Bangladesh forces evacuate nearly 3,000 tourists after Sajek gunfight

Security forces evacuated nearly 3,000 tourists from Sajek in Bangladesh on Oct. 22 after a gunfight disrupted travel during a renewed road blockade, The Business Standard reported.

The tourists were taken to Khagrachhari through coordinated army and police efforts, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military media office. ISPR reported no casualties.

ISPR accused armed members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) of firing at security personnel and tourists. That account was attributed to the military, rather than independently established in the report.

The Rangamati district administration temporarily closed Sajek Valley until further notice and instructed visitors to leave safely.

Local groups resumed their blockade after a pause for Durga Puja from Oct. 16 through 21. They said demands to remove members of a rival armed organization had not been met.