Nestled on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh, Cox’s Bazar is often called the tourism capital of the country. With the world’s longest uninterrupted natural sea beach, it draws thousands of visitors daily, eager to experience its raw beauty, sunsets, and the soothing rhythm of waves. For many, bringing home a special gift from this dreamlike destination for their loved ones is a cherished tradition.
At Cox’s Bazar’s Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni points, rows of small shops selling seashells and conches catch the eyes of visitors. But these shops offer more than just seashells—they transform them into personalized keepsakes, using vibrant colors and a special acid-etching technique to engrave names or short messages onto them. These engraved seashells become personal, lasting souvenirs that carry the memory of the sea.
Affordable and meaningful, these customized shells start at just 50 taka, with various shapes and designs available for a few hundred taka. Tourists often have their names, or those of loved ones and family members, etched onto the shells to take home as tokens of their seaside visit.
Crafted with artistic precision, these engraved shells are not just gifts; they embody a tangible piece of Cox’s Bazar. Many visitors display them in showcases or hang them on walls, adding a touch of the ocean to their homes.
According to artisans and sellers, “Demand for these personalized shells rises during the peak tourist seasons. Many customers place advance orders and pick up their engraved shells before leaving.”
In Cox’s Bazar, a shell is not merely a marine object; it becomes a vessel of emotion—a symbol of love, respect, and memory. Handing over these gifts, many visitors lovingly tell their dear ones, “I brought this for you from the sea.”
However, with environmental preservation in mind, tourists are encouraged to purchase shells from authorized vendors rather than collecting them directly from the beach, thereby helping to keep the coastline clean.
Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Mohammad Sahal
