Bandarban cries for tourists

The hill district of Bandarban is covered with clouds in the green of the hills.  The small, large mountains and streams are now vibrant. Such a scene can be seen in Bandarban, a natural beauty surrounded by natural greenery. But this time, the tourist centers of Bandarban have not been filled with the expectations of tourists on three consecutive holidays. Discounts were given for tourists on tourism day, but those facilities did not work.

Tourism businessmen said that special discounts and facilities have been given to tourists on the tourism day. But those facilities didn't help. Tourists were supposed to be on holiday for three days in a row, but that did not change. Moreover, hotels and motels were booked a bit on Tourist Day, but last Friday, tourist arrivals were 60 percent. Far from making up for the losses suffered by the traders, they did not even come close to the loan. If this is how bad things continue to happen, tourism traders have no option but to sit on the road.

It has been seen that tourist arrivals were limited in the tourist centers including Meghala, Nilachal, Pranti Lake, Shail falls, Chimbuk Hills and Nilgiri. However, tourists were seen normally in Nilachal and Meghala tourist spots. While they brought family and friends, many returned to Nilachal.

Jasim Uddin, joint secretary of Bandarban Hotel-Motel Owners Association, said there were not many tourists on Thursday. About 60 percent of hotels were booked on Friday. Jahangir, officer-in-charge of Bandarban Tourist Police, said the tourist police have beefed up security at various places in the tourist spots. There are also plainclothes policemen.

JH