During the Durga Puja holidays, the hill town of Rangamati would usually be bustling with tourists.
However, because of the government directive discouraging travel to the three hill districts from October 8 to October 31, Rangamati is now devoid of tourists, leading to disappointment among business owners.
They claim that this will result in a loss of approximately Tk60 to 65 crores in October.
They said that Rangamati, with its lakes, hills, and clouds has always been a top destination for travel enthusiasts.
During holidays, tourists flock to this region to refresh themselves amidst the green nature and waterfalls, escaping from the fatigue of city life.
However, this year's scenario during the Durga Puja holiday is quite different.
Due to some recent unfortunate incidents, the administration discouraged travel to the hills.
As a result, this year, despite preparations by hotels, cottages, houseboats, and textile markets in Sajek and around Rangamati, business owners are frustrated by the administration’s decision.
According to Rangamati Chamber of Commerce and Industries, around 30,000 people rely on tourism-related industries in Rangamati for their livelihood.
Currently, tourist spots like Sajek Valley and Shuvolong Waterfalls are almost empty.
Business owners believe that such a decision at the beginning of the winter season will have long-term negative impacts on Rangamati's tourism industry, and they fear losing their capital.
They have urged a quick withdrawal of the decision.
Business owners said that many had to cancel hotel and motel bookings during the Durga Puja holidays.
Not only hotels and motels, but tourist boats, houseboats, and cottages were also renovated for the season.
Now, they face difficulties recovering from such losses, with some even considering shutting down their businesses before the winter season begins.
Following the violence in the hills since September 18, travel to Sajek was discouraged in three phases, from September 24 to October 4.
Later, considering the overall situation in the hills, the local administration advised tourists to refrain from visiting the three hill districts from October 8 to October 31.
President of the Houseboat Owners Association and director of Bargi Lake, Bappi Tanchangya, said: "Simply restricting tourist travel for security reasons won't improve the situation. It needs to be considered by all concerned. If the ban continues until October 31, there will be a loss of millions."
Matijoy Tripura, joint general secretary of the Sajek Resort Owners Association, said: "Every Friday and Saturday, about 2,000 to 2,500 tourists visit Sajek, and the number increases significantly during public holidays. The travel discouragement has left Sajek empty of tourists, with all resort owners sitting idle. Paying staff salaries this month will not be possible."
Ali Babor, vice president of Rangamati chamber of commerce and industries, said: "Business owners in Rangamati alone are facing a daily loss of around Tk1 crore, mainly due to the absence of tourists. In Rangamati and the three hill districts, people's livelihood depends on the tourism industry. If this situation continues for the entire month, the losses could reach Tk45 to 50 crores."
Supradeep Chakma, adviser to the ministry of Chittagong hill tracts affairs, said: "Given the current situation, it is necessary to restrict tourist visits, which is why the restrictions are in place. The administration is working to improve law and order to regain public confidence and the restrictions will be lifted based on the situation."