United News of Bangladesh

Government and private offices, banks, financial institutions and courts reopened on Tuesday with a limited presence after a seven-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. Officials and employees returning to work were seen greeting colleagues and exchanging Eid wishes. A festive atmosphere continued to prevail as many people have yet to return to the capital following the holidays. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman resumed office at the Secretariat on the first working day after the Eid holidays. His Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said the Prime Minister reached his office at 9:01am. “After arriving, he exchanged Eid greetings with officials and staff and then began his official work,” he said. The usual hustle and bustle was largely absent in the capital’s main commercial areas particularly Motijheel and Dilkusha where full operational pace has yet to return. On the first working day after the holidays, banking activities remained slow as the festive mood lingered. Visits to several bank branches in the areas found fewer employees and customers than usual. With fewer crowds, many customers were able to complete their transactions quickly. “Banking operations have resumed after a long break,” said Shafiqul Islam, general manager of Sonali Bank. “Customer turnout was relatively low on the first day, but we expect it to return to normal gradually. Our teams are fully prepared to serve clients,” he added. Traffic and pedestrian movement on the streets remained lighter than on a typical working day. Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the largest religious festivals for Muslims, was observed on Saturday.

Cox’s Bazar, the country's top tourist attraction, experienced an increased flow of tourists from different parts of the country during the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, boosting business for the large section of the population of the coastal city engaged in the tourism sector. Our correspondent found the beach area overcrowded with the presence of tourists for the first time since the Covid pandemic hit over two years ago. Footfall of thousands of tourists gave the beach area a festive look. The hotel and motel owners were particularly happy with the presence of tourists. Besides, the local administration took adequate measures to ensure security, and police, Ansar and lifeguards worked round the clock to provide it. Laboni point and Sugandha point of Cox’s Bazar are the most attractive points for tourists where a number of people thronged to take a break from the monotonous routine of life.    Many people were seen roaming in the beach area on bikes. Also Read: 140kg boal fish netted in Cox's Bazar  Abu Taleb Shah, General Manager of Hotel Cox’s Today, said “The businessmen involved in the tourism sector are happy with the presence of tourists after a two year long pause and 90% rooms of different hotels and motels are still booked after Eid holiday and it will remain till May 11.” Selim Newaz, a hotel businessman, said they expected more tourists till May 10 if the weather remains favorable, which can help the tourism industry to boost further. Abul Kashem, general secretary of Hotel Motel Guest House Samity, said “After Eid holiday we have seen that 70% rooms are still booked. Many people, who celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in their home village, are now coming here.” Additional superintendent of Cox’s Bazar Police, Rezaul Karim, said a foolproof security has been taken to ensure security of the tourists and the authorities concerned also took steps to provide pure drinking water and medical services. Almost no untoward incident was reported or took place, he said. Executive Magistrate Murad Uddin, of the local administration tourist cell, said alongside district police, four magistrates, tourists’ police, lifeguard workers and beach workers are working round the clock to provide security to the tourists. There are 500 hotels, motels and guest houses where 2 lakh people can easily be accommodated at any one time in Cox's Bazar. Also Read: RAB rescues man from Cox's Bazar who went into hiding one year back