Tourist spots in Bandarban shut for driving rain

The district administration of Bandarban has announced a complete shutdown of all tourist attractions and high-risk zones across the hill district until July 10, reports state news agency BSS.

The order, effective immediately, comes in response to persistent heavy rainfall that has raised serious concerns over communication breakdowns and potential accidents.

Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Saniul Ferdous signed the emergency public notice on Monday evening, mandating the closure. The directive not only covers renowned sightseeing spots but also explicitly prohibits travel to waterfalls, hill trails, waterways, remote villages, and other perilous locations throughout the district.

According to the official notice, the region has been battered by incessant downpours over the past several days, creating precarious conditions that threaten to disrupt road and communication networks. With the ground already saturated and river levels rising, authorities have deemed it unsafe for both tourists and locals to venture into vulnerable areas.

The administration has urged tour operators, travel agencies, and the general public to strictly adhere to the restrictions. The notice features that the decision, while disruptive to the local tourism industry, was taken purely as a precautionary measure to avert tragedies during the ongoing inclement weather.

"The prevailing weather patterns and the heightened possibility of landslides and flash floods left us with no alternative but to enforce this prohibition," an official close to the matter stated. “Public safety remains our foremost priority.”

Residents and stranded visitors have been advised to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilises. The district administration has also called on all concerned parties to take necessary precautions and cooperate fully with the directives during this period. Further updates are expected after July 10, depending on the improvement of weather conditions.