Bandarban's Ruma upazila will once again welcome domestic and foreign tourists to visit the scenic tourist spot as the authorities decided on a three-day-a-week schedule under the vigilant protection of security forces.
Bangladesh Army Ruma Zone Commander Lt Col Shahriar Iqbal announced that tourists would be able to visit Boga Lake from Ruma Sadar every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
He made the announcement during the gathering at the multipurpose hall in Ruma Zone on Sunday.
The visits will commence at 10am and conclude in the afternoon. This arrangement will remain in effect until August 16, provided the conditions and environment remain favourable. Afterwards, visitors will have the opportunity to explore other tourist destinations, including Keokradong.
To ensure a peaceful environment, the army and local administration have sought cooperation from the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), Kuki-Chin National Army (KNA), and other separatist groups.
Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Syed Mahbubur Haque, Upazila Parishad Vice Chairman Thankham Lian Bom, and army officers from Ruma Zone were present at the event.
Ruma Union Parishad Chairman Shaimong Marma, Muhammad Nashir Ullah Mir (a local businessman from Ruma Bazar), Awami League General Secretary Sangpui Bom, Sajib Das (Tourist Guide Manager), administration officials, and journalists were among the attendees.
According to sources, Deputy Commissioner Yasmin Parvin Tibriji issued a public notice on Thursday, lifting the ban on tourist travel in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas, except for Rowanchari upazila.
Later, on the following Friday, the KNF issued a red alert through their Facebook page, imposing a vehicle movement ban in the tourist area. Violators of this ban will face severe consequences, including car burning as punishment.
Furthermore, it has been reported that a comprehensive travel ban to all tourist areas has been imposed until the conclusion of peace talks. The Kuki-Chin National Front and Kuki-Chin National Army have clarified that they will not be held responsible for any incidents occurring during travel in these tourist areas.
In response to the threats issued by the Kuki Chin army, various measures have been taken to ensure the safety of tourists, particularly in Ruma and Thanchi upazilas. As part of these efforts, the local administration has initiated escorted trips for tourists to the Bagale tourist spot in Ruma, ensuring enhanced security measures.
