Travel ban lifted in Ruma, Thanchi after two and a half years

Authorities have lifted a long-standing travel ban on the popular tourist destinations of Ruma and Thanchi in Bandarban, ending a two-and-a-half-year restriction prompted by security concerns.

Tourists, however, will still be barred from visiting areas outside officially designated tourism zones, according to a public notice issued on Thursday by Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini.

The decision follows recommendations from the District Law and Order Coordination Committee and a formal directive from the Bangladesh Army’s 69 Brigade Bandarban Cantonment.

Effective from Friday, tourists are now permitted to travel from Thanchi toward Tindu and up to Tamatungi on the Baklai Para route, and from Ruma to Munlai Para and the scenic Bogalake.

The district administration has outlined three conditions for travel.

• Tourists may only visit approved locations based on the overall security situation.

• Travel must be arranged through registered district or upazila-level tourist guides.

• All visitors must register their information at the designated check posts or tourist information centres.

The original ban, imposed in October 2022, affected four Upazilas of Ruma, Thanchi, Roangchhari, and Alikadam following increased activity by the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), an armed ethnic insurgent group in the hill tracts.

While restrictions were gradually lifted in Roangchhari and Alikadam, Ruma and Thanchi remained out of bounds until now.