The unplanned waste management in Cox’s Bazar is tarnishing its natural beauty. Piles of garbage, littered streets, and waste accumulating in the casuarina groves along the beach pollute the environment and make it increasingly unpleasant for tourists.
Tourism stakeholders argue that negligence in waste disposal and the lack of designated dumping areas harm the city’s environment and thriving tourism industry. Local authorities, however, stress the need for a long-term waste management plan for a sustainable solution.
The crystal-clear waves of the Bay of Bengal crashing against the golden sands create a breathtaking view—but that beauty is being marred by discarded plastic bottles, tea cups, chip packets, and polythene bags scattered across the shore.
Tourism service providers highlight that Cox’s Bazar’s waste management system is poorly planned and lacks coordination.
Abu Taleb Shah, manager of the five-star hotel Cox-Today, said that Cox’s Bazar is the tourism capital, and they expect it to be a clean and green city. However, the reality is far from that. This mismanagement is ruining its beauty.
Similarly, Jabed Iqbal, General Secretary of Cox’s Bazar Restaurant Owners’ Association, mentioned that waste management issues are frequently raised in administrative meetings.
“We repeatedly urge authorities to ensure regular waste removal from the beach and hotel zones and to install more dustbins. But despite these discussions, little action has been taken,” he added.
Imran Hossain Sajib, Additional District Magistrate of Cox’s Bazar, assured us that waste clearance efforts are ongoing and coordinated with the municipality. However, he admitted that a permanent solution requires a structured long-term plan.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Hussain Shetu
