Three tour guides expelled in Thanchi in 10 days over misbehavior with tourists

The Thanchi Upazila administration in Bandarban has expelled a registered tourist guide for violating administrative directives and misbehaving with tourists, marking the third such disciplinary action taken against guides in the first 10 days of the month.

The latest expulsion was announced through an official order issued by the upazila administration against guide Sashethwai Marma, who had been serving as an approved tourist guide under the Thanchi Upazila administration on Monday.

According to the official order, Sashethwai Marma faced allegations of misbehaving with tourists in front of the Thanchi Tourist Information and Service Center on August 8. He was also accused of flouting administrative regulations, leading to his removal from tourist guide duties following an inquiry into the complaints.

The order, signed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abdullah-Al-Faysal, stated that relevant administrative, law enforcement, and tourism-related departments and organizations have been formally notified of the decision.

Prior to this incident, one guide was expelled on August 2 and another on August 6, bringing the total number of registered tourist guides facing administrative penalties this month to three.

UNO Mohammad Abdullah-Al-Faysal stated that in order to keep Thanchi's tourism sector safe, orderly, and tourist-friendly, it is essential to regularly train registered guides, raise awareness about their code of conduct, and take prompt administrative action whenever irregularities occur.

Thanchi in Bandarban is one of the country's prominent tourist destinations in the hill tracts, attracting visitors from across Bangladesh every year for its mountains, waterfalls, natural pools, rivers, and scenic beauty. Local registered guides play a crucial role in ensuring their safety, providing accurate navigation, and delivering a positive travel experience.