Dhaka, June 6 -- Authorities have lifted a long-standing travel ban on the popular tourist destinations of Ruma and Thanchi in Bandarban, ending a two-and-a-half-year restriction prompted by security concerns.

Tourists, however, will still be barred from visiting areas outside officially designated tourism zones, according to a public notice issued on Thursday by Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Shamim Ara Rini.

The decision follows recommendations from the District Law and Order Coordination Committee and a formal directive from the Bangladesh Army's 69 Brigade Bandarban Cantonment.

Effective from Friday, tourists are now permitted to travel from Thanchi toward Tindu and up to Tamatungi on the Baklai Para route, and from Ruma to Munlai P...