Khagrachari, Nov 06, (V7N) - After being closed for over a month, the Khagrachhari and Sajek tourist centers have officially reopened to visitors starting from Tuesday. The decision comes after a period of tension and unrest in the region, which led to the suspension of tourism activities. The reopening was confirmed by Shirin Akhter, the Upazila Executive Officer of Baghaichhari on Monday.
 
According to Akhter, the region's security situation has improved, and as a result, the district administration has decided to open the Sajek tourist destination to visitors. She assured that there are no current security concerns and that tourists are now free to visit Khagrachhari and Sajek without any restrictions.
 
The Sajek valley, a popular tourist spot in the Khagrachhari hill district, had been off-limits to visitors since late September due to violent incidents in Khagrachhari and Rangamati districts in mid-September. Following the unrest, the Rangamati district administration had warned tourists to stay away from the area. This led to a complete halt in tourist activity in Sajek for more than a month.
 
During this period of closure, businesses related to tourism, such as resorts and cottages, faced significant losses. Sajek Cottages Owners Association reported that out of the 120 cottages in the area, most employees had to leave as there were no tourists to serve. The long closure has not only impacted local businesses but also left many workers unemployed.
 
In addition, on October 8, the district administration of Khagrachhari, along with the three hill districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts, had issued a general request for tourists to avoid visiting the region due to security concerns. However, with the situation now under control, the Khagrachhari administration has announced that all tourist centers in the district will reopen starting from Tuesday.
 
The reopening of the tourist centers has been welcomed by many, particularly those involved in the local hospitality and tourism industry. Ananta Bikash Tripura, the General Secretary of the Khagrachhari Hotel Owners Association, expressed relief, stating that the tourism sector is vital to the livelihoods of many local people. “Many families rely on the tourism industry for their income, and the closure of the tourist centers left many unemployed. With the reopening, there is a sense of hope and relief for those whose livelihoods depend on tourism,” he said.
 
The district administration also noted that the decision to reopen Sajek was made possible as tourists traveling to the valley typically pass through Khagrachhari, and with the district’s security situation now stable, it was deemed safe to resume tourism activities.
 
It is estimated that the tourism shutdown over the past month has resulted in financial losses of at least 15 crore taka (approximately $1.5 million) for the tourism sector in the region. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, faced significant economic challenges during the closure, with many people struggling to make ends meet.
 
With the reopening, local authorities hope to restore the region’s economy, which heavily depends on the inflow of tourists to places like Sajek, Rangamati, and Bandarban. Authorities are encouraging tourists to return to the area, assuring them of safety and readiness to accommodate them.
 
END/BT/AJ/