Kuakata faces unprecedented slump as economic downturn, Ramadan slow tourism
Dried fish vendors, restaurant staff are passing their time idly
Once a bustling tourist hub, Kuakata – the Daughter of the Sea – now lies eerily quiet as an economic downturn and the seasonal slowdown during Ramadan take a heavy toll on the beach town.
From beachfront photographers to small shop owners, many are facing severe financial hardship as tourist numbers dwindle.
"There were plenty of tourists last March. This year, it's completely empty. I can't even earn enough for daily expenses. Tourist numbers have dropped before, but I've never seen it this deserted," said Abdur Rahim, a well-known photographer at Kuakata sea beach.
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"With no income, I'm worried about how I'll celebrate Eid with my family," he added.
Pickle seller Arafat Hossain shared similar concerns, saying, "There are no people here. Even if I keep my shop open all day, I barely get five customers. Just look around – there are no tourists."
Since the beginning of Ramadan, Kuakata's economy has taken a hit. Even major hotels and restaurants, despite offering discounts, are struggling to attract visitors. Many small businesses have temporarily shut down due to the lack of customers.
A visit to the area reveals a desolate scene – dried fish vendors and restaurant staff sit idle, benches for beachgoers are stacked away, and seashell stalls remain closed. Beach tour vehicles and sea-riding boats sit unused while hotel and resort staff focus on cleaning and maintenance in the absence of guests.
Ruman Imtiaz Tushar, president of the Kuakata Tour Operators' Association, acknowledged the seasonal slump but expressed hope for improvement.
"Tourist numbers usually drop during Ramadan. We expect advance bookings to increase after the 20th of Ramadan. If bookings rise, business activities will pick up again," he added.
MA Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners' Association, echoed the sentiment.
He said, "Every year, tourist numbers decrease during Ramadan, but this year's drop is more significant. We're hopeful that there will be a surge of visitors during Eid, which may compensate for the current losses."
Despite the lack of tourists, Kuakata Tourist Police Inspector Kazi Shakhawat Hossain assured that security measures remain in place.
He added, "We are committed to ensuring the safety of the tourism area."
