Tour Group Admin Arrested After Two Tourists Die, One Missing in Bandarban

Police have arrested Barsha Islam Brishti, a 24-year-old admin of the Facebook-based travel group "Tour Expert Group," in connection with the deaths of two tourists and the disappearance of another during a trekking expedition in the remote hills of Alikadam, Bandarban.

Barsha, originally from Jashore and currently residing in Dhaka, was detained with the assistance of the Bangladesh Army on Saturday, confirmed Officer-in-Charge of Alikadam Police Station, Mirza Zahid Uddin.

According to police and case details, Barsha led a 33-member tourist group that departed for the hills on June 8. On June 10, she proceeded toward the Andharmanik Trail with 12 tourists and one local guide. The remaining 20 tourists, including the deceased Smriti Akhter, were reportedly sent back under the supervision of an inexperienced person.

The case alleges that the expedition was arranged without proper safety measures, weather consideration, or administrative permission. Due to this gross negligence, the tragic accident occurred.

Additional Superintendent of Police in Bandarban, Pupar Zinia Chakma, stated that Barsha had been in police custody since the incident. She was officially shown arrested after Smriti Akhter’s father filed a case on Saturday morning.

Citing accounts from locals and tourists, police said the group arrived in Alikadam on June 11. Led by Barsha, the team, including two guides — co-host Hasan and local guide Siddhartha Tanchangya — ventured toward Krishtang Peak along the Alikadam-Thanchi border, aiming to conquer Krishtang, Leman Liblu, and Saka Hafong peaks.

The group was split into two teams of 22 and 11. Tragedy struck on the afternoon of June 11 near the Shyamuk Waterfall area when a sudden mountain flash flood swept away Smriti Akhter, Hasan Chowdhury Shuvo, and Sheikh Jubairul Islam.

The bodies of two victims were recovered on June 12 and 13. However, Hasan Chowdhury Shuvo remains missing.