The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has rescued four tourists who had been stranded in the remote Thuisapara area of Thanchi upazila in Bandarban due to heavy rainfall, flash floods, and adverse weather conditions. The rescue operation, which lasted nearly 48 hours, was launched on July 11 following instructions from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Stranded Due to Severe Weather
The tourists had traveled to the remote Amiyakhum tourist destination on July 4. However, continuous rainfall, hill runoff, and swollen waterways from July 7 left them stranded in Thuisapara, making river transport impossible. The adverse weather conditions exacerbated the situation, complicating rescue efforts.
BGB's Challenging Rescue Mission
A rescue team from Jinnapara Camp under Ballipara Battalion (38 BGB) reached the area, braving adverse weather conditions. The team established contact with the tourists, assessed their condition, and coordinated with local residents to ensure they received accommodation, food, and other essential support.
As part of the operation, BGB personnel escorted the tourists on foot along an alternative mountainous route through Thuisapara, Jinnapara, Halirampara, and Nicholaspara before reaching Angsaopara. The team faced numerous challenges, including landslides, rising stream water levels, strong currents, and persistent rainfall.
Final Leg of the Rescue
On the second day, another BGB team from Angsaopara Camp accompanied the tourists for about four hours through difficult hill tracks and streams to Nepiupara Border Outpost (BOP) near the border road. BGB Bandarban Sector Commander Colonel Rubayat Jamil confirmed that the tourists were later transported safely to Thanchi by BGB vehicles.
Significance and Implications
This rescue operation highlights the critical role of the BGB in ensuring the safety of tourists in remote and challenging terrains. It also underscores the importance of preparedness and quick response in adverse weather conditions. For Bangladesh, such operations are vital in maintaining tourism safety and ensuring the well-being of visitors to its scenic destinations.
