The Rangamati district administration has temporarily closed the Sajek Valley tourist destination. The decision took effect at 6:00 pm on Sunday (October 11) and will remain in force until further notice.

Tourists currently staying in Sajek have also been instructed to leave the tourist destination by 5:00 pm on October 13 and return safely to their respective destinations.

The directive was issued in an emergency notice by the Rangamati district administration at around 7:00 pm on Sunday. The notice, signed by Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Nazma Ashrafi, stated that Sajek Valley in Baghaichhari upazila had been temporarily closed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Earlier, a road blockade on the Sajek route triggered tension and uncertainty throughout the day.

An indefinite road blockade began at 6:00 am on Sunday at the call of two organisations, the Sajek People’s Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association, which are reportedly controlled by the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF).

Blockaders obstructed traffic at several points along the road from Jorabridge in Dighinala to Sajek Valley, including Gangaram Bazar, Retkaba Mukh, Dopatachhara and Ujho Bazar, by felling trees and burning tyres.

Amid security concerns, vehicle movement between Khagrachhari and Sajek came to a halt, causing hardship for local residents. Around 1,200 tourists were also stranded at the Sajek tourist destination.

An initiative was later taken to escort tourist vehicles under army protection, but protesters reportedly stopped them. The blockade was withdrawn at around 5:00 pm, after nearly 11 hours, following assurances from the administration that four demands would be addressed. Tourist movement in Sajek then began to return to normal.

However, the district administration’s decision to close the destination in the evening has once again created uncertainty for travellers planning to visit Sajek.

According to relevant sources, the decision was taken to ensure tourist safety and maintain control over the overall situation. The activities of law enforcement agencies have also been strengthened to maintain stability in Sajek.

Tourists planning to visit the area have been advised not to travel there until further notice.