The festive spirit of 14 February lingered well into the night in Cox’s Bazar, as the tourist town marked both Valentine’s Day and Pahela Falgun with vibrant celebrations. While the sea beach and public spaces were crowded throughout the day, preparations for expressing love continued after dark — particularly at the flower stalls surrounding the Cox’s Bazar Shaheed Minar area.
Both temporary and permanent flower shops along the roads adjacent to the Shaheed Minar were adorned from the morning with red, white, and yellow blooms.
However, the rush of customers intensified after sunset. Office-goers stopped by after work, while groups of young people gathered at night to purchase flowers for friends and loved ones.
Vendors said red roses were in the highest demand. Tuberose, marigold, gerbera, and various floral bouquets are also sold in large numbers. Some customers opted for a single rose, while others chose decorative bouquets or large flower boxes to surprise someone special.
Mohammad Sohel, a flower seller in the area, said sales were steady during the day but peaked from evening until around 11:00 pm. “Many customers came at the last moment to buy flowers. This year’s sales are slightly higher than last year,” he said.
Rumena, a college student, said Valentine’s Day feels incomplete without flowers. “Even though it’s late, I came to buy flowers for a friend,” she said. Another young man mentioned that work commitments kept him busy during the day, so he came at night to purchase flowers for someone dear to him.
Traders added that the presence of tourists also contributed to higher sales. Many visitors strolling around the Shaheed Minar area bought flowers spontaneously as keepsakes.
With the fragrance of blossoms, smiling faces, and the excitement of surprising loved ones, the Shaheed Minar area of Cox’s Bazar transformed into a lively celebration of affection on Valentine’s Day.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
