Covered van torched in Khagrachhari amid blockade

A covered van of a courier service was set on fire in the Shapmara area of Matiranga upazila in Khagrachhari on Wednesday morning amid the first day of the countrywide 48-hour blockade BNP and like-minded parties called.

The fire service rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control.

Md Jakaria, officer-in-charge of Matiranga police station, confirmed the matter.

Khagrachhari superintendent of police Mukta Dhar said they are ready to provide all possible assistance to ensure the smooth movement of the general public.

BNP leaders and activists were seen picketing in support of the blockade on different roads. Although the ticket counters for the long-distance buses from Khagrachhari are open, no bus has left the district, the OC said.

Vehicular movements in the city and suburbs were normal, with few trucks entering due to intensified police measures, he added.