Police on Saturday arrested Barsha Islam, admin of the online-based tour group “Tour Expert” in connection with the death of two people, including a female tourist, and the disappearance of another during a trekking trip to the remote hilly area of Alikadam in Bandarban.
Habibur Rahman, father of the deceased tourist Smriti Akter, filed the case
Alikadam Police Station OC Mirza Zahid Uddin said that Barsha was arrested on charges of negligence.
“She had been in police custody since the incident. Once the case was filed, she was formally arrested and sent to court,” he told the Times of Bangladesh.
According to Section 304(A) of the Bangladesh Penal Code, causing death through negligence or carelessness is considered a punishable offense.
Barsha is the daughter of Rabiul Islam, a resident of Ward No 6, Aarpura, Jagadishpur Union, under Chaugachha Police Station in Jessore.
The case statement alleges that Barsha organised various tours through her Facebook group, but in this instance, she neglected safety protocols and ignored adverse weather warnings.
As part of her “Krishtang-RungRang Summit (30th)” event, Smriti Akter left from Rampura in Dhaka on June 8 for Alikadam. After that, her family lost contact with her. On June 13, her body was recovered from the Tain canal bend in Alikadam.
The statement mentions that Barsha misled local authorities and organised the 33-member tour with only one guide (Siddhartha Tanchangya). She did not inform the tourists about weather conditions.
On June 9, the group headed toward the remote RungRang-Krishtang area. The next day, they split into two groups. Barsha took 12 tourists and the guide through the Andharmanik trail via Khemchong Para.
Meanwhile, three others—Smriti Akter, Hasan Chowdhury Shuvo and Sheikh Zubairul Islam—set off toward Alikadam Sadar without any guide.
On June 11, heavy rainfall caused a flash flood in the Shamuk Jhorna area under Kurukpata Union, sweeping away the three tourists.
The following day, the body of Sheikh Zubairul Islam was recovered from the Matamuhuri River and Smriti’s body was found in Tain canal the next day.
Hasan Chowdhury Shuvo remains missing.
The complainant alleged that Smriti died due to Barsha’s negligence and lack of competence.
Bandarban Superintendent of Police Shahidullah Kawser said tour operators need to be more skilled and aware while organising tours in the hill tracts.
“Tourist organisations must act responsibly to prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said.