Thousands of tourists continued to flock to Cox’s Bazar beach on Sunday despite local cautionary signal No 3 remaining in force at the country’s seaports due to a well-marked low over the Bay of Bengal.
The sea remained rough under the influence of the weather system, but visitors gathered along the beach from the morning to enjoy the towering waves and the monsoon scenery.
Intermittent rain, overcast skies and gusty winds prevailed throughout the day. Despite the end of the weekly holiday, tourists from across the country spent hours on the beach. Some took a dip in the sea, others floated on inflatable tubes, while many stayed at a safe distance to watch the rough sea and capture photographs and videos.
Harun-ur-Rashid, a visitor from Banani in Dhaka, said the weather was pleasant despite the rough sea.
‘Although today is not a holiday, there are still many visitors. After spending some time on the beach, we plan to visit Marine Drive,’ he said.
Tanvir Islam, who travelled from Sandwip in Noakhali, said the sea looked particularly attractive during the monsoon.
‘The beauty of the rough sea is unique. Even with cautionary signal No 3 in force, people travel from distant places to enjoy it. However, following safety instructions is the most important thing,’ he said.
Another tourist, Ibrahim Kader, who was visiting with his family, said they avoided entering deep water because of the rough conditions.
“We are enjoying the beach while maintaining a safe distance. Everyone should avoid unnecessary risks and follow the safety instructions,” he said.
Sumaiya, another visitor, said the cloudy sky and rough sea created a spectacular landscape.
“We did not enter deep water. Safety should always come first,” she added.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, the low-pressure area over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Odisha-West Bengal coast has intensified into a well-marked low.
Under its influence, squally weather may affect the northern Bay, the coastal areas of Bangladesh and the country’s seaports.
The meteorological department has advised the seaports of Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla and Payra to keep local cautionary signal No 3 hoisted.
Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the northern Bay have also been advised to remain close to the coast and proceed with extreme caution until further notice.
Assistant meteorologist Md Abdul Hannan said the sea remained rough due to the well-marked low over the Bay of Bengal.
‘Fishing boats and trawlers in the deep sea have been advised to stay close to the coast and move cautiously,’ he said.
Sea Safe Lifeguard personnel remained on high alert throughout the day. Red flags were placed in hazardous areas, while safe bathing zones were marked with red-and-yellow flags.
Lifeguards repeatedly warned visitors through loudspeakers and whistles not to venture into deep water and to remain within the designated safe zones.
Md Selim, a senior member of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said the rough sea had created underwater holes and strong currents at several points along the beach.
‘We are maintaining maximum vigilance, particularly at Sugandha, Laboni and Kolatoli points. Tourists should stay within the red-and-yellow flagged areas and avoid locations marked with red flags,’ he said.
Another lifeguard, Rashid Ahmed, said they were continuously making announcements urging visitors not to enter deep water and to follow the flag signals.
The large number of visitors also brought relief to tourism-related businesses despite the monsoon season.
Jet ski operator Md Saddam said tourist arrivals remained encouraging but stressed that visitors should prioritise safety while enjoying the beach.
Photographer Zainal Abedin said business had remained satisfactory during the monsoon due to the steady flow of tourists.
“As more visitors come, our income also increases. We hope tourist arrivals will continue in the coming days,” he said.
Besides lifeguards, members of the Tourist Police, beach management authorities and the district administration remained on duty to ensure visitors’ safety.
Authorities urged tourists to enjoy the beach responsibly and strictly follow all safety instructions while local cautionary signal No 3 remains in force.
By Mohammad Morshed and Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
