RANGAMATI. Dec 3): After the much-expected peace treaty was signed the picturesque Rangamati hill town has started receiving large numbers of tourists — both from home and abroad — turning the hill resort a major spot of tourist attraction after a long isolation

Mustafizur Rahman. Project Manager of Rangamati Par-jatan Complex, told BSS that breaking the decade-old record they have been receiving the highest number of guests " All the rooms are occupied, whereas. In the past hardly 5-6 rooms would be occupied at this time." Mustaflz said, adding that the only restaurant with limited staff and space has been unable to serve the Increasing number of tourists both local and foreigners.

A team of 56 tourists who arrived here in a wide-bodied bus from Tangall to enjoy the "natural beauty of this hilly resort had to leave disappointed as they failed to get accommodation for the night.

Prof Majumdar of Karatia Government University College.

who led the team, expressed his satisfaction for restoration of peace and harmony in the troubled Chittagong Hill Tracts ending the bloody insurgency with the signing of the peace treaty. He also congratulated the government and the Parbatty.i Cahttagram Jana Sanghati Samity for reaching a settlement of the crisis by signing the landmark peace accord.

Rawshan Zannat, a tourist, was impressed with the natural beauty of Rangamati as well as

peace and harmony prevailing here. She said. "I used to know Rangamati as a place of violence and conflict, mistrust and communal disharmony earlier, but my conception on the situation has changed totally.' she added.

Zannat. a house-wife Of Bo-gra town and an activist of human rights has come here on December 28 for a seven-day trip with her husband and two sons. She bought clothings made in tribal handloom factories.

With the signing of peace treaty, the soico economic scenario in Chittagong Hill Tracts has taken a positive change. Hundreds of show-rooms displaying tribal handloom products are selling their wares with the influx of hundreds of tourists daily. The sale-proceeds in the showroom of the dominating handloom factory in Rangamati "Bain Textile" exceeded Taka one lakh this evening. Shuvra Bhattachar-Jya. the manager of the showroom at tribal officers colony at-Tabalchhari told.