Like in the past, the ongoing violence in Khagrachhari stemmed from protests over an incident is negatively impacting tourism not only in the district concerned but also in other two hill districts Rangamati and Bandarban.
Nowadays, it has become common for tourism in the hill tracts to suffer due to different kinds of disturbances.
The latest unrest was the result of violence erupted after widespread protests by a large group of indigenous people following the rape of a Marma schoolgirl on 23 September. However, the rape allegation surfaced on Thursday night.
Indigenous people enforced road blockade demanding justice for the gang rape of the eighth-grade student. The local administration imposed section 144 to prevent potential untoward situations due to a significant deterioration in law and order in Khagrachhari municipality and Sadar upazila.
Things got much worse on Sunday when a violent clash in Guimara upazila left three indigenous people dead and injuring several others, including 13 army personnel. The clash occurred at Ramesu Bazar around 1 pm on the day after miscreants set fire to the market violating while section 144 in place.
Following the clashes, Jumma Chhatra Janata called for an indefinite blockade in Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari. As a result, all road communications between Khagrachhari and major cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangamati, as well as nine local upazilas, have been completely shut down. Later, the road blockade has been relaxed.
Thousands of tourists visiting Sajek and surrounding areas were caught off guard by the blockade. Many were stranded for hours at locations such as Shapla Chattar, unable to continue their journeys. Under special security arrangements, most tourists were eventually able to return to safety.
Due to the volatile situation, the Bandarban administration has postponed the reopening of the popular Keokradong tourism center, citing security concerns and inadequate facilities. Travel bans remain in place until stability is restored.
Speaking to The TIMES of Bangladesh, experts, tour operators, tourists and local traders expressed their concern and frustration over the repeated hindrance to tourism in the three hill districts, placing emphasis on consistent safety and security.
Sidratul Muntaha Priya, a banker, was planning to visit Bandarban with her husband, son and several cousins. But, due to the disturbance in Khagrachhari, she is hesitating about her plans.
“Let’s see how things develop in the coming days,” she said.
Zannatul Ferdousi Manu, who runs a tour operator named Jhatika Safar, expressed concern over tour cancellations to Sajek and Bandarban. following sudden security issues and restrictions on tourist spots.
“The deeper concern is the long-term impact on client trust. One viral incident can cause people to avoid entire regions for months,” she said, adding that even isolated events can scare travelers, especially families and solo female tourists, and hurt the tourism industry for a long time.
“Tourism often gets shut down due to instability. People should feel safe traveling to this part of the country day or night. Sudden trip cancellations affect not just tourists, but also operators and the local economy,” Md Kamrul Hassan, professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management department at the University of Dhaka.
He highlighted the hill tracts’ potential for year-round tourism thanks to their unique beauty and seasonal appeal, saying, “To realize this, a long planning is crucial.”
“With proper planning and consistent safety, even international tourists can be attracted. A secure and stable environment benefits both visitors and locals, ensuring sustainable growth,” he added.
Rahul Chakma John, organizing secretary of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek, said, “Many tourists were expected to come during the Durga Puja holidays. However, due to this, they are not coming. This has caused economic losses not only for the accommodation sector but for everyone involved in local tourism. Since it is the tourism season, this is significantly affecting us.”
