Protest in Khagrachhari Against the Decision to Close Sajek Tourism Centre, Demands to Protect Livelihoods

Tourism-related business owners, transport owners, drivers and local residents have protested in Khagrachhari against the decision to close the Sajek tourism centre. Saying that tourism-dependent livelihoods are under threat, they demanded that tourism activities be normalised without delay.

On Friday (23 October) afternoon, the protest march began in front of the Sajek counter. The march later reached Shapla Chattar in Khagrachhari town. Gathering there, representatives of tourism-related businesses and the transport sector addressed the rally.

Those taking part in the protest said that with the Sajek tourism centre closed, tourism-dependent trade and the livelihoods of local people have come under threat. When tourists stop coming, the income path of every person connected with this sector narrows.

They said the earnings of many people involved in the tourism sector depend on the arrival of tourists. Hotels and resorts and other tourism-related businesses, transport and local small trade — everything stands on the presence of tourists.

The speakers warned that if tourism activities remain closed for a long time, many local families, including business owners, transport owners and drivers, will fall into financial crisis. For families that run on daily income, this crisis could become even deeper.

According to them, Sajek's tourism industry is not only for business owners; it is also an important source of livelihood for many local people. As a result, the impact of a single decision does not stay limited to one sector — it leaves its mark on the economic movement of the whole area.

In this situation, the speakers said it is essential to normalise tourism activities in Sajek while ensuring the safety of tourists. They noted that a way must be found to move both security and tourism forward together.

Ayush Shanti Chakma, president of the Parbotto Janbahan Malik Samiti, addressed the protest rally. On behalf of the transport owners, he and other speakers highlighted the economic losses caused by the closure of tourism.

Also addressing the rally were Md Asad Ullah, general secretary of the Somoadhikar Andolon, Jasim Uddin, president of the CNG Malik Samiti, and Ujjwal, president of the E-Tourism Association. Representatives of every organisation spoke in the same voice in demanding the protection of livelihoods.

From the rally, they sought necessary steps from the authorities concerned to protect the tourism sector, safeguard the livelihoods of local people and normalise tourism activities. They also expressed hope that the authorities would take a swift decision to meet the demands.

Amid the ongoing situation surrounding Sajek, this protest by tourism business owners has brought the issue back into discussion. It now remains to be seen when tourism activities return to normal while ensuring tourist safety, and when the livelihoods of the affected people become active again.