Some 288 tourists,  who were stranded in the beach town of Cox's Bazar due to the ongoing transport strike, have been moved out to Chattogram with the help of the district police.

Acting Superintendent of Police Rafiqul Islam said they sent 288 tourists to Chattogram by police buses on Saturday and Sunday without charging any fare.

Most of the tourists came to Cox's Bazar on the weekend and those who were scheduled to leave Cox’s Bazar on Friday and Saturday faced sufferings as the long-haul buses did not operate due to the strike, Rafiqul Islam said.

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Tourists have been requested to contact the district police lines for any kind of help, he added.

Deputy Commissioner of Cox's Bazar Mamunur Rashid, who is also the chairman of Beach Management Committee, said, “Transport strike is a national issue. We expect a quick solution from the government in this regard. We’ll take steps if the tourists seek any assistance.”

General Secretary of the Federation of Tourism Owners’ Association of Bangladesh Abul Kashem Shikder said the businesses related to tourism are also being affected due to the sudden transport strike.

There are now 15,000-20,000 tourists in Cox’s as the flow of tourists has declined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

Amid this grim situation, hoteliers have offered a 30 percent discount on hotel rents, he said.

Shikder said the situation had started changing and then came the transport strike dealing a severe blow to the business.   

Superintendent of Cox's Bazar Tourist Police Mohammad Zillur Rahman said there are no stuck tourists now in Cox’s Bazar. Those who want to go back arrangements are being made for their return by the district police, he added.

Transporters went on an indefinite strike from Friday morning in protest against the recent fuel price hike, causing sufferings to commuters and inter-district passengers.