United News of Bangladesh

Cox’s Bazar has turned into a bustling hub of festivity as an overwhelming influx of tourists floods the country’s premier seaside destination during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. With a week-long holiday drawing travellers from across the country, the beach town is witnessing  an unprecedented surge in visitors. According to local hotel owners, more than 500 hotels, motels and resorts are operating at full capacity, with most already booked in advance until March 30. From families to groups of friends, thousands have chosen to spend their Eid break by the sea, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Key tourist spots including Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni beaches remain packed throughout the day, while popular attractions such as Inani Beach, Marine Drive, Himchhari, Ramu Buddhist Temple and Moheshkhali’s Adinath Temple are also teeming with visitors. “The natural beauty of Cox’s Bazar always fascinates me. That’s why I came here to spend Eid,” said Abdul Mabud, a tourist from Narayanganj. “I plan to stay for two more days. It feels wonderful to be here.” Tourism businesses rebound after Ramadan lull The massive tourist turnout has breathed new life into the local tourism-dependent economy. Businesses that remained subdued during Ramadan are now experiencing a revival particularly dried fish traders. “Business was slow during Ramadan, but in the past two days, we’ve seen a large number of tourists,” said Mofizur Rahman, a dried fish seller at the Burmese Market. “We are hopeful that sales will continue to improve in the coming days,” he said. “Tourist pressure has increased significantly during Eid. Every hotel is fully occupied,” said Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel Owners’ Association. “We have instructed all establishments to ensure fair pricing and prevent any harassment of visitors,” he said. Authorities tighten security amid huge crowds Amid the surge, authorities have stepped up security measures across the district. Personnel from the district administration, Tourist Police and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the safety of visitors. However, ensuring beach safety remains a challenge due to limited manpower. “After a month and a half of low tourist flow, the beaches are now crowded again,” said Md Imtiaz Ahmed, a project officer of Sea Safe Lifeguard. “We are struggling to ensure safety for over a lakh of tourists with only 27 personnel. Still, we are doing our best.” Tourist Police Sub-Inspector Sujan Chakraborty said security has been given top priority. “With the huge influx of visitors, our teams are on duty across beach areas, hotel zones and entertainment spots,” he said. Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan assured that the administration is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. “Tourists are guests in our city. We will continue to ensure their safety and provide necessary services,” he said. Extended holidays fuel massive tourist turnout As the holiday continues, Cox’s Bazar remains abuzz with life, reaffirming its status as the country’s most sought-after tourist destination. Following an additional executive order, government employees enjoyed a seven-day holiday from March 17 to 23. Tourists throng Bandarban even on third day of Eid holidays Offices, courts, banks and other institutions reopened  on March 24, with work continuing on March 25 before a public holiday on March 26 for Independence Day. The weekend on March 27–28 will follow, with regular activities resuming on March 29. Those who have taken leave on March 24 and 25 are enjoying a 12-day break.

Cox’s Bazar is a beautiful coastal town in Bangladesh. It is one of the longest sea beaches in Asia. Cox's Bazar has emerged as an attractive tourist destination by virtue of its enchanting natural beauty, sandy beaches, marine drive, hill tracts, local cuisine, as well as various activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, horse riding, etc. Cox’s Bazar boasts a variety of stunning beach areas. Let’s explore some of the most affordable sea beaches in Cox’s Bazar.  8 Popular Beaches in Cox’s Bazar Patuartek Beach Located in Cox's Bazar, Patuartek is a serene and peaceful beach that offers a unique experience to visitors. The beach offers a stunning view, with green hills on one side and a wide blue sea on the other.

Police recovered the body of a tourist from Moheshkhali Channel on Sunday after he went missing two days ago from Cox’s Bazar sea beach while bathing.The tourist was identified as Saidul Islam Jahir,18, son of Abdur Rahman from Lohagara area in Chattogram, by his brother Jamir, said Abdul Hai, Officer-in-Charge of  Moheshkhali police station.On Friday morning with his four friends Jahir reached Cox’s Bazar and he went missing as they were taking a bath in the sea at Sugandha point of the beach.  Also read: Missing tourist’s body fished out of Karnaphuli river“We immediately informed the matter to the tourist police and lifeguard but they thought he was just missing and announced it on the mic,” said his friend Sakib.Meanwhile, Md Shukkur, a lifeguard appointed at Sugandha point during the incident said, “There was a high current in the sea during the low tide and a lot of tourists went into the sea so we couldn’t notice if anyone drowned. As his friends informed us in the afternoon we could not conduct a rescue operation then.”OC Abdul Hai said the body will be handed to the family if they have no complaint