1500 Tourists Stuck In Sajek

Hundreds of tourists stranded in Rangamati’s Sajek, one of the most popular destinations in the country, are facing a shortage of food and water amid the 72-hour blockade.

"We’ve been facing a water crisis for three days and have had no electricity for the past two days. The generator is also out of fuel. There's no food in the hotel, and we’re surviving on mountain water," said Alamin, a tourist.

"We're in a desperate situation and just want to get home safely," he said.

Some of the tourists, who are well-off, hired private choppers and left the area.

“The power station in Dighinala was damaged during the clash on September 18, which caused load shedding in Baghaichhari upazila and Dighinala,” Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shirin Akhter said on Monday (September 23).

"Traders initially did not stock large quantities of food, anticipating a regular tourist turnout and uninterrupted communication. They do have some vegetables in stock, which they believe will suffice for the time being. Moreover, the army is assisting by providing fuel,” said Shirin.

She said that it will not be safe to travel until the blockade is lifted.

Sajek Cottage Owners' Association President Suparno Dev Barman said, "We are working to resolve the food and water crisis. The army is helping us. We hope everything will return to normal soon."