Rangamati Hill District Council has approved the construction and operation of 72 new resorts, cottages, and restaurants in the popular tourist destination Sajek.
This approval has been given to both new establishments and the reconstruction of resorts and cottages that were damaged in a devastating fire in early 2025.
The announcement came on Monday during a meeting held at the hall room of the council with its chairman Kazi Kajol Talukder in the chair.
The Sajek Resort and Cottage Owners Association says over 100 applications for the construction and operation of resorts, cottages, and restaurants were submitted – many of which have not been approved until now.
On February 24, 2025, a devastating fire destroyed over a hundred resorts, cottages, restaurants, and houses in Sajek, known as the “Kingdom of Clouds.”
Following the incident, many owners submitted applications for permission to rebuild their establishments.
Sumedh Chakma, owner of Jummabi Restaurant, said, “I applied to relocate my restaurant to a new place. I’ve received approval.”
Suparna Dev Barman, president of the association, stated, “We submitted applications on behalf of our association for both new and old establishments to be constructed and operated. In response, the Hill District Council Chairman has granted approval to 72 resorts, cottages, and restaurants.”
Business owners believe that the new construction will increase the number of tourists and boost local business.
Kajol Talukder, chairman of the council, emphasised that regulations were in place to maintain order and ensure that resorts, cottages, and restaurants are not built arbitrarily throughout the Sajek tourism area.