Shawdesh Desk:

The tourism restriction in Sajek valley and Khagrachari, imposed for over a month, was lifted on Tuesday.

Khagrachari deputy commissioner Md Shahiduzzaman confirmed the matter.

He said that all tourist centres in the district were accessible, with Sajek Valley reachable via the Khagrachari district road. This reopening is expected to revitalise tourism in the area, benefiting businesses that rely heavily on visitors. The restriction, initially enforced on September 25 due to violence in Khagrachari and Rangamati on September 19 and 20, was expanded to a complete tourism pause on October 8 across all three hill districts. This prolonged closure placed immense strain on the local economy, particularly for those in tourism.

The Sajek Cottage Owners Association reported that their 120 resorts and cottages were mostly empty, with many employees forced to leave due to lack of work. Losses to the sector are estimated around Tk 15 crore.

Ananta Bikash Tripura, general secretary of the Khagrachari Residential Hotel Owners Association, welcomed the reopening. ‘Many people’s lives are tied to the tourism sector here. With the halt in tourist activity, many became unemployed. The reopening brings relief and hope for recovery.’