All 1,141 tourists evacuated from Sajek

All tourists stranded at Sajek, Rangamati, left the area on Monday (October 12), a day ahead of the deadline set by the administration, under security escort from law enforcement agencies.

A total of 1,141 tourists were transported to Khagrachhari in two phases, leaving the tourist destination completely empty, according to the Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association.

The first group of 858 tourists left their cottages and resorts at around 10am on Monday, October 13. Another 283 tourists departed at approximately 2:30pm. Law enforcement personnel escorted both groups safely to Khagrachhari.


The closure threatens to wipe out expected business during one of the busiest holiday periods of the year.


An emergency public notice instructed all tourists staying at the destination to leave by 5pm on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, the Sajek Gana Odhikar Rakkha Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association staged a blockade on the Sajek road from 6am to 5pm, disrupting tourist movement.

Following lengthy discussions with law enforcement agencies that began at around 3pm, the protesters agreed to suspend the blockade for two days.

Authorities subsequently began escorting stranded tourists from Sajek to Khagrachhari under security arrangements.

The future reopening of the destination remains uncertain, leaving tourism operators worried about the impact on bookings and businesses during the Durga Puja holiday season.