A group of locals on Sunday asked tourists to leave the popular Utmachhara site in Sylhet’s Companiganj upazila, citing concerns over ‘immoral activities’, triggering rapid debate over public access to tourist destinations and the legality of such actions.
A video of the incident, recorded at Charar Bazar in Uttar Ranikhai union, went viral on social media. It shows several men addressing visitors and urging them not to return, claiming a consensus among local Islamic scholars and residents to bar all tourism in the area.
“We request you respectfully not to come here again,” one speaker is heard saying in the video. “Many who come here engage in activities that are ruining our local environment. Our elders and the youth have agreed to stop tourism in Utmachhara from now on.”
Utmachhara, known for its large stone beds and tranquil waters, is a popular short-day destination that draws crowds from within and outside Sylhet, especially during holidays. The viral video has raised concern among tourism stakeholders and prompted official scrutiny.
Mufti Ruhul Amin Siraji, vice-president of the Companiganj unit of Jubo Jamiat (youth wing of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh), acknowledged being part of the group that addressed tourists.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “In the name of tourism, people come here and drink, behave indecently, and influence our youth negatively. Before Eid, we held a meeting with elders and decided to discourage tourism here for the sake of preserving our values.”
The situation has sparked criticism and drawn concerns from heritage and tourism advocates.
“This is a serious threat to Sylhet’s tourism,” said Abdul Karim Kim, trustee of the Environment and Heritage Conservation Trust. “Such actions do not reflect the true interests of the community. Tourism supports local livelihoods. Given the area’s valuable stone resources, it is not unlikely that illegal extractors are trying to drive tourists away out of fear of exposure. The authorities must look into who is behind this.”
Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Azizunnahar said they were aware of the incident. “We are concerned about the video and have scheduled a meeting with local representatives.”
Meanwhile, Tourist Police officials also confirmed they had not been previously informed of the situation. Mohammad Bashir Uddin, additional superintendent of police for the Sylhet Tourist Police Region, said, “We don’t have officers stationed at Utmachhara, so we weren’t aware of this incident until the video surfaced. We are now reviewing the matter.”