Locals declare tourist spot in Sylhet 'closed', force visitors to leave

A group of local youths forced tourists to leave a tourist spot in Sylhet on Sunday (8 June), citing obscene activities and environmental damage.

They also prohibited anyone from visiting the area for tourism.

The incident occurred at the Utmachhra area of the Uttorronikhai union of Sylhet's Companiganj Upazila. 

A video of tourists being forced to leave went viral on Facebook, sparking discussion and protests on social media. 

According to locals, tourists regularly visit the rocky stream that flows down from the hills in Utmachhra.

However, since this stream is relatively unknown, only a small number of tourists visit it. Tourist numbers increase during Eid or major holidays, and many people crowded the place this time as well. 

Tourists come to this stream to bathe in the water. Local youths forced them out on Sunday over alleged obscene behaviour.

In the video, Mufti Ruhul Amin Siraji, Vice-President of the Companiganj Upazila branch of Jubo Jamiat, can be heard saying, "We are requesting you never to come here in the future, and inform all your friends and relatives that the locals have closed Utmachhra as a tourist destination."

Reached for comment, Ruhul Amin reiterated that some people come here in the name of tourism and engage in obscene activities, including drinking alcohol, and it destroys the local environment.

Md Faizur Rahman, chairman of Uttorronikhai Union Parishad, said, "I learned about such an incident through Facebook. On Sunday afternoon, leaders of Jubo Jamiat and some local youth requested tourists who came to visit the Utmachhra area in my union not to come here to maintain the area's environment."

Regarding this matter, Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Azizunnahar said, "Such a video has also come to my attention. I am investigating the matter."