Cox’s Bazar sea beach, the country’s leading tourist destination, has witnessed a massive influx of visitors during the extended holidays, including Eid, Independence Day, and the weekend, bringing both festive spirit and growing concerns about safety and environmental degradation.
Festive atmosphere along the beach
Thousands of tourists from across the country have gathered with family and friends, turning the beach into a lively hub of activity. Bathing in the sea, strolling along the shore, taking photographs, and enjoying group activities were common sights.
Kamrul Hasan, a visitor from Feni, said, “We came as a group of around 45 people. We have been going in and out of the sea since morning, taking breaks in between. It’s a joyful experience.”
Raihan Kaderi from Narayanganj said, “We are spending time on the sand with friends, playing and building sand structures. The holiday has been enjoyable.”
Nurul Amin from Cumilla described Cox’s Bazar as the most captivating destination in the country, adding that the large crowds made the environment even more vibrant.
Sohel Rana from Dhaka said he visited nearby attractions, including Inani and Himchari, with his family and planned to stay for several days.
Rising risks due to lack of awareness
Despite the festive mood, safety concerns have grown due to the negligence of some visitors. Tourists frequently entered the sea in restricted zones marked by red flags, heightening the risk of accidents.
Mohammad Osman, a supervisor of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said that 27 lifeguards were deployed across Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli points. “We have marked risky areas with red and yellow flags, but many tourists are ignoring them. A tourist died yesterday,” he said.
He added that between March 22 and 26, at least 13 people were rescued and 10 lost children were reunited with their families. “We have ensured safety for around 750,000 tourists and raised awareness among more than 80,000 people,” he said.
Senior lifeguard Zahirul Islam said a three-tiered safety system was in place, including observation towers, beach patrols, and water-based rescue teams. “However, without public awareness, accidents are difficult to prevent,” he added.
Concerns over missing children
Authorities said that negligence by guardians has led to incidents of children going missing on the beach. Nearly 50 children were rescued and returned to their families over the past week.
Environmental pollution on the rise
Scattered along the beach were large amounts of waste, including plastic bottles, cups, and food packaging. Some of the waste eventually ends up in the sea, posing a threat to the environment.
Sirajul Islam, a tourist, said, “People are littering the beach with food packets and bottles, making the area dirty. Such behaviour must change.
Mohammad Alamgir warned that such waste harms marine life and ultimately poses risks to human health by contaminating water sources and disrupting ecosystems.
Rohid Kabir said, “The beach is a national asset, but irresponsible behaviour is damaging its environment. Stronger measures are needed.”
Security measures in place
Sub-inspector Ershad Ullah of the Tourist Police said multiple police boxes, mobile teams, and station-based units were working to ensure visitor safety. “We remain alert at all times to provide maximum security,” he said.
Boost in tourism economy
The influx of tourists has revitalised business activities, with nearly 500 hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, and markets operating at full capacity.
Despite the economic boost, significant challenges remain, including concerns over safety risks, lack of awareness, and environmental pollution. Greater public awareness and stricter monitoring are essential to preserve the beauty and safety of Cox’s Bazar.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
