Sajek empty of tourists amid blockade, resorts and cottages lie vacant
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The popular tourist destination of Sajek in Bagaichhari, Rangamati, has been left empty of tourists following a blockade and the announcement of a suspension of tourism activities. With no visitors arriving, resorts and cottages remain vacant. Shops and restaurants have also seen their businesses come to a standstill due to a lack of customers. The situation has caused financial losses and mental distress for tourism dependent business owners, transport drivers and employees. Those involved in the sector have called for a lasting solution to resolve the crisis in tourism.
The Rangamati deputy commissioner announced on Wednesday that tourist visits to Sajek would remain suspended from 7 pm until further notice. Meanwhile, a gunfight between law enforcement personnel and an armed group in the Ujobazar area of Sajek on Thursday raised fresh concerns about the situation.
On Friday, business activities at the tourist destination remained stagnant due to the absence of visitors.
According to Rahul Chakma, organizing secretary of the Sajek Cottage and Resort Owners Association, Sajek generates around Tk 2.5 crore in revenue every day. The suspension of tourist arrivals is causing financial losses to people from various professions connected to the sector.
Rahul Chakma said tourism businesses in Sajek are largely seasonal. Business owners have invested in resorts, cottages and other tourism related ventures with long held ambitions and loans taken from various sources. Their main business season is winter, compared with most other times of the year. However, disruptions to tourism activities during this period can push them into serious financial difficulties.
He also said that when tourism activities are suspended or disrupted, the losses are not limited to business owners. Transport drivers, resort employees, tourism workers and many others are also affected. Many of them depend on this tourist destination for their livelihoods. In such circumstances, they suffer not only financial losses but also mental distress.
According to Rahul Chakma, this is not the first time Sajek has faced such a situation. Tourism activities are disrupted every year for various reasons. This puts business owners’ long-term plans and investments at risk. Therefore, alongside initiatives to resume tourism temporarily, a permanent solution to the problems is necessary.
Meanwhile, Sajek Police Station Officer in Charge (OC) Toffazzal Hossain said the law-and-order situation in the area was being monitored around the clock. He also said no new untoward incidents had occurred on Friday. Law enforcement personnel remain alert to maintain normalcy.
People involved in Sajek’s tourism sector said maintaining continuity in tourism activities would help sustain local businesses and employment. On the other hand, repeated disruptions to tourism would increase the pressure on business owners to pay loan installments, cover operating expenses and pay employees’ salaries.
