The district of Cox’s Bazar bears the name of Captain Hiram Cox, a British diplomat. To address the refugee crisis in the region, they appointed him as the Superintendent of Palongkee (modern-day Cox’s Bazar).
During his mission, he built this bungalow to serve as his residence and office. Captain Cox worked to resolve the longstanding conflicts between the Arakanese refugees and the local Rakhine community and to rehabilitate the refugees.
However, before completing his task, he tragically succumbed to malaria and passed away in this very bungalow.
History reveals that the ancient name of Cox’s Bazar was Palongkee. Captain Hiram Cox established a market in the area, initially known as “Cox Sahib’s Bazaar.”
Over time, this evolved into the name “Cox’s Bazar.”
Later, they named the entire district in honor of Captain Hiram Cox.
The bungalow is located in the village of Officer Char, under Fatehkharkul Union of Ramu Upazila, 25 kilometers from Cox’s Bazar town.
Reach Ramu Choumuhuni Station first, then proceed 2 kilometers south on the Ramu-Maricha Arakan Road to see the historic bungalow on the west side of the road.
By Mohammad Morshed
