Food and medicine crisis deepens in Sajek

Life in Sajek, a tourist hub under Baghaichhari upazila of Rangamati, remained paralyzed for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday due to an ongoing road blockade.

The prolonged standoff has left resorts and cottages empty, halted tourism-dependent businesses, and cut off earnings for local workers. With cargo vehicles unable to enter the area since October 21, supplies of daily essentials, fuel, and vital medicines are rapidly depleting.

Local grocer Jonsim Chakma reported that stocks of rice, sugar, lentils, and cooking oil have virtually run out in local shops, while fuel supplies like diesel and octane are also critically low.

Sajek Union Parishad Chairman Otulal Chakma expressed severe concern over the impending food crisis and the lack of life-saving medicines in local pharmacies. He warned that emergency patients and accident victims face dire risks due to the lack of transport.

The tourism sector, which forms the backbone of Sajek's economy, faces heavy losses. Sajek Resort-Cottage Owners Association noted that businesses, restaurants, and small shops remain shut, leaving hundreds of employees jobless while owners struggle to pay rents and maintenance costs.

A high-level meeting was held on October 26 at Ujo Bazar involving Khagrachhari MP Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, Rangamati MP Dipen Dewan, district administrators, and blockade leaders. Although consensus was reached on four out of five demands, the blockade continues as final agreement on the core demand remains pending.

Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amena Marjan and Rangamati MP Dipen Dewan assured that administrative action and relief measures will be dispatched immediately upon receiving formal reports of food shortages from local representatives.

-SA