After remaining dimly lit for years, Cox’s Bazar sea beach — the world’s longest sandy shoreline — is now being illuminated with new, high-powered halogen lights.
The initiative aims to strengthen tourist security and curb crimes such as theft, mugging, and harassment after dark.
A visit to the beach on Friday revealed that several sections are already glowing under the bright illumination.
The installation has begun at Seaweed Point, Laboni Point, and Seagull Point, where the halogen lights are casting a strong and steady beam across the shore.
Back in 2017, the Beach Management Committee installed 119 streetlights from the Diabetes Point to the Kalatali beach area at a cost of around Tk 1.5 million.
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However, over time, 78 of those lights became completely dysfunctional.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Md Shahidul Alam, said, “These new halogen lights are of high quality and resistant to rust. They are as powerful as the lights used on ships. Initially, 20 lights are being installed, and the remaining poles will be fitted in phases. The wires, holders, and metal components are also being fully replaced.”
Moreover, Tourist Police have been maintaining vigilance on the beach even in the dark. Extra DIG Md Apple Mahmud highlighted the existing surveillance system, noting that out of 33 CCTV cameras, 27 are active in the beach area and have been crucial in tackling crime.
“With the installation of new lights, both the nighttime beauty of the coast and the overall security measures will be enhanced significantly,” he added.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
