Bandarban tourist ban extended till November 27

News Desk

The ban on tourist travel has been extended to November 27 in Ruma and Rowangchari upazilas in Bandarban.

Apart from these two upazilas, there is no restriction on tourist travel in other 5 upazilas.

The travel of local and foreign tourists to Ruma, Rowangchari Upazila of the district was taken into consideration, according to a memorandum signed by District Magistrate of Bandarban Yasmin Parveen Tibriji.

The letter said that considering the safety of tourists, the ban was announced for local and foreign tourists till November 27.

Earlier on October 20, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested 10 suspected militants and separatists along with a large cache of firearms and ammunition after conducting an operation in the remote areas of Bandarban and Rangamati. The arrestees include seven members of the newly formed militant outfit Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three of the separatist organization Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF).

Thousands of tourists visit the area every year during the winter, but since the ban, more than 200 hotels and motels, as well as 500 jobs as tourist guides, have fallen vacant as a result of the lack of both domestic and foreign visitors.

However, those working in the tourism sector reported an increase in tourist numbers.