The Forest Department announced on Saturday (September 28) that the Khoiyachora Waterfall in Mirsarai, Chittagong, has been temporarily closed for renovation following the death of a bank official who was struck by falling stones.
The decision was taken to ensure the safety of visitors, with work underway to remove potentially dangerous stones from the site.
The closure affects only the Khoiyachora Waterfall, while other waterfalls within the Baraiadhala National Park remain open to the public.
The Forest Department has requested tourists visiting the park’s waterfalls travel with either a Forest Department employee or a tourist guide for added safety.
SM Kaiser, the deputy conservator of Forests and divisional forest officer of the Chattogram North Forest Division, explained, “Due to ongoing inclement weather and renovation work, the Khoiyachora Waterfall has been declared temporarily closed. The rocks are becoming unstable, and water flow has contributed to the breaking down of stones. The work started today and may take two to four days to complete.”
Kaiser also said while Khoiyachora is closed, other waterfalls in the area will remain open to visitors, and they are encouraged to be cautious and follow safety protocols by being accompanied by guides or forest officials.
Earlier, on 27 September, when a group of six officers from One Bank’s Kawran Bazar head office were visiting Khoiyachora. Around noon, while bathing in a well of the waterfall, rocks suddenly began to fall from above. Mahbub Hasan, a 27-year-old bank officer, died on the spot, and another officer, Gazi Ahmed Bin Shams, 35, was seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.
This accident has raised safety concerns, prompting the immediate response from the Forest Department to carry out essential renovations and ensure future incidents are avoided.
Earlier on 5 September, the body of a student, who came to visit the Khoiyachora waterfall along with 11 friends from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, was recovered from a well 48 hours after going missing.
