The hill district of Bandarban continues to draw large crowds of tourists even on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, as visitors flock to its scenic landscapes of green hills, waterfalls and clouds.
After remaining relatively quiet during Ramadan, tourist spots across the district have come alive with the footsteps of travellers, with hotels, motels and resorts reporting near-full occupancy following advance bookings.
Nature lovers from different parts of the country have poured into Bandarban, eager to experience its unique blend of hills, rivers, waterfalls and the cultural diversity of its 11 indigenous communities.
Popular tourist destinations including Meghla, Nilachal, Shailaprapat, Chimbuk, Nilgiri and Debotakhum are now bustling with visitors.
Many tourists expressed fascination at the breathtaking views of hills, rivers and mist-covered landscapes during the Eid holidays.
Roduan, a tourist from Dhaka visiting Nilachal, said Bandarban stands out for its natural beauty and cultural diversity. “The combination of hills, rivers, waterfalls and clouds is something you can only truly experience here,” he said.
Another visitor, Shirin Akter, who was travelling across different upazilas in the district, said the long Eid break allowed her to explore multiple destinations. “I had heard about Bandarban’s beauty but it’s beyond imagination when seen in person,” she added.
To ensure a safe and smooth tourism experience, local authorities have strengthened security measures across tourist spots and accommodation facilities.
Members of the Tourist Police have increased surveillance in key locations.
President of Bandarban Hotel and Resort Owners Association Md Sirajul Islam said most hotels and resorts in the district have been fully booked during the Eid period.
“We have coordinated with hotel owners to ensure that tourists do not face any inconvenience,” he said.
Runa Akter, owner of a local resort, said all rooms in her facility are booked until March 27.
Meanwhile, the manager of Parjatan Motel, Md Shoaib, said a 20 percent discount has been offered on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26.
Inspector Md Farid Uddin Khan of the Tourist Police, Bandarban Zone, said the influx of tourists has increased significantly during the Eid holidays.
“Our personnel are on duty round the clock at different tourist spots to ensure visitors’ safety,” he said, adding that the overall law and order situation remains stable.
He also urged tourists to contact the Tourist Police in case of any inconvenience during their stay.