Cox’s Bazar is currently teeming with tourists as the long Eid-ul-Fitr holiday draws crowds from across the country.
The beaches and recreational spots are packed, while over 500 hotels, motels, resorts, and guesthouses in the Kolatoli tourism zone and surrounding areas have been fully booked until tomorrow.
Tourism stakeholders anticipate that the influx of visitors, which started on Tuesday, will persist until April 15. Unable to find accommodations, many tourists have had to return to their destinations in the evening or at night.
With the addition of railway connectivity and nighttime flights, the number of visitors to Cox’s Bazar has been rising steadily, particularly during weekends and special holidays.
As a result, key areas such as the Kolatoli tourism zone, the city’s main roads, the bus terminal, and the Marine Drive road are experiencing severe traffic congestion.
Law enforcement agencies are struggling to manage the situation while ensuring public safety and maintaining order.
The three-kilometer stretch of coastline at Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli beaches is jam-packed with tourists. Some tourists are wading into the sea, while others relax on the sandy shores.
Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel Guesthouse Owners’ Association, advised travelers to book hotel rooms online in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, Chief of District Traffic Police and Additional Superintendent of Police, reported that around 8,000–10,000 tourist vehicles are entering Cox’s Bazar daily, causing gridlocks. Law enforcement officers are working to manage the traffic and maintain order.
Meanwhile, Additional DIG Apel Mahmud of the Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar region stated that nearly 200,000 tourists have been arriving daily since Tuesday.
In response to the overwhelming rush, Tourist Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, have intensified their efforts to ensure security and smooth movement for tourists.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
