The Bandarban district administration has declared all tourist centres in the district closed until Friday (10 July) due to continuous heavy rainfall and the severe risks posed to transportation and public safety.
The decision was announced in a public notice signed by Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous last night (6 July). According to the notice, continuous heavy rainfall in recent days has created hazardous conditions across different parts of the hill district, severely affecting communication networks and increasing safety risks. Considering the prevailing weather conditions and potential dangers, the administration has suspended access to all tourist destinations until 10 July to protect the lives and property of tourists and local residents. The official notice stated that travel by tourists, tour operators, and the general public to all tourist centres, waterfalls, hill trails, waterways, remote areas, and other risky locations in the district will remain strictly prohibited during this period.
Meanwhile, the natural disaster has also impacted the regional transport and power infrastructure. Bandarban Power Distribution Division Executive Engineer Amir Hossain stated that vehicle movement on the critical Bandarban-Cox’s Bazar-Chattogram route has been disrupted since yesterday afternoon. This disruption occurred after a 33kV power line pole collapsed in the Reicha area. He explained that only CNG-run autorickshaws and small vehicles are currently able to use the route. Three specialized teams from the power department are working continuously to restore the damaged power line and clear the path.
Furthermore, landslides have been reported in several areas along the key Bandarban-Ruma and Bandarban-Thanchi roads, cutting off smooth communication. Amid the continuing heavy rain and the high risk of further landslides, the administrations of the district’s seven upazilas have been actively using loudspeakers to urge residents living in vulnerable slopes and low-lying areas to evacuate immediately to safer locations and government shelters.
