All tourists have left Sajek Valley in Rangamati’s Baghaichhari upazila amid security concerns, leaving the popular hill destination deserted as local tourism businesses brace for potential losses of around Tk20 crore during a 10-day closure coinciding with the Durga Puja holidays.
Around 1,000 tourists were escorted to Khagrachhari in two groups at 10:30am and 2:30pm on Monday under the protection of law enforcement agencies. No tourists are currently staying at Sajek, and new visitors are being barred from entering the area.
The temporary closure has raised concerns among tourism entrepreneurs, who had expected a surge in visitors during the Durga Puja holidays and the upcoming winter tourism season. They said most resorts and cottages had advance bookings for October 16-25, making the shutdown a major financial blow at a crucial time of the year.
On Sunday, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Nazma Ashrafi issued an emergency public notice announcing the temporary closure of Sajek Valley in view of the overall security situation. The notice instructed all tourists staying there to leave by 5pm on Monday.
According to the Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association, all tourists were safely evacuated in two groups before the deadline, under the supervision of law enforcement agencies.
Earlier on Sunday, the Sajek Gonodhikar Rokkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association enforced a road blockade from 6am to 5pm, disrupting traffic on the Sajek road and leaving tourists stranded.
The protesters agreed to suspend the blockade for two days following lengthy discussions with law enforcement agencies on Sunday afternoon. Authorities subsequently began escorting stranded tourists to Khagrachhari under heightened security.
With Durga Puja beginning on October 16, tourism businesses had anticipated a significant influx of visitors, particularly between October 20 and 24. The approaching winter season had also raised expectations of a strong recovery in business.
Yothen Tripura, owner of Megh Samudra Resort in Sajek, said around 90% of the resort’s rooms had been booked for October 16-25.
“The sudden decision to close Sajek has pushed us towards major financial losses. Many tourists have already cancelled their bookings after hearing about the closure, and we have to refund their money,” he said.
Calling the period crucial for the industry, he urged the administration to assess the situation and allow tourism businesses to resume operations once adequate security could be ensured.
Mohammad Jasim Uddin, a Mahindra driver operating on the Khagrachhari-Sajek route, said the closure had also hit transport workers.
“My three trips have been cancelled over the past three days, including on Tuesday. When there are no tourists, our income stops,” he said.
Rahul Chakma Jan, organising secretary of the Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association, said all tourists had left the area before the administration’s deadline and no new visitors were being allowed to enter.
He said tourist arrivals remained relatively low during much of the year, while weekly holidays, Eid, Durga Puja and the winter season brought the largest crowds. Businesses rely on earnings during these peak periods to offset losses during the rest of the year.
According to Rahul, Sajek has around 130-135 resorts, 20-25 restaurants and numerous other tourism-related businesses. Vehicle owners and drivers transporting tourists from Khagrachhari also depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
He estimated that tourism businesses in Sajek generate around Tk2 crore a day during peak periods. A 10-day closure from October 16 to 25 could therefore result in losses of approximately Tk20 crore.
The fallout could extend well beyond resort and cottage owners, affecting restaurant operators, transport workers, tour guides, employees and small traders, tourism stakeholders said.
Many local families depend on tourism for their livelihoods, and a prolonged shutdown could further strain their household incomes.
Tourism entrepreneurs have urged the administration to reopen Sajek Valley as soon as the security situation permits. They hope that restoring access ahead of Durga Puja and the winter season will help avert some of the anticipated losses.