Bandarban's Ruma upazila implements tourist ban for safety amid KNF incidents

DHAKA, Bangladesh - A tourist ban has been imposed in Bandarban's Ruma upazila following cooperative law enforcement operations targeting recent Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) activities.

On April 9, Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Didarul Alam signed a notification outlining the instructions.

Tourists are not permitted to book hotel rooms or visit any locations within the upazila until the joint operation is completed.

According to the regulation, jeeps cannot transport tourists to various destinations, and tourists should not be transported anywhere, even by water.

Md Didarul Alam stated on Friday that the instruction was provided in light of the core committee's resolution to maintain and coordinate district law and order.

KNF members assaulted Sonali Bank and Krishi Bank in Bandarban's Thanchi upazila earlier last week, taking Tk15,00,000 from Sonali Bank and Tk2,45,000 from Krishi Bank.

They stole 14 firearms and ammo from police officers stationed at the bank and Ansar members at the barracks.

During the robbery, bank manager Nezam Uddin was kidnapped by KNF armed terrorists. At the time, armed men stormed inside the mosque next to the bank, taking hostages and beating worshipers who were performing prayers.

Nine cases were filed at the Ruma and Thanchi police stations concerning the incidents.

So far, the joint forces have detained 58 persons, 20 of them are women, and sent them to prison.