Sajek, Khagrachhari reopen to tourists

The tourist spots in Khagrachhari and Sajek Valley of Rangamati have been reopened on Tuesday after being closed for an extended period.

Following incidents of violence in Khagrachhari and Rangamati on September 19 and 20, the Rangamati district administration discouraged visits to Sajek starting September 25. Due to the violence, the administration requested a halt to travel to all tourist spots in three hill districts, including Khagrachhari, on October 8, effectively closing these areas to visitors.

The reopening of the tourist spots was confirmed by Shirin Akhtar, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Baghaichhari in Rangamati. She stated that the administration has reopened Sajek Valley to tourists as the situation has normalised.

According to sources from the Sajek Cottage Owners Association, the area had been devoid of tourists for over a month, leading many employees at resorts and cottages to leave Sajek. However, they are now beginning to return with renewed enthusiasm.

Ananta Bikash Tripura, General Secretary of the Khagrachhari Residential Hotel Owners Association, welcomed the decision to open the tourist spots. He noted that many people's livelihoods are tied to the tourism sector, and the travel ban had left many unemployed. The resumption of tourism has brought relief to those involved in this sector.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md Sahiduzzaman said that all tourist spots in the district have been opened starting Tuesday. Since Sajek can be accessed via roads through Khagrachari District, tourists can also visit Sajek from Tuesday.