Cox’s Bazar, the country’s prime tourist destination, has witnessed a significant influx of tourists centring on the government holiday for Shab-e-Barat.
From early morning, heavy crowds were seen at key points along the sea beach, including Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni.
On Tuesday (February 3), a visit to the Cox’s Bazar beach revealed thousands of tourists engaged in sea bathing and leisure activities.
While some relaxed on kitkat chairs watching the rolling waves, others rode horses along the shoreline.
Many tourists also enjoyed the vastness of the sea by riding beach bikes and jet skis.
To ensure tourist safety, lifeguard teams remained on duty from morning until evening with heightened vigilance. Senior lifeguard Rashid Ahmed told Cox’s Bazar Life that the number of tourists was noticeably higher than usual due to the public holiday. Lifeguards were deployed round the clock at Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points, he said.
Tourist police, the district administration’s tourism cell and designated beach personnel were also actively engaged to ensure overall security.
Additional Inspector General of Police (Tourist Police), Cox’s Bazar region, Apple Mahmud said every tourist to the beach was considered a guest.
“We are on the highest level of alert to ensure the safety of tourists and their belongings. We have strengthened patrols and surveillance at key locations and are working round the clock to maintain security,” he added.
Apart from the main beach points, tourists were also seen in large numbers at Himhhari, Inani and Patuartek beaches.
Meanwhile, many tourists travelled along the Marine Drive in open vehicles locally known as Chander Gari, enjoying the scenic blend of hills and sea.
The surge in tourist arrivals during the Shab-e-Barat holiday has created a festive atmosphere across Cox’s Bazar, bringing renewed vibrancy to businesses linked to the tourism sector.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
