Photo : BSS

By Monsur Ahmed
 
RANGAMATI, March 20, 2026 (BSS) - With the long vacation of Eid-ul-Fitr, business owners in the tourist city of Rangamati, dubbed as daughter of the hill, are passing busy times preparing to welcome visitors. 

Tourist motels, the iconic hanging bridge, and various hotels, motels, and resorts across the district have been renovated and decorated in a new look.
 
Authorities have reported that around 70 percent of bookings in hotels, motels, and resorts have already been completed. Meanwhile, the Tourist Police have taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of visitors traveling to the hill region.
 
Alok Bikash Chakma, Manager of the Rangamati Tourism Holiday Complex, told BSS that Rangamati is now fully prepared to welcome tourists during Eid-ul-Fitr. 
 
He said about 70–80 percent of rooms in their holiday complex have already been booked, both online and offline. 
 
Compared to previous years, they expect a larger influx of tourists this time. To ensure maximum comfort, improvements have been made in infrastructure and service quality.
 
A visit to the Rangamati Tourism Complex on Friday morning showed that the famous hanging bridge—often considered a symbol of Rangamati—has been cleaned and freshly painted, giving the bridge and surrounding areas a colorful appearance. Meanwhile, boats for tourist trips have been repaired and are now neatly lined up at the ghat.
 
Resorts have also been redecorated in new styles. Island-based resorts are becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Among the attractions are Polwel Park (run by the district police), Aranyak (managed by the army), Mayabi Island, the Shuvolong waterfalls area, various tourist spots surrounding Kaptai Lake, Rangadwip, Lake View Island, and several destinations in Kaptai upazila. Tourist interest has also increased in many other locations.
 
Surrounded by lush green hills and the blue waters of lakes, Rangamati’s natural beauty attracts travel enthusiasts every year. During long vacation, this influx increases significantly. The highest pressure of tourists is usually seen in the popular Sajek Valley.
  
Md. Ramzan Ali, a leader of the Rangamati Boat Owners’ Association, told BSS that a large number of tourists are expected during the Eid holidays. Boats have been repaired and painted and are now ready at the ghat, awaiting visitors.
 
Rico Khisa, Director of Mayari Island Resort, said that not only their resort but most resorts in the district are nearly fully booked. They are now eagerly waiting to receive tourists.
 
Sumedh Chakma, owner of Bargee Lake Valley Resort, said all their resorts are booked until the 29th. They expect good business during Eid, especially after suffering financial losses during Ramadan due to low tourist turnout.
 
Regarding tourist safety, Rangamati Superintendent of Police Mohammad Rakib Uddin told BSS that strict security measures have been taken by the district administration, police, and Tourist Police.
 
He said surveillance in plain clothes has been ensured at every tourist spot, along with increased patrols. Help desks have been set up at important points to prevent harassment, he added. 
 
He expressed hope that tourists will be able to travel safely to all destinations during the Eid holidays.
 
Locals expect that during the extended Eid vacation, the Rangamati will become alive with the footsteps of tourists.