Body of missing tourist found in Matamuhuri River in Bandarban, 2 others still missing

The body of a tourist, who was swept away by a flash flood in Bandarban's Alikadam upazila, has been recovered from the bank of the Matamuhuri River, while two others remain missing, police said today (12 June).

The body was found early this morning on a piece of land owned by Taher Mallik in the Bazar Para area of Ward-2 under Alikadam Sadar Union.

The deceased has been identified as Sheikh Jubairul Islam, son of Sheikh Hedayetul Islam, a resident of Lohagara upazila of Narail district.

Alikadam police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mirza Zahid Uddin said, "On 9 June, a group of 33 tourists and two guides visited Kristang Hill located between Alikadam and Thanchi. The incident occurred within this group."

Sub-Inspector Shahadat Hossain of Alikadam Police Station said, "Locals spotted a body on the riverbank and informed the police. We recovered the body, which is estimated to be that of a man around 35 years old. He had no clothes on, but two anklets were found on his feet."

"In the last two days, a large number of tourists arrived upstream along the Matamuhuri River. When it rains heavily in the hills, sudden flash floods occur. Water levels then recede within 30 minutes to an hour after the rain stops. It's likely they were swept away during one such moment," he said.

Another tourist group reportedly reached the accident site, but further information will not be available until they return, he added.

The body is being sent to Bandarban Sadar Hospital for autopsy.

Attempts to reach Alikadam Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Abdullah Al Momin for comments were unsuccessful.

However, on his official Facebook page, the UNO wrote, "Nothing is more valuable than a human life. Tourists must register at the upazila administration's information booth, and one guide must be assigned for every 12 tourists."

"Some unauthorised individuals take tourists to hazardous spots without proper registration or adequate safety measures. Strict action will be taken against them."

He also urged the public on Facebook to share suggestions on how to ensure safe tourism and prevent such tragic incident.