A massive influx of tourists gathered at Cox’s Bazar sea beach to bid farewell to Bangla 1432 and welcome the Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh 1433. On Monday (April 13) evening, thousands of tourists flocked to the beach to witness the last sunset of the Bangla year.
Due to cloud cover throughout the day, the sun remained hidden for most of the time. However, it briefly appeared for the final minutes before sunset, which tourists present on the beach were able to enjoy.
Leaving behind the fatigue, weariness, and gloom of the past year, tourists and local visitors expressed hopes for peace and prosperity in the new year. Tourists Taki Amin and local visitor Sabir Islam shared similar expectations.
Taki Amin said, “We hope the new year brings happiness and peace for everyone, forgetting all the sorrows of the past year.”
Local visitor Sabir Islam said, “Watching the last sunset in Cox’s Bazar is a different feeling. I hope the new year brings something good for everyone.”
To ensure the safety of the large number of visitors, authorities deployed Tourist Police Bangladesh, executive magistrates from the district administration’s tourism cell, Sea Safe lifeguards, and beach workers.
Sea Safe lifeguard supervisor Mohammad Osman Gani said, “The number of tourists has increased significantly over the past few days due to Baishakh. We are tirelessly working to ensure their safety. Each beach has turned festive with excitement and joy marking the arrival of the new year.
Meanwhile, star-rated hotels in Cox’s Bazar have also made extensive preparations for Pahela Baishakh.
Various hotels and restaurants organised colourful programmes to welcome the festival, spreading a festive atmosphere among tourists and locals.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
