As dusk falls over the coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar, a special, intense light shines from a towering structure. This light, visible from the heart of the sea, belongs to the Cox’s Bazar Lighthouse. Located on a high hill near the Naval Base of the city, the lighthouse serves as a beacon for ships and trawlers navigating the sea.
A lighthouse is essentially a tall, tower-like structure that emits light to guide mariners and alert them of shallow waters. It also serves to warn ships of coral reefs and other hazardous areas that could damage the vessels.
The Cox’s Bazar Lighthouse, established in 1976, has a focal plane of 54 meters (177 feet), emitting a white flash every 15 seconds that can be seen from up to 24.5 miles away. The structure stands about 10 meters (33 feet) tall, built around a small concrete building with a lantern and gallery on top.
Local fishermen in Cox’s Bazar share that at night, the light from the lighthouse helps them navigate the sea and safely return to shore. The lighthouse is exclusively used for guiding ships and trawlers in this region.
In addition to the lighthouse in Cox’s Bazar, there are also lighthouses in Kutubdia and Saint Martin’s Island.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik