For many, Cox’s Bazar is synonymous with the call of the sea. However, a new destination has recently quietly captured the hearts of city dwellers—a serene stretch along the Bakkhali River, located beyond the newly built Khurushkul Bridge. A short escape from the city’s bustle, this calm, spacious riverside has become a favorite hangout for young people and families seeking a peaceful retreat.
Just past the Khurushkul Bridge, visitors are greeted by a wide road flanked by a privately owned farm lined with coconut and date palms, creating a picturesque scene that captivates passersby. The greenery that embraces this area only adds to its natural charm.
A little further down the road lies a football turf that quickly fills up with teenagers and young adults for friendly matches as the afternoon sets in. Beyond the turf, the road leads to South Asia’s largest resettlement project—a place that is not just a settlement but the embodiment of dreams for thousands who have found a new beginning there.
Every afternoon, people of all ages from Cox’s Bazar gather in Khurushkul. Some arrive on motorcycles with friends, while others bring their families for a light evening outing. The gentle river breeze soothes the mind as young people share stories, while many capture the vibrant colors of nature on their mobile cameras.
Resident Mohammad Noman shared, “There wasn’t a place like this before where we could easily go and spend some time. Now, every afternoon, my friends and I hop on our bikes and come here. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and safe.”
Although Khurushkul’s riverside is yet to develop into a formal tourist spot fully, the growing interest among locals suggests that it may soon become one of the most attractive new destinations in Cox’s Bazar.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
