Standing tall on the sandy stretch of Nazirartek Beach in Cox’s Bazar is a simple yet vital structure — a wind direction tower. While many tourists see it merely as a curious pole jutting out of the sand, to the coastal community, it carries profound importance.
The primary function of this tower is to detect the direction and speed of the sea breeze. At its top, a fabric cone known as a windsock flutters, swaying with the flow of air and instantly revealing the direction and intensity of the wind.
Local fisherman Abdullah said, “Before heading out to sea, we always check the wind direction here to decide whether it’s safe to sail. It helps us prepare our boats and plan our fishing trips.” Beyond fishing, the tower also aids in boat navigation, rescue operations, and weather awareness near the shore.
According to the Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, such towers are installed along coastal belts to help monitor changing wind patterns and prevent accidents by providing early signals of shifting sea conditions.
Surrounded by lush keora greenery, the vast blue sea, and open sky, the Nazirartek wind tower has also become a new point of curiosity for tourists. Many stop by to take photos — marveling at how such a simple structure plays such a crucial role in the lives of those who live by the sea.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
