Irresponsible tour operations putting lives at risk in the hills

The hills are calling. The waterfalls are calling. The serene nature wrapped in greenery seems to be beckoning—“Let’s take a trip.” Taking advantage of this allure, enticing posts, dazzling videos, and provocative captions are spreading across social media.

The objective is singular—to lure you into travelling, by any means. Yet, many of these tour operators neither understand nor respect the nature of the mountains, seasonal hazards, the importance of safety, or the potential for danger.

Due to these inexperienced, unskilled, and advertisement-driven operators, lives are being lost. People are embarking on trips to remote hills and risky trails—never to return.

Recently, a tourist was swept away by a flash flood near the Shamuk Jhiri waterfall in Bandarban. Several others were either injured or narrowly escaped death.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the group had no local guide, nor any proper preparation or emergency plan. Even during the monsoon season—when the mountain streams roar with force—the trip was arranged. Such negligence, knowing the likely outcome, amounts to what can be termed “planned recklessness.” In the eyes of the law, this is a clear crime.

According to the Bangladesh Tour Operator (Registration and Operation) Rules, 2024, acts such as deception, providing false information, neglecting safety, operating without registration, employing child labour, or harming the natural environment—all are punishable offences.

What is actually happening?

Tour permits for 10 are used to take 30; one guide is made to handle an entire group, and often even that guide exists only on paper. Hiding tourists’ identities, flouting administration rules, and forcing people into dangerous ‘adventures’—this is no longer mere mismanagement, it is cruel fraud. And lives are paying the price.

Tour operation is a profession of responsibility. It’s not just about taking someone somewhere—it’s about ensuring their safe return. If you are organising someone’s journey, their safety and wellbeing at every moment is your responsibility.

However, many have turned this duty into a joke in the pursuit of online fame, influencer status, or YouTube views. The consequences are devastating—families lose children, friends lose friends, the country loses promising citizens.

This must stop now. It is high time for strict action. Illegal, unskilled, and unregistered tour operations must be shut down immediately. Permission from local authorities must be ensured for every tourism-related arrangement. For hill areas, verifying the weather, safety measures, and the presence of qualified guides must be made mandatory. Those who defy these rules must face criminal charges—this is the demand of the moment.

The general public must also stay alert. The beautiful scenes shown on TikTok or Facebook may hide deadly realities. Enjoy the beauty of the hills by all means—but don’t blindly trust any tour operator. Verify their experience, safety protocols, licences, and approvals. Remember—travel may be a luxury, but it should never cost a life.

Let nature love us, not punish us. This calls for responsible travel, safe planning, and above all—awareness. The administration must rise, but so must we. Otherwise, this procession of tragedies will not end. We want to admire the mountains—but not as someone’s final scene.

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The writer is Deputy News Editor, Kaler Kantho