After 24 days of restrictions, Rangamati has once again become a bustling tourist destination as visitors flock to the scenic hill district to enjoy its natural beauty.
With the lifting of restrictions, tourist hotspots like the Hanging Bridge, Polwel Park, and Shuvolong Waterfalls are teeming with activity, while groups of visitors enjoy boat rides on the blue waters of Kaptai Lake, soaking in the landscape of lakes, mountains, and clouds.
Restrictions were initially imposed on tourist travel to Sajek on September 24, followed by broader restrictions across the three hill districts from October 8 to October 31, due to unrest in the region.
As conditions normalized, the Rangamati district administration lifted the travel ban on November 1, although access to Sajek will remain restricted until November 5.
From early Saturday, tourists began filling Rangamati’s sites, with groups of visitors walking the suspension bridge and boating on Kaptai Lake.
Hotels and motels in the city report high occupancy, and traders are hopeful about recovering from financial losses incurred during the recent tourist ban.
Soumen Nandi, a tourist from Dhaka, said: “The restrictions were lifted — so the very next day, my friends and I came to experience Rangamati’s nature. We are a group of 20, and the unique charm of Rangamati always fascinates us.”
Handloom shops saw crowds as visitors combined sightseeing with shopping.
Traders are optimistic about regaining losses from the 24-day halt, which reportedly cost the tourism sector around Tk50 crore.
Fakhrul Islam, manager of the tourist boat dock, said: “We faced heavy financial losses with tourist arrivals halted for a month. Now that the ban is lifted, boat owners and workers are hopeful. We expect a good season to recover our losses.”
Abul Hasan Raihan, manager of Hotel Square Park, noted: “The tourism sector in Rangamati suffered an image crisis due to the restrictions, but with these now lifted, everyone is relieved. Judging by the surge in visitors over Friday and Saturday, we’re optimistic for a strong winter season.”
Alok Vikas Chakma, manager of Tourism Holiday Complex, echoed the sentiment, saying: “We’re seeing a strong turnout on the first day of reopening. The Hanging Bridge and Kaptai Lake are busy, and we expect even more tourists in the coming days.”