Tourist travel to the summit of Keokradong hill in Bandarban’s Ruma Upazila will be allowed again from Oct 1, nearly three years after the district administration imposed a ban.

The restriction was first introduced in late 2022 amid security concerns linked to the armed group Kuki-Chin.

On Saturday, during a discussion marking World Tourism Day in Dhaka, Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini announced the decision to lift the ban.

According to her, the move comes ahead of the Durga Puja holidays, responding to requests from tourists and those involved in the tourism sector, along with improvements in overall law and order.

“Taking all aspects of the district’s situation into account, permission will be granted for tourists to visit the hilltop,” she said. “Visitors must follow the existing rules on law and order while travelling there.”

The deputy commissioner added that lifting the ban on Remakri and Nafakhum is also under consideration. “All tourist spots will be reopened once the situation in those areas becomes favourable,” she said.

The travel ban on Keokradong Hill in Bandarban's Ruma Upazila was imposed in late 2022 due to escalating security concerns. These concerns were primarily linked to the activities of armed groups such as the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) and the militant outfit Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya 

The district administration's decision to lift the ban comes after nearly three years, following improvements in the region's law and order situation. Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini announced that the ban would be lifted on October 1, 2025, allowing tourists to visit the hilltop once again. Visitors are expected to adhere to existing security regulations while traveling in the area