Sajek, July 2 (V7N)- Due to heavy rainfall, the only road to Sajek in Rangamati has been submerged by a mountain flood, completely halting vehicle traffic. Several reliable sources have confirmed that around 150 tourists are stranded in Sajek.

However, since Tuesday morning, some television channels and media outlets have been reporting that 700 to 800 tourists are stranded in Sajek, causing extreme confusion nationwide. This misleading information has also adversely affected the tourism sector in Rangamati. Several responsible sources have indicated that a group is spreading misleading information through the media to reduce the number of tourists visiting Sajek.

It has been found that the details of tourists and their vehicles are recorded at the Baghaichhari Zone daily when they travel to Sajek. According to information from security forces and local sources, a total of 78 tourists entered Sajek on Monday, July 1. Among them, there were 48 men and 30 women. A total of 15 vehicles entered Sajek, including 2 jeeps, 6 CNGs, 3 microbuses, and 4 motorcycles.

No foreign tourists entered Sajek on Monday afternoon. Additionally, 70 to 80 tourists were already staying in Sajek. Multiple sources have confirmed that around 150 tourists have been stranded in Sajek since Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, Parvez Ahmed Chowdhury, vice-president of the Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Rangamati and a tourism entrepreneur in Sajek, stated that the actual number of stranded tourists is around 150. To assist them, hotel rents are not being charged, and tourists only have to cover the cost of water or their own expenses.

He mentioned that publishing misleading news based solely on hearsay without knowing the actual situation is causing confusion. This not only severely damages the economy of Rangamati and Khagrachari but also creates a negative perception of the hill's tourism sector both domestically and internationally, which is not beneficial at all.

Meanwhile, Shirina Akter, the executive officer of Baghaichhari Upazila, stated that necessary steps have been taken for the stranded tourists in Sajek.

END/AMR/DK/