Unfit open-top jeeps, locally known as "Chander Gari," continue to ply the hilly roads of Khagrachhari, defying government regulations and posing significant risks to passengers.

Reckless driving by unskilled drivers often leads to accidents, particularly on the route to the popular Sajek Valley tourist destination.

Most of these jeeps operate without licenses, fitness certificates, or road permits. Over the past one and a half months, accidents involving these vehicles have claimed at least five lives and injured more than 50 people.

Despite this, an estimated 3,000 such jeeps are in operation across Khagrachhari’s tourist spots and inter-district roads.

Local transport syndicates control the operation of these unfit vehicles, dictating fares for tourists through the Jeep Owners’ Association. Many travellers have expressed frustration over the unchecked irregularities, citing a lack of regulatory oversight.

Although Sajek Valley’s Ruilui and Konglak tourist spots fall under Rangamati district, the easiest road access is through Khagrachhari. As a result, a syndicate has emerged, monopolising control over the transportation route by forming an association.

Tourists remain hostage to the vehicle syndicate. Most of these jeeps are old, auctioned vehicles purchased from different districts, refurbished locally, and put into commercial service.

Visitors have reported various inconveniences, including mechanical failures during travel and excessive fares set by association-designated linemen. Many vehicles are poorly maintained, with parts tied together using ropes or wires, making travel highly risky.

The Khagrachhari-Dighinala-Sajek road features sharp turns and narrow stretches, where reckless driving and lack of awareness among transport operators frequently cause accidents.

According to locals, these jeeps date back to the 1948-49 model years. Initially brought to the Chittagong Hill Tracts by the British for cargo transport, they were later repurposed to carry agricultural goods to markets.

The jeeps, capable of navigating steep and rugged terrain, earned the name "Chander Gari" due to their ability to traverse remote, hilly regions.

Over time, refurbished versions of these vehicles have been introduced, including those acquired through government auctions. Concerned citizens, tourists, and residents have called for stricter regulations to ensure passenger safety and bring these vehicles under control.

Despite lacking fitness certification and being operated by untrained drivers, "Chander Gari" remains popular among tourists due to its open-air design.

However, Md Kawsar Alam, assistant director of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Khagrachhari, said that these vehicles are locally assembled and thus do not qualify for registration or fitness certification under BRTA regulations.

He acknowledged that the lack of technical approval and unskilled drivers contribute to frequent accidents.

Meanwhile, Abdul Azim, president of the Khagrachhari Jeep Owners’ Association, claimed that the vehicles meet necessary standards, but those responsible for enforcement have refrained from taking action.