Domestic-foreign tourists banned in Bandarban for security reasons

CHT Desk:

The district administration of Bandarban imposed a ban on travel of  domestic and foreign tourists in Thanchi and Alikadam upazilas of Bandarban citing security reasons.

This information was announced in a public notice signed by Lutfur Rahman, District Magistrate  (Routine Duties) on Sunday evening.

The notification mentions that travel of domestic and foreign tourists has been banned in these two upazilas till October 30.

Earlier on Tuesday, Additional District Magistrate of Bandarban, Umme Kulsum, said, “For the safety of tourists and to avoid any untoward incidents, travel restrictions have been imposed in Ruma and Rowangchari upazilas of Bandarban until further notice”.

When asked why the safety of tourists is suddenly being disturbed in hill, she said, “Recently, an operation is being conducted in the hill. I am not concerned with this drive. So I can’t give any opinion or comment on this matter.”

Bandarban Superintendent of Police Tariqul Islam was called several times to inquire about this, but he did not receive the call.

However, Ruma upazila nirbahi officer Mohammad Mamun Shiblee said, “This ban has been imposed for a joint a operation by security forces in the hills against militants and terrorists.”

“We have been informed by the administration that no vehicle carrying tourists will ply in the restricted travel area until further instructions,” said Mohammad Nasirul Alam , president of Bandarban Microbus, Jeep and Pickup Owners Cooperative Association .

On Friday the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said in a press confernece that seven militants of Jama’atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya and three criminals of Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) active in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) have been arrested in raids at Saijam Para of Bilaichhari in Rangamati and Rowangchhari Bazar in Bandarban on Thursday.