The Department of Shipping has ordered the closure of the Lighthouse Beach tourism spot in Kutubdia, citing navigational safety concerns.
The tourist spot, located beside the historic Kutubdia Lighthouse, was formally inaugurated in December last year by the Dakshin Dhurung Union Parishad in the presence of local administration officials, journalists and other dignitaries.
The site was developed with recreational rides, sightseeing boats, decorative lighting and small shops to attract visitors. Although the monsoon season typically sees fewer tourists because of rough weather, visitors to Kutubdia often stop by the lighthouse after visiting the island’s historic landmarks. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine of renowned saint Shah Abdul Malek Mohiuddin Al Kutubi every day and also tour the lighthouse area.
Shopkeepers Nurul Islam and Md Akil, who operate businesses near the lighthouse, expressed disappointment over the decision.
“We had finally found an opportunity to earn a livelihood after the tourism spot was established. If it is closed, visitors will stop coming, and our businesses will suffer,” they said.
Local content creator Mohammad Ershad said the lighthouse was an important historical landmark that naturally attracted tourists.
“The union parishad took a positive initiative by improving communication facilities and beautifying areas outside the protected zone. The closure order is unfortunate,” he said.
Dakshin Dhurung Union Parishad Chairman Alauddin Al Azad, who led the initiative, said that around Tk 1 million to Tk 1.2 million had been spent from the union parishad fund to improve the area.
“The development works included road repairs outside the protected zone, lighting, security measures, children’s rides and sightseeing boats. Before launching the project in December, we informed the upazila administration, district administration, Cox’s Bazar Development Authority and the Department of Shipping through official letters,” he said.
However, about six months later, the Department of Shipping issued a directive prohibiting any tourism activities in front of the lighthouse, citing risks to navigation.
The chairman alleged that the decision might have been influenced by vested interests or a planned conspiracy, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Kutubdia Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mizanur Rahman confirmed that the directive had been issued after the relevant ministry raised concerns over navigation around the lighthouse.
“Many tourists visit the lighthouse when they come to Kutubdia. We will discuss the matter with the higher authorities,” he said.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: collected
