Hill Voice, June 6, 2026, Rangamati: Residents of North Debotachari village in Kaptai Upazila of Rangamati District have imposed a ban on the entry of tourists into their village, citing frustration over tourists’ reckless movement, inappropriate behavior, and other disruptive activities.

The villagers also announced on social media that all forms of tourist entry into North Debotachari village would be prohibited effective Friday, June 5, 2026. They claimed that the restriction was imposed to preserve the village’s normal environment and maintain public order by preventing potential accidents and disturbances caused by tourists. The authenticity of this decision has also been confirmed through various local residents.

A Facebook page named `Tanchangya Film Society’ stated: `It is hereby informed to all concerned that the number of tourists visiting North Debotachari village under Kaptai Upazila has increased at an alarming rate in recent times. Some tourists have been consuming intoxicating substances, playing loud music through sound systems, and shouting noisily. On various occasions, women have been seen moving around in bikinis in tunnels, waterfalls, and streams, while some men and women have been observed recording videos and taking photographs in objectionable situations. These activities have led to verbal altercations between villagers and tourists. In several cases, local residents have had to compel tourists to delete such objectionable photos and videos from their mobile phones.’

The statement further noted: `We are rural people and our village is not a tourist destination. Therefore, we request both indigenous and Bengali people to refrain from visiting this village for tourism purposes. We also seek the full cooperation of the youth and residents of the neighboring villages of Sakrachari, Choto Pagli, Mahajan Para and South Debotachari in preventing the entry of tourists.’