Tour operator arrested over tourist death in Bandarban
Sohel Kanti Nath, Bandarban
In connection with the death of a tourist in Alikadam, Bandarban, police have arrested Barsha Islam Brishti (24), the admin of an online travel group called “Tour Expert Group.” She was arrested from Alikadam on Saturday by the police in a case filed by the father of the deceased tourist, Smriti Akter.
The accused, Barsha Islam Brishti (24), is the daughter of Bariul Islam from Jessore. It is known that she currently resides in Dhaka.
According to police and locals, on 9 June, a team of 33 tourists led by Barsha, admin of Tour Expert Group, went to Alikadam. The group had a co-host named Hasan and a local guide named Siddhartha Tanchangya. Their destination was to conquer Krishtang Hill in Alikadam upazila and the peaks of Leman Liblu and Sakahafong in Thanchi. Later, the tourist group split into two teams of 22 and 11 members.
While crossing the Tain canal, 19 out of 22 members crossed safely, but due to the strong current, co-host Hasan and two others failed to make it across. Due to heavy rainfall and strong currents, Smriti Akter, Hasan Chowdhury Shuvo, and Sheikh Jubairul Islam went missing. On 12 and 13 June, the bodies of Smriti Akter and Jubairul Islam were recovered, while Shuvo is still missing.
Following the incident, Smriti Akter’s father filed a case at the Alikadam police station accusing Barsha Islam of negligence and irresponsibility. Police arrested Barsha Islam in connection with the case.
The plaintiff, Smriti’s father Md. Habibur Rahman, said the accident occurred due to the lack of proper safety measures and administrative approval for the trip. He filed the case against Barsha Islam Brishti and others involved for their negligence.
