A modern caravan parked at Sugandha beach point has been drawing the curiosity of tourists and locals in Cox’s Bazar, offering a glimpse of a different kind of travel experience in the country’s premier tourist destination.
Designed for both road travel and destination stays, the caravan offers facilities that let tourists combine travel, recreation, and overnight accommodation in one vehicle.
Behind the initiative is Mohammad Aslam Iqbal, a Bangladeshi expatriate who returned home after spending years abroad and decided to explore new opportunities in the tourism sector.
Aslam said his main goal was to create a more comfortable and distinctive travel and recreational experience for tourists.
Shailajal Resort in Bandarban district currently operates the caravan, using it to transport resort guests on trips. The initiative also aims to offer the service to tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar.
The caravan is equipped with double and single beds, a commode, and necessary kitchen facilities for overnight stays. Tourists can rent it for travel or to spend the night at a destination.
“I have been trying for the past few days to offer the caravan for rent to tourists coming to Cox’s Bazar. We have already provided the service to a few tourists,” Aslam said.
Caravan tourism is popular in many countries, he said, adding that the concept could gradually become popular in Bangladesh as well.
“Cox’s Bazar, with its long beach and tourism attractions, can offer a different experience through caravan tourism,” he said.
However, the initiative still lacks a dedicated parking facility in Cox’s Bazar. Aslam said the process of obtaining the necessary administrative approval is also underway.
He hopes that once the required approvals and facilities are in place, caravan tourism can expand in Cox’s Bazar.
For Aslam, returning home after years abroad has become an opportunity to pursue a new dream in the tourism sector.
Some also see his initiative as a potential addition to Cox’s Bazar’s tourism offerings, which could eventually go beyond conventional beach-based activities and introduce tourists to new travel, adventure, and accommodation experiences.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
