Tourism in Bandarban revives after ease of restrictions

Overcoming the impacts of the restrictions imposed by the government due to security purposes, the tourism sector in the hill district of Bandarban, a paradise of natural beauty, is becoming vibrant again.

The arrival of hundreds of tourists since the beginning of the new year has brought relief to the businessmen involved in tourism-related ventures including residential hotels and restaurants. The famous tourism spots in the district have become crowded again with a growing number of tourists.

The tourism businessmen are hoping to make up the losses incurred last year due to travel bans, imposed in the face of a deteriorating security situation, according to the stakeholders.

Bandarban, with its diverse landscape, stands out as a promising district in the country's tourism industry. Known for its communal harmony amidst fourteen indigenous communities nestled in the hills, the district boasts of natural and architectural marvels that attract visitors from across the nation.
The scenic Karukpata-Poamuhuri road at Alikadam in Bandarban attracts a huge number of tourists । VB Photo

The district has a number of famous tourism spots including the scenic spot of Nilachal, two swinging bridges at Meghla, the iconic Chimbuk Hill dubbed as Bangladesh's Darjeeling, cable car, Chimbuk Hills, Nilgiri, Tamatungi, Shailprapat fountain, Rupali fountain, Murung fountain, Rijuk fountain, Buddha Temple, Golden Temple, Remakri Boulders, Amiyakhum Falls, the mysterious Ali's Cave, and the highest peaks in the country including Keokradong, Tajingdong, Sakahafong, and Shippi Hill.

Tourists here enjoy activities ranging from paddling boats in lakes to cable car rides, and from paragliding in the thrilling breeze of Nilachal to trekking in the scenic beauty of the Shippi Hill.

Last year, Bandarban was largely devoid of tourists due to travel bans imposed by the government. Considering the security of tourists, the government imposed travel bans in several phases in four upazilas of the district from October 2022 to December 2023, due to the conflict between armed separatist organisation Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and the law enforcement forces. The four upazilas, Rowangchari, Ruma, Thanchi, and Alikadam, are the main centers of tourism in the district.

Md Jasim Uddin, organising secretary of Bandarban Hotel Owners Association and owner of Hotel Arannya, and Jafar Alam, owner of Garden City, told Views Bangladesh Bandarban district used to be full of tourists all year round; but from the mid-2022, the situation changed due to the travel bans.

Last year was perhaps the worst time for the tourism industry in the hill district. The enforcement of travel restrictions affected tourism severely. Bank loans burdened many businesses, and keeping them afloat was a major challenge for the entrepreneurs. Several residential hotels and restaurants were forced to close during this period. However, the situation began to change with the easing of conflicts and lifting of travel restrictions in the new year of 2024.

Md Kamal, general secretary of the Tourist Jeep Owners Association, said that Bandarban has over 300 jeeps for the tourists. Due to the conflicts and travel bans last year, around 500 transport workers spent their days struggling to make ends meet. However, with the influx of tourists in the new year, tourist jeeps have seen a surge in demand.

Locally produced goods have also seen an increase in sales due to the growing number of tourists. According to Priti Bom and Shravanti Tangchanga, female entrepreneurs in the handloom and weaving industry, there has been a rise in the production of local products compared to last year. In this industry, all shopkeepers and producers of handwoven fabrics are women. Women from hill communities are involved in various businesses related to tourism, contributing to the local economy.

Regarding the matter, Bandarban DC Shah Mozahid Uddin said that there are no obstacles for tourists to visit Bandarban. Local administration along with law enforcement agencies are working to ensure the safety and comfortable travel of tourists. Tourist police are working around the clock to facilitate tourists in visiting the attractions