Severe beach erosion has plagued Cox’s Bazar town since September last year, with experts saying the past 12 months have seen the most significant damage in over a decade.
A team of scientists from the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) has investigated the causes behind the accelerated erosion, identifying several key factors and recommending measures to address the crisis.
Md. Jamal Murshed, Sub-Divisional Engineer at the Cox’s Bazar office of the Water Development Board (WDB), said critical establishments — including the Bangladesh Air Force base, government motel, the international cricket stadium, and the tourist police headquarters — located between Nazirartek and Laboni Point are now at risk. He noted that the WDB is working on sustainable solutions to combat continuous erosion and flooding caused by climate change.
Abu Sharif Md. Mahbub-e-Kibria, Senior Scientific Officer at BORI’s Environmental Oceanography and Climate Division, said the natural “bioshield” of dunes that once protected the beach from erosion has vanished. He stressed the need for coordinated action to address both coastal erosion and the impacts of climate change.
Meanwhile, WDB Executive Engineer Nurul Islam confirmed that a Tk 6.42 billion “Cox’s Bazar Town Protection Project” has been proposed to the relevant ministry. The plan covers a 6-kilometre stretch from Nazirartek to Kalatali and aims to factor in climate change resilience while also incorporating new facilities for tourists.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
