Although Wednesday was neither a public holiday nor a weekly day off, thousands of tourists flocked to Cox’s Bazar, turning the world’s longest natural sea beach into a vibrant hub of activity.
A visit to the Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni beaches on Wednesday afternoon and evening found large crowds of tourists enjoying the coastline amid pleasant monsoon weather.
While the onset of the rainy season has brought occasional showers to Cox’s Bazar, the weather remained largely favourable for tourism.
The absence of intense heat, combined with cloudy skies, cool sea breezes, and the sound of crashing waves, created an ideal setting for visitors from across the country.
Tourists were seen strolling along the sandy shore, bathing in the sea, spending time with family members, and capturing photographs and videos of the scenic surroundings.
Saiful Islam, a tourist from Dhaka, said the beauty of Cox’s Bazar during the monsoon season offered an entirely different experience.
“There is no extreme heat and no prolonged heavy rainfall. The weather is comfortable, allowing us to spend quality time with our family,” he said.
Nusrat Jahan, who travelled from Chattogram, said the overcast sky added a unique charm to the beach.
“Although we could not witness a full sunset, the combination of clouds and the sea created a spectacular view. Walking along the beach in such an atmosphere is an unforgettable experience,” she said.
Mahmudul Hasan, a college student from Rajshahi, said he had expected the beach to be relatively quiet because it was a working day.
“Instead, I found thousands of people enjoying the beach. The weather is pleasant, and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of Sea Safe Lifeguard continued their duties throughout the day to ensure the safety of visitors. Lifeguards were seen assisting tourists and issuing safety warnings at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points.
Senior lifeguard Mohammad Osman said tourist numbers were comparatively lower during the first half of the day but increased significantly in the afternoon.
“Despite the absence of a public or weekly holiday, tourist turnout was remarkable. On public holidays and weekends, the number of visitors is usually two to three times higher,” he said.
Tourism-related business operators said the number of visitors to Cox’s Bazar had been gradually increasing in recent days due to favourable weather conditions and vacation periods at educational institutions.
They expressed optimism that tourist arrivals would continue to rise if the weather remains favourable in the coming days.
As evening descended, a festive atmosphere spread across the beach. Although clouds obscured much of the sunset, the captivating blend of sea, sky and nature left visitors enchanted, making Wednesday another lively day at Bangladesh’s premier tourist destination.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
