A new tourist centre, Ala Mi Tlang Eco Resort, is being constructed at an altitude of about 2,100 feet above sea level at the foot of Keokradong, one of the country’s highest mountain peaks, in Susuang Para of Bandarban.

“Ala Mi Tlang,” which means Song of the Distant Mountains in Bengali, is being developed with financial assistance from the Bangladesh Army to help improve the livelihoods of the economically backward Bom community.

The scenic Susuang Para, located around 90 kilometres from Bandarban district town, is known for its vast natural beauty. A Bangladesh Army camp is situated adjacent to the resort site.

The foundation stone of the eco resort was laid on Saturday noon by Brigadier General SM Rakib Ibn Rezwan, Commander of the 69 Infantry Brigade and Bandarban Army Region Commander.

Brig Gen Rezwan said the resort is being constructed at a cost of Tk 30 lakh with funding from the 24th Infantry Division and planning support from soldiers of the Magisterial Tiger unit.

He said that from November 18, 2024, members of the displaced Bawm community began returning to their ancestral homes following improvements in the security situation involving the security forces and the Kuki National Army.

So far, 503 members of 202 returning Bawm families have been provided with housing construction materials and humanitarian assistance. An allocation of Tk 20 lakh has already been made by the 24th Infantry Division for the rehabilitation of the returning families, he added.

At present, tourists are not permitted to travel to Susuang Para. However, once construction is completed, the resort will be opened to visitors.

The eco resort will be managed by the Bom community, and the income generated will be used for education, healthcare and humanitarian activities for the Bawm ethnic group.

Senior military officials and local dignitaries attended the foundation stone laying ceremony, including Lal Jarlam Bom, president of the Bom Social Council, as well as the captain of the Magisterial Tigers unit and the Ruma Army Zone Commander.