Thousands of tourists flocked to Cox’s Bazar sea beach on Saturday, the second day of the weekly holiday, despite rough sea conditions.
The beach remained crowded throughout the day, with the number of tourists increasing from the afternoon at the Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points. Tourists from different parts of the country were seen enjoying the sea with family members and friends, while many ignored the rough waves to spend their holiday by the beach.
On Friday, the first day of the weekly holiday, local warning signal No. 3 had been issued at Cox’s Bazar and three other seaports due to the impact of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Although the warning signal was withdrawn on Saturday, the sea remained rough.
During a visit to Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points on Saturday afternoon, tourists were seen gathering in different sections of the beach. Some entered the water to enjoy the waves, while others sat on the sand and watched the sea. Many were busy taking photographs and chatting with family members and friends.
Saiful Islam, a tourist who came to Cox’s Bazar with his family from Mirpur in Dhaka, said, “We came to Cox’s Bazar with the whole family after a long time. The waves are quite rough, but we are enjoying the environment. We are all happy to spend the holiday at the beach.”
Tanzila Akter, who came from Chattogram with friends, said, “A lot of people have come to Cox’s Bazar because of the weekly holiday. It is a different kind of pleasure to spend time with the waves and take photographs at the beach. However, tourists should follow the instructions of lifeguards when entering the sea.”
Beach lifeguard Mohammad Osman said thousands of tourists had gathered at the beach since Friday.
“The large number of tourists is making it challenging for us. Holes and channels have formed in different parts of the sea. We are warning tourists not to enter those areas, but many ignore the warnings and go into the water,” he said.
He said lifeguards were deployed at important points along the beach to ensure tourists’ safety. Tourists were repeatedly advised not to go beyond designated safe areas, particularly as the sea remained rough.
Meanwhile, the administration has been monitoring the beach area to ensure tourists’ safety and maintain service standards. Inspections are also being conducted to prevent tourism-related businesses from charging excessive prices or harassing tourists.
Md Mahmudur Rahman Sayem, assistant commissioner and executive magistrate of the tourism cell of the Cox’s Bazar district administration, said, “Tourists’ safety and proper management of the tourism sector are always our top priorities. We are monitoring the situation so that no one can charge excessive prices or harass tourists in any way.”
People concerned said the number of tourists in the beach area could increase further on Saturday afternoon as the weekly holiday continued.
Tourists have been urged to follow lifeguards’ and the administration’s instructions while bathing in the sea and staying on the beach, particularly as rough sea conditions persist.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
