Crowds gather daily at Cox’s Bazar beach to enjoy iftar by the sea. As the sun sets, families and groups sit on the golden sands, relishing dates, sherbet, and various delicious treats. But once the moment of joy fades, the shore is left littered with food packets, plastic bottles, and polythene—posing a serious threat to the marine ecosystem.
A visit to the beach reveals the aftermath of these gatherings—piles of waste scattered across various points. As the tide rises, the debris carries into the ocean, harming marine biodiversity. Incidents of sea turtles, fish, and other aquatic creatures ingesting plastic and suffering severe injuries or death are alarmingly common.
Environmentalists stress that awareness and individual responsibility are key to tackling this issue. Visitors should dispose of their waste correctly by carrying it back or using designated bins. Additionally, switching to reusable bottles and containers can significantly reduce plastic pollution.
The joy of breaking fast by the sea should not come at the cost of nature’s suffering. Preserving the beauty of the beach requires collective awareness and responsible action from us all.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Hussain Shetu
