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Police have arrested Barsha Islam Brishti (32), the admin of the online travel group ‘Tour Expert Group,’ in connection with the deaths of tourists in Alikadam, Bandarban. The arrest was made on Saturday (June 14) after 11 a.m. in Alikadam, as confirmed by Bandarban’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Puper Jinia Chakma.
According to police, Barsha had been in custody since the incident. She was formally arrested after a case was filed by the father of the deceased tourist, Smriti Aktar, around 11 a.m. on Saturday. Barsha, daughter of Bariul Islam from Jashore, is currently a resident of Dhaka.
Local sources revealed that on Wednesday (June 11), a group of 33 tourists, led by Barsha, traveled to Alikadam. The group’s co-host was an individual named Hasan, and their local guide was Siddhartha Tanchangya. Their plan was to explore Kristang Hill in Alikadam and Liman Liblu and Sakahafong peaks in Thanchi. The group later split into two teams of 22 and 11 members. While crossing the Tain Khal, 19 members of the 22-person team crossed safely, but Hasan, Sheikh Zubairul Islam, and Smriti Aktar were swept away by strong currents.
On Thursday (June 12), Sheikh Zubairul Islam’s body was recovered at Kanai Majhi’s Ghat in Alikadam. Smriti Aktar’s body was retrieved from the Amtali Ghat area of Tain Khal on Friday (June 13) at around 10:30 a.m. However, co-host Hasan remains missing.
In response to the incident, Smriti Aktar’s father filed a case on Saturday morning, alleging negligence. Police are investigating the incident and continuing efforts to locate others involved.
AI/MR
