Just beyond the bustle of Cox’s Bazar town, Choufoldandi Bridge is gradually emerging as a new recreational spot for locals, offering a different experience with its canal, boats, Rakhine settlements, and vast salt fields.
Hundreds of local visitors gather here every afternoon, particularly on holidays. Families, friends and couples come to spend time around the bridge and along the canal, with crowds growing from afternoon through evening.
A visit to the area on Friday (October 2) found the canal and its surrounding natural setting to be the main attractions. Small boats and trawlers moved through the canal as boatmen stayed busy, while the Rakhine community’s lifestyle along the banks and the expansive salt fields added to the area’s appeal.
The spot is also relatively affordable. Tourists can travel from Cox’s Bazar town to Choufoldandi Bridge for around Tk50 per person, making it an affordable option for those looking for a short trip close to the city.
Tarek Osman, who came with his family from Cox’s Bazar town, said the place offered a pleasant break from the busy city.
“It is a good place to spend time with family away from the city’s rush. The canal, boats and salt fields together create a beautiful environment,” he said.
Salahuddin, who came from Ramu, said he had heard about the bridge before visiting it.
“I had heard about Choufoldandi Bridge. In the afternoon, the area has a particularly pleasant atmosphere. I enjoy spending time beside the canal,” he said.
Shah Azam Khan, a schoolteacher from Eidgaon, said the area could attract more people if it promoted its tourism potential.
“It is possible to visit the area at a low cost. If more such nearby places become known, local tourism will also grow,” he said.
Acting chairman of Choufoldandi Union Parishad Manzur Alam said the area’s natural beauty and diverse local lifestyle could attract tourists.
“Choufoldandi’s natural beauty and the diversity of local life can attract tourists. If the area is developed in a planned manner, it could become an important local tourism spot,” he said.
Local Union Parishad member Faridul Alam said better cleanliness, seating facilities, security and other visitor-friendly amenities were needed around the bridge and canal to utilise its tourism potential.
He said these improvements could increase visitors while also creating opportunities for local businesses.
As tourists increasingly look beyond Cox’s Bazar’s popular sea beach for new places to explore, Choufoldandi Bridge is gradually becoming one of the district’s emerging local attractions, according to local residents and community members.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
