Cox’s Bazar sea beach was crowded with tourists on Friday as the weekly holiday brought a large number of people to the world’s longest natural sea beach.
From the afternoon, Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni points became busy with tourists. The beach remained lively until evening, with many people gathering to enjoy the sunset.
As the sun began to set, thousands of tourists gathered along the beach to enjoy the view. Many came with family members, friends or loved ones, while others were seen bathing in the sea.
Tourists also enjoyed horseback riding and beach bike rides, while many sat under beach umbrellas and on chairs to watch the waves. Others remained busy taking photographs and recording videos.
Subeh Sadik Mohammad, a tourist from Dhaka, said he had come to Cox’s Bazar with his family after a long time.
“We enjoyed the beach environment and the sunset very much. There are also many more tourists because today is a holiday,” he said.
Antika Chowdhury, who came from Chattogram with friends, said she enjoyed the beach atmosphere in the afternoon but stressed the need to pay greater attention to tourist safety.
Arif Hawladar, who visited the beach with his family, said they had a good time with their children and found the warnings from lifeguards and beach workers useful.
Mohammad Shukkur, a senior lifeguard with Sea Safe, said a large number of tourists visited the beach on Friday and there was no major accident during their duty hours.
“Many tourists would rather not follow our instructions. We try to explain the risks to them. Bathing within the lifeguard zones is safer, so tourists should follow the lifeguards’ instructions,” he said.
Lifeguard services were withdrawn from the beach after 6:00pm. Before that, tourists were advised to remain within designated bathing zones and follow lifeguards’ instructions.
Mahbub Alam, supervisor of beach workers under the Cox’s Bazar district administration’s Beach Management Committee, said tourist numbers were high on Friday.
“We have warned tourists in different ways, including through public announcements. He said, “We have particularly urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant to prevent children from getting lost.”
Meanwhile, a three-day tourism fair began in Cox’s Bazar on Friday ahead of World Tourism Day on September 27. The fair, along with the weekly holiday, contributed to the increased presence of tourists at the beach.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
