The Rangamati District Administration has issued a directive discouraging tourists from visiting Sajek Valley starting October 4 until further notice, due to ongoing concerns regarding law and order in the region. In a letter signed by Rangamati Additional District Magistrate Md Saiful Islam, the administration emphasized the need to prioritize the safety of tourists, citing the overall security situation in Sajek and its surrounding areas of Baghaichhari upazila. This decision comes in light of recent unrest in Khagrachhari and Rangamati, which has raised significant safety concerns. Read: Tourists discouraged from visiting Sajek till Sept 30 Earlier, the administration had already extended the travel discouragement period for tourists from September 28 to September 30, and again from October 1 to October 3. The situation has become increasingly critical, with reports indicating that around 1,500 tourists and 500 drivers and staff were recently stranded in Sajek Valley due to a blockade prompted by local unrest. This disruption has resulted in significant challenges, including shortages of essential supplies like drinking water, gas, and food. In response to these difficulties, resort owners have been offering discounts of up to 75% to accommodate stranded tourists. However, considering the prevailing circumstances, the administration has determined that discouraging further travel to Sajek is a necessary precaution. Read more: 1400 tourists stranded in Sajek return to Khagrachhari with army’s help Tourists are urged to stay updated on the situation and consider alternate destinations for their travel plans until the administration provides further guidance. The Rangamati district administration said it will ensure the safety and security of all visitors.

The weekend melding with Christmas falling on Sunday this year, translating to a 'long weekend', has brought life to the country's tourism sectors including Sajek Valley. At the same time, it has also brought suffering to the tourists who have gone to enjoy the scenic beauty of Sajek valley. Thousands of holidaymakers of all ages have thronged to the hill district to enjoy the beauty of Sajek at Bagaichhori in Rangamati. Resorts are experiencing a room crunch as more tourists enter Sajek - already almost double its capacity! As a result, many tourists are forced to spend the night in cars or in mosques and local clubs. Sultan Mia, 28, who came with his family from Mymensingh and Ashraf Ali, a tourist from Netrakona, said that they had come because of their children's holidays. But there is no room vacant in any hotel due to the overflow of tourists, leaving them in great trouble. Alfred Lusai, the owner of two Sajek resorts (Neel Pahari and Morning Star), said that rooms were booked almost a month before Christmas. Today, many tourists can't get even a single room which is really sad, he added. Read more: Jhum fire destroying reserved forest in Sajek According to Sajek Resort Owners Association, almost 7,000 tourists entered Sajek on Saturday. The valley's 112 cottages can accommodate only 4,000. Many of the tourists who came here did not have advance bookings. As a result, many tourists returned in the afternoon due to lack of rooms for overnight stay, sources added. Those who stayed are passing the night by renting rooms on the verandas of various cottages and in the homes of local residents. Subrata Chakma, manager of Khasrang Hill Resort, said that the inflow of tourists started on Wednesday. No rooms are available at any resort currently, he added. Read more: Visit Sajek Valley: Amazing Hilltop Cottages, Resorts, to Spend Your Vacation

Four resorts and three eateries in Rangamati's Sajek Valley, one of the most popular tourist spots in Bangladesh, were gutted in a massive fire in the early hours of Thursday, officials said. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the inferno. All the tourists and the staff staying at the ill-fated resorts escaped unhurt, according to the officials. Read: Fire guts valuables at Gazipur RMG factory The fire broke out at Obokash Resort around 4.30am and soon spread to three other resorts and restaurants, said Mizanur Rahman, the deputy commissioner of Rangamati district. Apart from Obokash, the fire destroyed Sajek Eco Valley Resort, Megh Chut Resort, Mantana Resort, Maruti Restaurant, and two other establishments. Read: Mugda fire: 55-yr-old woman dies of burn injuries On information, a fire tender from Dighinala Fire Service and Army personnel rushed to the spot but it took them over two hours to douse the flames. However, what caused the fire could not be known immediately. "A probe has been ordered," the DC said.

Located in the hills of the Rangamati district, Sajek is one of the most scenic tourist destinations in Bangladesh. It is also the largest union in Bangladesh with an area of over 702 square miles. Sajek Valley is like the heaven of greenery. The clouds touch the mountain tops to make a unique experience for the tourists. It is something to experience first-hand to understand the true beauty. The easy access and natural beauty made Sajek valley an ideal retreat. To make the trip even more memorable, there are some incredible resorts and hotels in the area. Check them out before the next trip.  Read Wanderlust Bucket List: Top 10 Places to Visit in Your Post-Covid Vacations Mindblowing hilltop resorts, cottages for spending vacation in Sajek Sajek Hill View Resort  The Hill View resort is situated in the Ruilui area of Sajek valley. Nestled atop a hill, the resort has some of the most impressive views and experiences of Sajek. Imagine waking up in the morning to see the sunrise or touch the clouds. The hill view resort offers it all.  There are a total of 8 rooms in the two-storied resort. Rooms are a combination of double and couples ones. Every room comes with an attached balcony and bath facilities. The resort has an in-house restaurant that serves local delicacies like bamboo chicken and bashkorol.  The price of the rooms varies from 4000 BDT to 6000 BDT depending on the season and occupancy rate. Online booking can be done through their official website. Read Visa Free Country List for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2021 MeghKabbo Hilltop Cottage  Beyond the professional amenities of hotels and resorts, cottages provide a more cozy and rustic experience. Meghkabbo cottage is the only hilltop cottage of Sajek valley providing a unique experience to the tourists. The cottage itself is situated in a remote area, a bit far away from the usual crams of hotels. The vintage trees and forest around give a spectacular look and feel to the place.  The cottage is perfectly complemented with incredible homestay facilities backed up with professional services. They have a range of options starting from single rooms to rooms for up to 7. The price of the rooms also varies accordingly. Their cheapest available option starts from 4000 BDT. To know more, visit their Facebook Page. Read Najmun Nahar Shohagi: Bangladeshi globe trotter aims to travel 200 countries

Sajek Valley  an emerging tourist spot situated among the hills of the Kasalong range of mountains in Sajek of Baghaichhari Upazila in Rangamati is set to reopen from September this amid the Covid-19 pandemic.