News Desk : dhakamirror.com
Great news for travelers! Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma upazila is set to welcome tourists again starting October 1. The district administration has finally lifted the travel ban that had been in effect for almost three years.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision today (27 September) during a discussion marking World Tourism Day, noting that the move comes in response to requests from tourists and tourism stakeholders, as well as improvements in the district’s overall law and order situation.
The DC said visitors will be allowed to travel to the hilltop following existing security regulations. She added that the lifting of bans on Remakri and Nafakhum areas is also under consideration, depending on further improvements in the situation.
The travel ban on Keokradong Hill had been in effect since late 2022 due to security concerns linked to armed group activities, particularly the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and militant outfit Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya.
Joint security forces had conducted operations in Ruma, Rowangchhari, Thanchi, and Alikadam upazilas, prompting restrictions on tourist movement. While bans in other areas were gradually lifted, Keokradong Hill and Remakri remained restricted.
“Although restrictions on Boga Lake in Ruma and Tindu and Tamajhiri in Thanchi were lifted on 6 June, Keokradong, the most popular attraction, was still closed. Opening it will significantly boost tourist inflow,” said Jasim Uddin, general secretary of the Bandarban Residential Hotel Owners’ Association.
