As cool winter breezes begin to touch the Bay of Bengal, Cox’s Bazar beach turned into a sea of tourists on Friday, the weekly holiday in Bangladesh.
From early morning, the Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli points were packed with visitors eager to enjoy the season’s first hints of winter.
After several days of gloomy weather, the sky remained partly cloudy on Friday, but with no rain in sight, prompting many families to rush to the world’s longest sea beach.
From morning till noon, tourists were seen swimming in the sea, riding horses, snapping photos, and soaking in the interplay of sunlight and clouds over the waves.
Local tourism businesses reported a sharp rise in visitors since Thursday night. “Bookings have doubled in most hotels and motels ahead of the weekend,” said several hotel managers.
Tourists expressed their joy at the pleasant weather. “There may be some clouds in the sky, but the air feels wonderful. After the exhausting life in Dhaka, coming to Cox’s Bazar brings real peace of mind,” said one visitor.
Meanwhile, the Tourist Police have intensified patrols across the beach to ensure visitors’ safety, while lifeguards continue to advise tourists to stay alert about changing tides.
Assistant Meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan of the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office said, “The low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has weakened, and there is no weather alert in effect. However, the sky may remain partly cloudy for the next couple of days.”
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
