Tourists are being sent back from Milonchhori area on Bandarban-Ruma road due to the joint operation of the security forces in the border areas.
They were being sent back from that road since Tuesday morning, reports Bangla Tribune.
Nasirul Alam, president of Bandarban Jeep-Microbus Owners Association, said: “On Monday, the administration discouraged tourists from traveling to Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas. Since Tuesday morning, the administration has been sending back all the tourist vehicles from Milonchhori.”
In this regard, ASP Nahid of Bandarban Tourist Police said that they have not received any official letter yet; however, they have heard about authorities sending back the tourists.
“We will inform you about the details later,” said this police official.
The Bandarban district administration banned tourist movement in Ruma and Rowangchhari upazilas on Monday.
Ruma Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mamun Shibli and Rowangchhari UNO Mohammad Khorshed Alam Chowdhury said that the restriction was imposed for the time being due to the joint operation so that no untoward incident happens with the tourists.
However, they could not say anything about when the tourists will be allowed again.
The drives began in Rangamati and Bandarban areas last week after media reports suggested that a new militant group, named “Jama'atul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya”, was working with Myanmar-based separatist group Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF). Due to the operation, the youths who had joined the KNF went into hiding.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal recently said any separatist or militant organization found in Bangladesh was being removed.
