Sajek Valley

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Sajek Tripuri Valley
সাজেক ত্রিপুরী উপত্যকা
Hill Station
Beautiful Sajek Valley by Mahedi Hassan.jpg
Sunrise Seen from the Helipad at Sajek Valley.jpg
Sajek Valley Rangamati 2.jpg
SajekSight 08.jpg
From top: Sajek Valley View
Sunrise from Konglak Hill
Konglak Hill
View from Helipad
Coordinates: 23°38.1′N92°29.4′E / 23.6350°N 92.4900°E / 23.6350; 92.4900
Country Bangladesh
District Rangamati District
Upazilla Baghaichhari
Settlement1885 CE

Sajek Valley (Bengali : সাজেক উপত্যকা) is a popular tourist spot in Bangladesh, situated among the hills of the Kasalong range of mountains in the northern area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Referred to as the "Queen of Hills" [1] [2] and the "Roof of Rangamati", [3] the valley is known for its greenery and dense forests, situated at an elevation of 1,800 feet (550 m) above sea level.

Contents

History

The designation of Sajek Valley is derived from the Sajek River, which originates from the Karnaphuli River. [1] Previously considered one of the most remote regions due to its challenging steep terrains and lack of significant economic activity, [4] the valley has settlements dating back to 1885. [5] Tourism commenced in early 2010's, following the establishment of a road network connecting the valley to the rest of the country. The construction of this road was undertaken by the Bangladesh Army and took approximately 10 years to complete. As of 2020, there are 83 registered resorts in the region, up from six in 2016. [4] In 2020, tourism was temporarily halted for five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [6]

Geography

Sajek Valley is situated within Sajek Union—the largest union of the country by area—positioned in the northern region of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, among the Kasalong range of hills. It falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Baghaichhari Upazila in the Rangamati Hill District, situated about 70–80 kilometres (43–50 mi) from Khagrachhari. [7] [4] The valley is located close to the Indian border state of Mizoram, surrounded by the hills of Mizoram on the east and Tripura on the north. [4] It rises 1,800 feet (550 m) above sea level. [5]

Environment

Sajek Valley is known for its natural environment and is surrounded by green mountains, dense forests, and hilly terrain. Many small rivers flow through the mountains, among which the Sajek (also Kasalong) and the Masalong are notable. On the way to Sajek Valley, one has to cross the Mayni Range and the Mayni River. The road to Sajek features steep inclines and descents. [2]

Settlements

At the onset of Sajek Valley lies Ruilui Para village, while at its farthest point stands Konglak Hill, with Konglak Para village situated atop its summit. There are several more remote settlements, including Hamari Para, inhabited by small ethnic minority groups. [5] [4]

Demographics

The inhabitants of Sajek Valley comprise various ethnic minority groups, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripuri, Pankho, Lushai, and other indigenous communities. In this community, there is a notable involvement of women in economic pursuits, particularly in activities such as fruit and vegetable picking. While proficiency in Bengali may not be widespread among them, the younger generation often possesses some degree of proficiency in English. [2]

Communication

The valley is more conveniently accessed via Dighinala in Khagrachhari District. Covering a distance of approximately 70 kilometres (43 mi) from Khagrachhari to Sajek, the main mode of transport is four-wheelers known as chander gari (Bengali: চান্দের গাড়ি or চাঁদের গাড়ি), which visitors typically hire for group travel. [5]

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chittagong Hill Tracts</span> Region in southeastern Bangladesh

The ChattogramHill Tracts, often shortened to simply the Hill Tracts and abbreviated to CHT, are a group of districts within the Chittagong Division in southeastern Bangladesh, bordering India and Myanmar (Burma) in the east. Covering 13,295 square kilometres (5,133 sq mi), they formed a single district until 1984, when they were divided into three districts: Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chittagong Division</span> Division of Bangladesh

Chittagong Division, officially known as Chattogram Division, is geographically the largest of the eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. It covers the south-easternmost areas of the country, with a total area of 34,529.97 km2 (13,332.10 sq mi) and a population at the 2022 census of 33,202,326. The administrative division includes mainland Chittagong District, neighbouring districts and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karnaphuli</span> River in India and Bangladesh

The Karnaphuli River is the largest and most important river in Chittagong and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is a 667-metre (2,188 ft) wide river in the south-eastern part of Bangladesh. Originating from the Saithah village of Mamit district in Mizoram, India, it flows 270 kilometres (170 mi) southwest through Chattogram Hill Tracts and Chattogram into the Bay of Bengal. It is the fastest flowing river in Bangladesh, after the Padma. It is said to "represent the drainage system of the whole south-western part of Mizoram." Principal tributaries include the Kawrpui River or Thega River, Tuichawng River and Phairuang River. A large hydroelectric power plant was built on the Karnaphuli in the Kaptai region in the 1960s. The mouth of the river hosts the Port of Chattogram, the largest and busiest seaport of Bangladesh.

Munshi Abdur Rouf BS was a Lance Nayek in the 11th Wing of East Pakistan Rifles during the Bangladesh Liberation War. He enlisted in the East Pakistan Rifles on 8 May 1963, and was attached with a regular infantry unit during the War of Liberation. Rouf died on 8 April 1971 at Burighat in Chittagong Hill Tracts after causing extensive damage to the Pakistani Army with his machine gun and forcing them to retreat. He was buried at Naniarchor Upazila in Rangamati District.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rangamati Hill District</span> District in Chattogram Division, Bangladesh

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rangamati</span> Town in Chittagong, Bangladesh

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bandarban District</span> District in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh

Bandarban is a district in South-Eastern Bangladesh, and a part of the Chittagong Division. It is one of the three hill districts of Bangladesh and a part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the others being Rangamati District and Khagrachhari District. Bandarban district (4,479 km2) is not only the most remote district of the country, but also the least populous. There is an army contingent at Bandarban Cantonment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khagrachhari District</span> District in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jampui Hills</span>

Jampui Hills is a part of the Mizo hills range located in the North Tripura district in the north eastern part of the Indian state of Tripura. The average altitude of the hill range is approximately 1000 metres above sea level.

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The Sajek River, also known as the Kasalong River, is a waterway that runs through the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh and borders the Indian state of Mizoram. The river provides a vital role in drawing the border between India and Bangladesh. It is a lifeline for the communities living in the Sajek Valley, named after the river, and the surrounding areas. The river originates from the Karnaphuli River.

Kassalang reserve forest is an evergreen mountainous forest in Bangladesh. It covers an area of 1485 km2. It is a protected area in Bangladesh. Kassalang reserve forest is one of the largest and dense forest in Bangladesh. The area of Kassalang is situated far away from human settlements that make it special for nature lovers. It houses Bangladesh's richest wildlife resource after Sundarbans and Sangu Matamuhari. It is under the Baghaichari. Forest Division of the Forest Department (Bangladesh). It is a 9a bio-ecological zone in Chittagong Hill Tracts.

References

  1. 1 2 "পাহাড়ের রাণী সাজেক" [Sajek, the queen of the hills]. Kaler Kantho (in Bengali). 25 October 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 Islam, Md Hashanat (16 April 2017). "Sajek Valley, a piece of tranquillity". The Daily Observer. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  3. ↑ Mamun, M. (10 January 2017). "'রাঙ্গামাটির ছাদ' অপূর্ব সাজেক ভ্যালি" [The unparalleled Sajek Valley, the roof of Rangamati]. Deutsche Welle (in Bengali). Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Ali, Mizan (15 June 2021). "Sajek Valley: A unique tourist spot". The Financial Express. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "সাজেকের পাহাড় চূড়ায়" [Top of the hills at Sajek]. bdnews24.com (in Bengali). Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  6. ↑ Nafiu, Rummana Foisal (28 August 2020). "Sajek Valley to reopen in September". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
  7. ↑ Azreen, Mahee (15 November 2016). "Sajek Valley–where hills touch the sky". The Daily Star . Retrieved 18 May 2024.
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