With a 10-day Eid-ul-Azha holiday drawing tourists from across the country, Cox’s Bazar Sea Beach has transformed into a literal “sea of people.”
As the holiday nears its end, every point along the beach is overflowing with thousands of tourists.
From a distance, it’s hard to see the waves — instead, it’s a sweeping view of excited crowds, vibrant clothing, and laughter in the air.
This overwhelming surge of tourists has stretched the capabilities of the Tourist Police, the district administration’s Tourism Cell, and the lifeguards deployed across the beach.
To prevent accidents and ensure a safe experience, officials are working around the clock, with continuous announcements and loudspeaker advisories to guide visitors and promote awareness.
Traffic systems in and around the city have also come under pressure as tourist numbers swell. Key entry points and major intersections are experiencing heavy congestion, especially near Rejukhal on the Marine Drive Road, where long lines of vehicles are stuck for hours, dampening the travel experience for many.
In response, local authorities have ramped up security, hospitality regulation, and coordination to manage the crowd and ensure order.
Hotel and motel associations report that nearly all accommodations in the city are operating at full capacity, leaving little room for last-minute arrivals.
Despite minor inconveniences like traffic jams and long queues, most tourists remain unfazed. Many say that the chance to witness the unparalleled beauty of the world’s longest sea beach during Eid is worth every bit of the hassle.
Even as the holiday winds down, Cox’s Bazar remains alive with celebration, echoing the joy and spirit of Eid across the shoreline.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
