Travel ban imposed on 3 upazilas of Bandarban

The local administration has imposed a tourist ban in three upazilas (Ruma, Thanchi and Rowangchhari) due to the joint operations carried out by law enforcers over the recent Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) activities.

Confirming the matter on Friday (April 12), Bandarban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shah Mujahid Uddin said tourists are being discouraged to travel in the areas where joint forces are carrying out operations.

According to a notification signed by Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Didarul Alam on April 9, tourists are not allowed to book hotel rooms or visit any spots in the upazila until the joint operation is over.

The directive states that no jeep can be taken to any tourist places and tourists should not be taken to anywhere even by waterways.

The instruction was given in light of the core committee’s decision regarding the maintenance and coordination of district law and order, said Md Didarul Alam.

The tourist ban came after KNF members attacked Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank in Bandarban’s Thanchi upazila on April 2 and 3 respectively and looted Tk15,00,000 from Sonali Bank and Tk2,45,000 from Krishi Bank.

They looted 14 weapons and ammunition from the police stationed in the bank and the Ansar members in the barracks.

During the robbery, bank manager Nezam Uddin was abducted by KNF armed terrorists. At that time, armed men entered the mosque located adjacent to the bank and took hostages and beat the worshipers who were performing Tarawi prayers.

In the operation, the joint forces have so far arrested 58 people and they are now in jail.