Sajek Valley in Rangamati and tourist spots across Bandarban are set to welcome visitors again after temporary closures caused by heavy rainfall, landslide risks and deteriorating weather conditions.
The Rangamati district administration lifted the nine-day travel restriction on Sajek Valley in Baghaichhari upazila on Wednesday, while Bandarban authorities decided not to extend the travel ban as the flood situation improved.
The decision to reopen Sajek Valley was announced in a statement signed by Rangamati District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi on Wednesday afternoon.
The restriction was imposed on 7 July after the Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast adverse weather and continuous heavy rainfall in the hill district caused landslides in several areas and disrupted road connectivity.
The administration had suspended visits to Sajek Valley and other tourist attractions in Rangamati, including waterfalls, hill trails, remote areas and other vulnerable locations, to ensure the safety of tourists and residents.
Meanwhile, Bandarban Additional Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Hasan said all tourist destinations in the district would reopen from Thursday, following improvement in the flood situation.
The district administration’s tourism wing said access to several waterfalls and scenic locations had become difficult due to flash floods and landslides, while road and river routes turned risky.
During the closure period, 208 tourists were stranded at different tourist spots in Bandarban.
The restriction on tourist movement, initially imposed on 6 July, was extended three times and remained in place until 15 July.
