Travel ban on Bandarban’s Keokradong to be lifted on Oct 1 after nearly 3 years

Other tourist spots, including Nafakhum, under review for reopening, says DC Shamim Ara Rini

Tourist travel to the summit of Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma Upazila will be allowed again from Oct 1, nearly three years after the district administration imposed a ban.

The restriction was first introduced in late 2022 amid security concerns linked to the armed group Kuki-Chin.

On Saturday, during a discussion marking World Tourism Day in Dhaka, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision to lift the ban.

According to her, the move comes ahead of the Durga Puja holidays, responding to requests from tourists and those involved in the tourism sector, along with improvements in overall law and order.

“Taking all aspects of the district’s situation into account, permission will be granted for tourists to visit the hilltop,” she said. “Visitors must follow the existing rules on law and order while travelling there.”

The deputy commissioner added that lifting the ban on Remakri and Nafakhum is also under consideration. “All tourist spots will be reopened once the situation in those areas becomes favourable,” she said.