Lifeguards and Tourist Police are ready to ensure the safety of tourists. A 3-tier security ring will be in place at the beach to ensure safe travel.
Ahead of the long, seven-day consecutive Eid holiday, the Cox’s Bazar sea beach is anticipating a massive influx of tourists.
There seems to be no end to the bustling activity across the beach right now. From jet ski operators, beach bike owners, horse handlers, and photographers to sellers of oyster shells and Burmese products, everyone has newly decorated their businesses. Hundreds of hotels, motels, and resorts are prepared to welcome tourists, while the Tourist Police and lifeguards remain on standby for security.
It’s the long Eid break, and everyone expects that hundreds of thousands of tourists will once again gather in Cox’s Bazar. Because of this, the busyness is palpable everywhere.
Jet skis, beach bikes, horses, beach chairs (kitkots), and photographers are stationed at the beach to attract visitors. In particular, shopkeepers selling oyster shells and Burmese goods along the shore have revamped their stalls. They are hopeful that business will boom with the holiday crowds.
Photographer Abdus Sabur noted that work was slow during the past month of Ramadan due to a lack of tourists. However, with Eid approaching, he expects visitor numbers to rise, bringing more work opportunities.
Kitkot (beach chair) businessman Jamir Uddin shared a similar sentiment, mentioning that business was dull during Ramadan but is expected to pick up significantly as tourists arrive for Eid.
Pickle vendor Mahmudul Haq Sabuj stated that preparations have been made by stocking up on various Burmese pickles and chocolates, as well as products imported from Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He mentioned that tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar are usually most interested in buying pickles, chocolates, and dried fish (shutki).
He added that with the post-election situation stabilizing, a sense of relief has returned among the public. As a result, he is optimistic that tourist arrivals will increase for Eid and business will thrive.
Shamshed Alam, proprietor of Laboni Shutki Bitan, said his shop has been fully stocked with various types of dried fish in anticipation of the seven-day holiday. He is hopeful that the surge in tourists will allow them to meet the high demand.
Meanwhile, over 500 hotels, motels, and resorts in Cox’s Bazar are ready to welcome guests. Already, 70 percent of hotel rooms have been booked. Various arrangements are also being made to provide tourists with festive entertainment.
Dula, Front Desk Manager at Hotel Cox Today, said bookings are going quite well. Tourist arrivals are expected to start on the 19th, with the main Eid rush continuing through the 23rd and 24th.
Shahadat Hossain, Front Desk Manager of the Ramada Hotel, stated that special arrangements have been made for guests’ full enjoyment. A DJ program has been organized for the second day of Eid (the 22nd), featuring a popular national DJ, alongside performances by renowned saxophone players.
He further added that alongside entertainment, special emphasis has been placed on food. A gala buffet dinner featuring a variety of local and international dishes has been organized so that guests can comfortably celebrate Eid with their families.
Mukim Khan, General Secretary of the Kalatali Marine Drive Hotel-Resort Owners Association, noted that 50 to 70 percent of room bookings across various hotels have already been completed for the nearly week-long Eid-ul-Fitr holiday. He hopes that at least a hundred thousand tourists will stay in Cox’s Bazar daily during the break. This will boost the local tourism economy and generate strong revenue if the momentum continues.
Abu Taleb Shah, President of the Leisure Hoteliers of Bangladesh Cox’s Bazar Zone, mentioned that extensive preparations have been completed following Ramadan. He noted that the public’s post-election apprehensions have dissipated and the law and order situation is good, leading him to expect a buzzing, crowded Cox’s Bazar during the seven-day holiday.
To ensure visitor safety, lifeguards and the Tourist Police are fully prepared. A 3-tier security ring will be deployed at the beach.
Jahirul Islam, a senior worker at the Sea Safe Life Guard organization, said lifeguard members are on duty around the clock to manage the expected surge of tourists. Warning that the sea is currently rough, he urged tourists to bathe only at the Laboni, Sugandha, and Kalatali points where lifeguards are present.
He added that approximately 27 lifeguards and 15 volunteers are currently on duty. Their primary objective is to prevent drowning accidents and maintain a “zero drowning” record.
Tourist Police Inspector Parvez Ahmed stated that a three-tier security system is in place. Alongside uniformed police officers, plainclothes surveillance teams and intelligence units are active in the field, working in 24-hour shifts.
He emphasized that with the possibility of hundreds of thousands of tourists arriving, security measures have been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents. The Tourist Police remains fully vigilant and ready.
Tourism-related business owners are now eagerly counting the days, hoping the Cox’s Bazar beach will soon come alive with the footsteps of countless holidaymakers.
