According to Deputy Commissioner Shah Mojahid Uddin, tourist areas in four upazilas of Bandarban (Bandarban Sadar, Lama, Alikadam and Naikhongchhari) will reopen in the next seven to ten days.

The DC announced this during a meeting with tourism business stakeholders at its office today (October 30).

He said officials were still examining the reopening of tourism spots in Ruma, Thanchi and Rowangchhari upazilas.

DC said, “Decisions regarding tourism openings are not taken unilaterally, we receive instructions from the ministry. Business owners expressed their concerns about financial difficulties, and we reported this to the ministry.” he said.

Holiday Inn Resort Director Zakir Hossain expressed concern about the financial pressure on businesses, saying: “We have significant bank loans and the constant closure has put us at risk with banks issuing repeated notices.”

Jashim Uddin, Chairman of the Tourism Cooperation Council and Director of Hotel Arannya, said, “Despite the closures, we are still paying municipal taxes, bank loans and electricity bills regularly. Unlike other regions, Bandarban remains closed although the conditions are stable.”

The meeting was attended by local tourism stakeholders as well as representatives from the police, tourist police, army and Bangladesh Border Guard.