On a late afternoon, the sinking red sun painted Cox’s Bazar beach in brilliant hues, captivating tourists at the sandy shoreline. Especially along the stretch beside the sea, large crowds of tourists and locals gathered to enjoy the sunset, and many were busy capturing the moment on camera.
On Tuesday, local and international tourists thronged the beach to witness the evening spectacle. The three-kilometre stretch of sand along the coastline came alive with activity.
By around 5:30 pm, spots such as Kolatoli, Laboni, and Sugandha were packed with hundreds of thousands of visitors. Low tide exposed vast sandbars, where families enjoyed the evening, photographing the setting sun and soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Many onlookers focused on the descending sun, while others raised their hands in a symbolic farewell as it dipped below the horizon.
Sanjida Khanum, a school teacher from Narayanganj, was photographing the sunset with her hands positioned to “hold” the sun, assisted by a mobile photographer on the beach. Later, she and her family of 11 took several group photos.
Speaking about the experience, she said, “The main attraction of Cox’s Bazar beach during Eid is watching the sunset. The red glow of the sun colours the sea, and witnessing this scene is truly delightful.”
Local resident Imtiaz Ahmed added, “When the twilight sun sinks into the sea, it soothes the mind. To fully enjoy such beauty, one needs an artistic and cultural mindset. Those who appreciate it are filled with love for nature and feel fortunate that visitors from across the country travel long distances to experience this splendour.”
He also urged the preservation of the environment, emphasising the importance of maintaining natural conditions, protecting marine biodiversity, and keeping the area free of pollution to ensure ecological balance.
Sabequnnar, a tourist from Dhaka, said, “The sunset at Cox’s Bazar beach is truly extraordinary. Watching the crimson sun sink into the sea creates a mesmerising scene that is a pleasure to witness.”
While tourists focused on photography, private lifeguard personnel from the Sea Safe Lifeguard Service ensured visitor safety. Staff monitored bathers in the water and patrolled the sandbars, keeping a watch on tourists enjoying jet skis.
Senior lifeguard Mohammad Shukkur said that during the Eid holiday, the beach saw an overwhelming presence of visitors, particularly in the late afternoon when the crowd swelled to approximately 150,000 to 200,000 people.
“From morning until sunset, we remain alert to ensure the safety of every visitor along the shoreline,” he added.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
