C T Online Desk: Supradip Chakma, adviser to the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has said that the government decided to temporarily suspended all travel to the hill tracts due to the security concerns of the region. However, it will be lifted once situation improves.
He said: “Given the current situation, it is necessary to temporarily suspend tourist visits to the hills. The area is currently closed to visitors, but it will be reopened based on future conditions. The administration is working to improve law and order to restore public confidence.”
The adviser made the statement following a visit to the violence-affected areas in Rangamati, including the Regional Council, Banarupa Mosque, and Maitree Bihar on Wednesday.
His visit began with an inspection of the Regional Council building, followed by a meeting with the Regional Council chairman, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma, also known as Santu Larma.
Afterward, the adviser toured the areas affected by the September 20 violence in Banarupa, speaking with business owners and representatives from the mosque and Buddhist monastery.
He said every incident must be investigated and legal cases filed accordingly, ensuring fair justice without harassment, regardless of whether the perpetrators are from the indigenous or Bangalee communities.
He emphasized that no one guilty of these incidents will go unpunished.
The adviser also reassured the victims that compensation would be provided.
The adviser was accompanied by Rangamati deputy commissioner Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Khan, superintendent of police Dr S M Farhad Hossain, and other senior officials during his visit.
Two cases have been filed in connection with the violence in Rangamati, and four individuals have already been arrested by the police.
