The Rangamati district administration has temporarily closed Sajek Valley, a popular tourist destination in the district, amid security concerns following a day-long road blockade.
The closure took effect at 6pm on Sunday, October 11, and will remain in force until further notice.
Tourists currently staying in Sajek have been instructed to leave the area by 5pm on October 13 and return safely to their respective destinations.
The directive was issued in an emergency notice signed by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Nazma Ashrafi at around 7pm on Sunday. The notice said the decision had been taken due to unavoidable circumstances.
Tensions and uncertainty had gripped the area earlier in the day after an indefinite road blockade began at 6am, called by two organisations described as being controlled by the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF): the Sajek People's Rights Protection Committee and the Sajek Karbari Association.
Blockade participants obstructed traffic at several points along the road from Jorabridge in Dighinala to Sajek Valley, including Gangaram Bazar, Retkaba Mukh, Dopatachhara and Ujho Bazar, by felling trees and burning tyres.
Amid security concerns, vehicle movement between Khagrachhari and Sajek was suspended, causing difficulties for local residents and leaving around 1,200 tourists stranded in the valley.
An initiative to resume tourist transport under military escort was reportedly blocked by protesters. The blockade was withdrawn around 5pm after the administration assured the organisers that their four demands would be addressed, bringing the road movement situation closer to normal.
However, the district administration's evening closure order has again disrupted travel plans for Sajek.
Sources said the decision was taken to ensure tourists' safety and maintain control of the overall situation. Law enforcement activities have also been strengthened to maintain order.
Tourists planning to visit Sajek have been advised not to travel there until the authorities issue further instructions.