Cox's Bazar sees tourist boom during Eid holidays despite rough sea, bad weather
Strong currents have led to deaths of four tourists in recent days
The Cox's Bazar sea beach is experiencing a surge in visitors during the Eid-ul-Adha holidays, with an estimated three lakh tourists flocking to the coastal town in the first four days of the festivities.
Despite intermittent rain, scorching sun, and turbulent sea conditions, holidaymakers are enthusiastically embracing the joyous atmosphere.
Local businesses anticipate an even larger influx, estimating another 400,000 tourists to arrive by 14 June.
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The relentless sun, sudden downpours, and choppy waters have not deterred tourists from enjoying the waves and soaking in the vibrant ambiance. However, the strong currents have led to tragic incidents, with four lives lost to drowning in recent days.
Visiting the sea beach at noon today (10 June), over a hundred thousand visitors were seen spread across the three-kilometer stretch from Kolatoli to Laboni Point. The fluctuating weather, alternating between heavy rain, bright sunshine, and cloudy skies, seemed to amplify the tourists' enjoyment.
Monica, a tourist from Dhaka, said, "It's rare to get a long break from work, so a trip to Cox's Bazar isn't always possible. But this Eid holiday is quite long, about 10 days, so we rushed here to enjoy Eid with family. The more people there are on the beach, the more enjoyable it feels."
Another tourist, SM Ibrahim, shared, "Cox's Bazar is a place you want to revisit again and again. I came here for the Eid holidays, and I've enjoyed jet skiing, beach biking, and riding horses. It's truly joyful. The sea breeze here just soothes your mind."
"This year's Eid celebrations are unlike any other," said Azad Rahman, a 60-year-old tourist from Munshiganj. "Everyone should visit Cox's Bazar with their grandchild at least once and ride horses; you'll feel like a kid again!"
However, another tourist, Sumaiya Yasmin, said, "There are so many people on the beach that it's a bit difficult to fully enjoy the sea. But despite the sun and rain, Cox's Bazar is wonderful."
Abul Kasem Sikder, president of the Cox's Bazar Residential Hotel Motel Guest House Owners Association, said tourist arrivals were slow on the first day of Eid but began to surge from the second day.
"Currently, 50% of rooms in over 550 hotels, motels, and resorts are occupied, with 100% booking since Monday. It is expected to continue until Sunday," he said.
Kasem estimates that approximately three lakh tourists visited Cox's Bazar in the last four days and anticipates an additional four lakh visitors in the next four days.
With the rough sea and the formation of dangerous pits and strong undertows in several areas, lifeguards are on high alert to ensure the safety of bathers.
Nafis Intesar Nafi, executive magistrate of the Cox's Bazar District Administration's Tourist Cell, confirmed that the four people died in the last three days due to drowning.
He added that multiple mobile teams from the district administration's tourist cell are actively working to prevent any harassment of tourists during the Eid holidays.
Mohammad Shukkur, a senior lifeguard with the Sea Safe Life Saving organisation, said lifeguards are maintaining a three-tier safety protocol: observing from watchtowers, patrolling the sandy beach, and positioning boats in the water.
He emphasised the importance of tourists adhering to lifeguard instructions to prevent accidents.
Meanwhile, tourist police are implementing a three-tier security system to ensure a joyful experience for tourists.
"This includes observations from watchtowers, police presence in every beach hut, and mobile teams and plainclothes officers patrolling the beach," said Nityananda Das, assistant superintendent of Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Zone.
Beyond the main beach, tourists are also exploring other picturesque attractions in the district, including the stunning Marine Drive, Himchhari Waterfall, the rocky beaches of Inani and Patuartek, Ramu Buddhist Temple, Adinath Temple in Moheshkhali, the Burmese Market, Radiant Fish World, and Dulahazara Safari Park.
