With the first touch of winter in the air, waves of tourists are flocking to Cox’s Bazar.
Drawn by the warm sunshine and the calm blue sea, travelers from across the country are heading to the world’s longest natural beach.
From Sugandha and Laboni to Kolatoli, every spot is buzzing with people from morning until evening, creating a festive atmosphere along the entire coastline.
Taking advantage of the Friday–Saturday weekend, thousands of tourists poured onto the beach, welcomed by gentle waves and a serene sea.
The calmer waters encouraged many to take a dip. Families enjoyed horse rides, beach biking, and thrilling jet ski moments.
Children sculpted castles on the wet sand while adults relaxed, escaping the fatigue of a long week.
Abed Khan, who came from Narsingdi, said, “Sitting on the dunes and watching the sea—that’s the real Cox’s Bazar experience. It brings a different kind of peace to the mind.”
For Nasrin Anjum from Cumilla, the visit came with nostalgia. “Flying kites with my nephew felt like going back to my childhood,” she shared with delight.
Azizul Haque from Rajshahi added, “Whenever I get the chance, I rush to Cox’s Bazar. This time too, I’m having a wonderful trip with my friends.”
Beachside businesses are already seeing signs of a promising season. Jet ski operator Hasan said, “Business is excellent now, and we expect it to get even better.”
Shell vendor Hafizul Karim noted that even though raw shells aren’t as popular as before, handmade shell crafts are attracting buyers. “With the winter crowd growing, we’re hopeful,” he said.
Hotel and motel owners are equally busy. Karim Ullah Kolim, General Secretary of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel–Motel–Guesthouse Owners Association, said, “Tourist arrivals bring new energy to Cox’s Bazar’s tourism sector. We’re working together to ensure better services, cleanliness, and safety.”
For safety, 27 lifeguards, 38 beach workers, and 50 volunteers are stationed across three major beach points.
Md. Belal Hossain, Assistant Supervisor of the beach workers, emphasized, “Every tourist’s safety is our priority. If everyone stays within the safe limits, they can enjoy the beach without any risk.”
Imtiaz Ahmed, Field Team Manager of the Sea Safe Lifeguard project, stated that patrols and public announcements have been intensified as tourist numbers increase.
Tourist Police Additional DIG Apel Mahmud added, “Every visitor is our guest. We’ve strengthened surveillance and patrols at all key points of the beach.”
Meanwhile, although the Cox’s Bazar–St. Martin’s sea route remains open, but the ban on overnight stays has halted tourist ships for the past two weeks. As a result, businesses and residents on the island are facing a severe downturn.
Former St. Martin’s Union chairman Nur Ahmad said, “Tourists don’t come without overnight stays. Hotels, restaurants, shops—everything is on the verge of closure. Our economy depends entirely on tourism. Protecting the environment is vital, but livelihoods must also be considered.”
As winter begins, the vibrant atmosphere in Cox’s Bazar brings renewed optimism.
Locals hope the call of the blue sea will draw even more travellers—both domestic and foreign—in the coming weeks, giving the tourism industry a strong start to the season.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
