearing the way for travel ahead of the holiday period.