As the calendar turns and the world prepares to embrace 2025, Cox’s Bazar—the country’s bustling tourism hub—is witnessing its usual influx of visitors for the year-end festivities.
Despite the excitement, the tradition of open-air Thirty-First Night celebrations remains absent for yet another year, replaced by lavish events hosted by star-rated hotels.
Public safety concerns, initially sparked by the Rohingya influx in 2017 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic, have prohibited open-air celebrations in Cox’s Bazar for over six years.
This year is no exception. The city has set up several checkpoints, requiring beachgoers to undergo rigorous security screenings.
Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell) Md. Tanvir Hossain confirmed that the district administration decided on December 24 to keep public venues closed for celebrations.
However, tourists can still enjoy the beach until midnight under close surveillance, with mobile court teams deployed to maintain order.
Meanwhile, while public celebrations remain restricted, star-rated hotels are making up for the absence of vibrant in-house programs under heightened security measures. The eco-friendly Mermaid Beach Resort, located along the picturesque Marine Drive road at Pechar Dwip, will host the most extravagant event.
The resort will host cultural performances featuring international artists, dazzling fireworks, and an elaborate food festival.
Other notable venues organize exclusive events for their guests, including Ocean Paradise, Sayeman Beach Resort, Ramada, Hotel The Cox Today, and Baywatch.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
