Tourists continued to flock to the beach town of Cox’s Bazar on Sunday despite persistent rain and unsettled weather conditions.
Although intermittent showers swept across the town from early morning, visitors remained undeterred. Instead, many tourists gathered with their families at different points along the beach to enjoy the unique beauty of the monsoon season, characterised by overcast skies, light rain, and rough seas. Hotel and resort operators reported that tourist arrivals this season have surpassed expectations, despite the rainy weather.
Mukim Khan, general secretary of the Kolatoli Marine Drive Hotel and Resort Owners’ Association, said tourist numbers had increased significantly recently.
“Almost all hotels currently have guests. Tourist arrivals usually decline during the monsoon, but this year the number of visitors is comparatively higher,” he said.
A visit to Sugandha, Laboni, and Kolatoli beach points showed tourists strolling along the shoreline with umbrellas or enjoying the rain. Many tourists admired the dramatic seascape and cloudy skies, while others busily captured photographs and videos of their holiday moments.
Several visitors said they had travelled from different parts of the country specifically to experience Cox’s Bazar during the monsoon.
Shahed, a tourist, said he had rented a motorbike from Sugandha Point in the morning and travelled to Teknaf.
“It started raining on the way. The beauty of the Marine Drive becomes even more striking in this weather,” he said.
Another visitor, Mukles, said he had come to witness the sea during the rainy season.
“This is an entirely different experience from other times of the year. I am thoroughly enjoying it,” he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police of the Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Region, Ajmal, said security measures for visitors had been strengthened.
He said patrols had been intensified at key tourist spots to ensure the safety of holidaymakers. When asked about the malfunctioning official mobile number of the Tourist Police, he said the issue would be resolved soon.
Sea Safe Lifeguard officials said the sea remained rough due to adverse weather conditions and warned tourists to exercise extreme caution while entering the water. They also cautioned about the risk of rip currents and the formation of hidden channels along the beach.
According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, rainfall is likely to continue over the coming days. With rough sea conditions prevailing, fishing boats have also been advised to remain close to the coast.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo; Abdu Rashid Manik
