After weeks of rain and stormy weather, Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest sandy beach, is once again buzzing with tourists, thanks to the weekend holidays and improved weather conditions.
For the past two weeks, the beach town had worn a deserted look due to continuous downpours. But on Friday morning, a festive mood returned as tourists began flocking to the shore.
At popular spots like Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni, crowds of families and friends were seen enjoying the sea — some wading in the waves, others strolling under umbrellas along the wet sands, and many simply soaking in the roar of the ocean under clear skies.
Shahana Islam, a tourist from Dhaka, shared, “We had planned this trip two weeks ago but had to postpone it due to the weather. Now that we’re here, it feels totally worth it — the sea is calm and the weather is perfect.”
Beyond the beach, visitors were also exploring scenic spots like Himchhari and Inani along the Marine Drive. Others ventured out to Maheshkhali’s Buddhist temple and the historic monasteries in Ramu, where footfall also saw a noticeable rise.
Additional DIG of Tourist Police, Apel Mahmud, stated, “We’ve enhanced surveillance to ensure tourist safety. Lifeguards are on standby along the beach, and announcements are being made via loudspeakers to caution swimmers.”
Hotel and motel owners said bookings, which had been sluggish during the rainy spell, are now picking up. Many hotels are already fully booked for the weekend.
With the rain gone and a holiday mood in the air, Cox’s Bazar feels revived once again — smiles return to the faces of local traders, while the eyes of travelers sparkle with serene joy.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
