Bus Services Resume on Bandarban-Thanchi Route Following Strict Security Assurances from Administration.

Staff Reporter ​After six consecutive days of disruption due to a resurgence of armed threats and extortion demands in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, bus operations on the Bandarban-Thanchi highway have finally returned to normal. ​The vital transport route, which had come to a complete standstill on October 8 following kidnapping threats to drivers and violence warned by an armed regional group, resumed operations under a heightened security framework guaranteed by the Bangladesh Army. ​According to transport operators, an armed hill group had been demanding a substantial sum in extortion money. Following explicit threats of driver abductions and attacks on vehicles if the demands were not met, the Bandarban Road Transport Owners' Association halted all bus operations to ensure the safety of their workers and passengers. The six-day shutdown caused severe disruption, leaving local residents isolated and tourists stranded in uncertainty. ​A breakthrough was achieved yesterday following an emergency meeting between the Bandarban Sadar Zone authorities of the Bangladesh Army and leadership from the transport owners and workers associations. During the meeting, military officials assured full security measures along the route, including armed escorts and dedicated security checkpoints. Following these guarantees, transport leaders made the decision to call off the strike. ​Operational Adjustments Under New Safety Rules: ​Strict Vigilance: Law enforcement and military forces will maintain rigorous monitoring across vulnerable stretches of the highway. ​Controlled Timings: Considering current safety conditions, a total of four buses—two departing daily from each end—will operate initially. ​The resumption of bus services after six days of paralysis has brought immense relief to both the local hill population and visiting tourists. However, local observers emphasize that establishing a permanent and robust security infrastructure remains essential to guaranteeing long-term peace and safe travel in the region.