Armed hijackers snatch valuables from 22 tourists in Bandarban

A group of armed hijackers looted valuables including cash and 17 mobile phones from 22 tourists at Thanchi upazila in Bandarban.

The incident took place on Sunday (February 25) night in Velakhum, a remote tourist spot in the upazila. The tourists said that the hijackers had six firearms in their hands.

According to sources from police and tourists, two groups of 22 people, including four women, went on a trip to Nafakhum tourist spot at Tindu union in Thanchi upazila on February 24.

After traveling Nafakum, they camped at Velakhum tourist spot on February 25 night. Around 11:00pm, an armed group of six men attacked their camp.

They forced the tourists to sit in a row and snatched away Tk1,81,000 in cash and other valuables including 17 mobile phones from them.

One of the tourists said that on the first day of their trip to Bandarban, they visited Nafakhum and decided to spend the night at Velakhum via Tuisa Para. During the night, an armed group dressed in olive coloured uniforms, with 'KNF' written on the uniform, held them hostage and looted their belongings.

“But they did not harm any of us. Only the local guide was beaten. After passing the night, we swam across Velakhum and came to Thanchi. Later, we quickly reported the incident to the local BGB camp and the administration.”

Thanchi Tourist Police in-charge SI Anwar Hossain said, “Two groups of 22 tourists from Dhaka went on a trip to Remakri. They took permission from the local administration and law enforcement to travel up to Remakri, but later they went to Velakhum tourist spot via Nafakum and Tuisa neighbourhood. They complained that they were hijacked there.”

Thanchi thana Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Jasim Uddin said that they have received complaints from the tourists. However, no case has been filed yet.

He assured that the matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken.