Due to the cordial efforts of the government, local administration and Bangladesh army, the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) region has become main tourists’ attraction of the country. Tens of thousands of tourists come to visit the exciting tourist spot of Sajek in Rangamati each year. They get delighted as they see the green mountains touching the clouds. It seems like the clouds enters into the rooms of the tourists stay there.
The main route to go to Sajek Valley of Rangamati is through Khagrachari. Located on the Mizoram border in the northernmost part of Rangamati district, Sajek is the largest union in the country, with an area of 607 square miles. Tripura in India is located north to it, Longadu in Rangamati to the south, Mizoram to the east and Dighinala upazila of Khagrachari to the west. Sajek Valley, 1800 feet above the surface, is like a natural paradise. Nature changes colors here all day long. Surrounded by mountains like waves of the sea, and cotton like clouds, the scenic Sajek Valley stands tall as a mesmerizing tourists spot.
Sajek Valley, built by the efforts of the Bangladesh Army, has now become a major attraction for all kinds of tourists. Since there is no risk of landslides, Sajek can be visited throughout the year. Recently, on the occasion of 26 years of the Hill Peace Treaty, Khagrachari and Rangamati show the huge potential of tourism.
Sajek Valley consists of Ruiluipara and Kanglak Para of Sajek. The location of these two neighborhoods is 1,720 and 1,800 feet respectively from the sea level. Tourists visit Sajeke at all times of the year to see the clouds touching mountains. While watching the sunrise in the morning, it may seem as if there are many rippling rivers flowing around. In fact, such cloud play is rarely seen in nature, but its a daily occurrence in Sajek. Although Sajek Valley is on the northern Mizoram border of Rangamati, the distance of Sajek from Khagrachari Sadar is about 70 km, and about 49 km from Dighinala. Sajeke is convenient to travel from Khagrachari. Clouds, mountains and splash of greenery are visible everywhere here. Sunrise and sunset can be seen here in most enjoyable way.
For the tourist, around 200 hotels, motels and restaurants have been cropped up there. The restaurants render their services including elements like hilly culture, bamboo chicken, bamboo biriyani and bamboo tea-coffee. Not only Sajek valley, there’re many tourists spots exist in three districts of Chattogram Hill Tracts that attract the tourists. Already the tourists rush to the mysterious cave of Alutila, Risang and Taiduchara fountains, horticulture center, Mayabinni Lake, hundred years old baniyan tree along with the green attraction of forests in Khagrachari.
The tourism industry of Khagrachari has changed in just 5-7 years. Tourism centers are also being developed by private initiative by capitalizing the arrival of tourists. Tourism-oriented hotels-motels have been developed. Every fold of Bandarban hills has charming tourist spots. There are numerous sightseeing and interesting places, especially the highest mountain peak in the country, along with the well-known tourist spots Nilgiri. Moreover, there are numerous tourist spots including Nilachal, Meghla, Shailprapat, Rizhukjharna, Bagalek, and Keokaradong.
Every year tens of thousands of tourists come to visit the various tourist spots in the hilly district of Bandarban. Basically the economic condition of Bandarban revolves around tourism. Apart from this, millions of people have been employed in locally developed cottage industry and agriculture sector. President of Rangamati Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdul Wadud said there is immense potential in tourism in three districts including Rangamati. There is also ample opportunity to invest in the tourism sector. Investing in eco-tourism involves local communities. However, due to lack of separate credit facilities, tourism is not developing despite the potential. Planned eco-tourism with loan facility will provide employment to people. District Commissioner of Khagrachari. Sahiduzzaman said, tourism industry has developed here based on Sajek. A bird sanctuary has been developed on 51 acres of land. Zip lining, boating etc. are being developed. The hills have huge potential in the development of tourism industry in the hills. A large number of tourists visit Sajek. Places are not available on holidays. About two hundred resorts have been developed in Sajek to accommodate tourists. Many hotel restaurants have been developed. Thousands of local people have been employed in various sectors including hotel and resort business, tourist travel.
(The report was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on December 4 and rewritten in English by Lutful Hoque)
