Desk Report:
World Tourism Day 2026 was celebrated with a vibrant array of events for the first time in Sajek Valley—a region rich in natural beauty, indigenous hill culture, and tourism potential.
Organized by the Rangamati Hill District Council and supervised by the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek, the event received comprehensive support from the Bangladesh Tourism Board and the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation. Local communities, tourism entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders participated in the festivities.
The day began with a roadshow from Rangamati to Sajek, featuring the participation of the District Council Chairman, officials, and tourism-related stakeholders. Following a formal inauguration marked by the release of balloons, a colorful procession—showcasing the traditional attire and culture of the local community—made its way from the Sajek entry point to ‘Zero Point’.
To mark the occasion, a cleanliness drive, a tree-planting program, the inauguration of a traditional food court, and a photography exhibition were organized. Additionally, the official website (information portal) of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek was launched.
Mr. Dipon Talukdar Dipu, Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council, attended the event as the chief guest. Special guests included Lt. Col. Md. Tarequl Imran (PSC), Zone Commander of Baghaihat Zone and Chief Patron of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek; and Advocate Mohammad Mamunur Rashid, General Secretary of the Rangamati District BNP and a respected member of the Rangamati Hill District Council. Also present were Mr. Shashwata Chakma, the Council member responsible for tourism affairs, along with other distinguished guests. The event was presided over by Mr. Suparna Deb Barman, an esteemed member of the Rangamati Hill District Council and President of the Cottage and Resort Owners Association of Sajek.
In the afternoon, a cultural program featuring local artists from the Lushai, Tripura, Chakma, and Marma communities was held at the Sajek helipad premises. A special dance and Mridanga performance by invited Manipuri artists—part of a cultural exchange tourism initiative—was a major highlight of the event.
Media representatives, travel vloggers, influencers, and tourists attended the program. According to the organizers, this event aims to showcase Sajek’s tourism potential more broadly by integrating its natural beauty, culture, and the heritage of the local communities into the tourism experience.
