• Almost no tourists for the past three month
• Iconic hanging bridge remains submerge since August
• The daily losses for the tourism corporation amount to Tk60,000 to Tk70,000

A Correspondent, Rangamati:

The tourism sector in the hilly district of Rangamati has been hit hard in peak season due to political instability, communal clashes and natural disasters.

Following the Anti-discrimination Student Movement in July and August, heavy rains, waterlogging, and recent communal violence in the hills have severely impacted tourism operators. Rangamati has seen almost no tourists for the past three months, leaving those in the tourism-related businesses in deep despair.

After the government’s fall on August 5, severe flooding and heavy rains raised the water levels of the Kaptai Lake, submerging one of Rangamati’s main attractions, the hanging bridge. Before they could recover from the natural disaster, tensions flared again with communal violence affecting the hill communities.

There was significant damage to life and property, and tourism operators are now facing long-term losses.

Although the situation has stabilized, the hanging bridge remains submerged, and all tourist spots in the district are deserted.

During a visit, it was seen that the green hills surrounding Kaptai Lake have regained their vibrant beauty due to the rain and runoff from the hills. As far as the eye can see, the mountains are draped in lush greenery, embracing the artificial Kaptai Lake of South Asia.

This picturesque view should captivate tourists, but the overflowing Kaptai Lake has kept the iconic hanging bridge submerged for more than a month.

With no tourists, the daily losses for the tourism corporation amount to Tk60,000 to Tk70,000, while private tourism operators are losing nearly Tk10 lakh daily.

HANGING BRIDGE REMAINS UNDERWATER

Over a hundred floating shops have been established centring the iconic bridge. As the bridge remains underwater, many vendors are struggling to survive without customers.

Hundreds of tourist boats silently wait along the banks of the expansive Kaptai Lake, where the beauty of the hills is magnified by the blue sky and shimmering waters.

Mohammad Alamgir, a tourist boat operator, noted that the hanging bridge has been underwater for a month due to the rising water level of the Kaptai Lake.

He mentioned that the political instability and communal violence have kept tourists away, resulting in severe hardships for operators.

He suggested that the authorities raise the bridge to prevent future flooding.

Meanwhile, Tina Chakma, manager of Banani Textile, shared that the submerged bridge has caused many potential tourists to turn away, leaving them with no sales.

She lamented that they face losses every year due to the bridge’s flooding and expressed hope for better sales if the water recedes.

Abdur Sabur, a tourist boat owner, stated that the student protests and communal violence have resulted in a complete absence of tourists in Rangamati. Previously, they would collect around Tk2 lakh in business, but now they barely make any sales, leading to the closure of many floating shops.

NOTICEABLE LACK OF TOURISTS AT SAJEK

Similarly, at the Sajek tourist centre, known as the “House of Clouds,” there is a noticeable lack of tourists.

Suparna Deb Barman, president of the Sajek Cottage Owners Association, explained that July typically sees an influx of visitors, but due to the current situation, that has not occurred, leading to financial losses for resort and cottage owners.

Currently, there are 127 resorts and 116 restaurants in Sajek, and many employees have been laid off due to the financial downturn.

Moin Uddin Selim, general secretary of the Rangamati Residential Hotel Association, reported that there has been little to no tourist arrival in the past two to three months, resulting in no bookings and significant financial losses amounting to several crore taka.

Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of the Rangamati Tourism and Holiday Complex, noted that the hanging bridge has been submerged since August 23, and its planks remain underwater.

He hopes the water will recede soon so that tourists can once again enjoy the beauty of the bridge.

Khondoker Mohammad Rizaul Karim, chief executive officer of the Rangamati Hill District Council, emphasized the need for a collective decision on how to enhance tourism and address existing issues.

He mentioned that no financial decisions can be made until a new council is formed. If the situation does not normalize soon, tourism-related businesses in Rangamati fear they will face significant risks.

WORLD TOURISM DAY OBSERVED

Meanwhile, a discussion meeting was held at the Rangamati Tourism Holiday Complex auditorium to mark World Tourism Day.

This year’s theme was “Tourism and Peace.”

The chief guest was Khondoker Mohammad Rizaul Karim, chief executive officer of the Rangamati Hill District Council. Mohammad Shamim Hossain, a deputy collector from the Rangamati district administration, was also present.

Members of the boat drivers’ association, auto-rickshaw drivers’ association, and resort owners’ association attended the meeting.