Travel ban on Debotakhum lifted

After remaining closed for several days due to continuous heavy rainfall, flooding, and the risk of landslides, the popular tourist spot Debotakhum in Rowangchhari upazila of Bandarban has reopened to tourists starting today (July 21). The upazila administration stated that conditional entry is being allowed following an improvement in the overall situation. Previously, tourist access had been suspended from July 16 to July 20 in the interest of safety.

According to instructions issued by the administration, no motorcycles, Chander Gari (local jeeps), or private vehicles will be allowed beyond Kachhapatoli Bazar. All vehicles must be parked at Kachhapatoli Bazar, from where tourists will have to walk approximately 5 kilometers to reach Debotakhum. However, travel via waterways is permitted, provided that wearing a life jacket is mandatory for every tourist. Additionally, visitors have been urged to comply with directives from the local administration, law enforcement agencies, the tourism management committee, and registered guides.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tazmin Alam Tuli stated that if there is a sudden deterioration in weather, heavy rainfall, landslides, or any other hazardous situation, entry for tourists may once again be temporarily suspended or restricted as needed without prior announcement.