Cox’s Bazar sea beach is currently overflowing with tourists, with the sandy stretches of Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli points packed with visitors.
Taking advantage of the weekly holidays on Friday and Saturday, thousands of people have gathered along the shoreline, enjoying the waves and the beach in a festive, lively atmosphere.
The surge in visitors has also given a significant boost to tourism-based businesses.
However, amid the growing crowds, stakeholders are calling for stronger security measures across the beach and surrounding tourist spots.
On-the-ground observation indicates that the shoreline at Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli is teeming with people, leaving hardly any space to move.
Nearly three kilometres of the Cox’s Bazar beach appear filled with visitors, creating a striking scene of excitement, laughter, and celebration as tourists immerse themselves in the salty seawater.
The combination of enthusiastic crowds and natural beauty has turned the beach into a vibrant spectacle.
Playing in the waves, strolling along the sand, and spending time with loved ones have provided visitors with a sense of relief from their busy routines. Such crowds have become a familiar sight during weekends, as families and groups of friends flock to Cox’s Bazar to reconnect with nature.
Tourist Dilruba Haider said she enjoys the large gatherings at the beach.
“Cox’s Bazar cannot truly be enjoyed without people. The sea beach, together with so many visitors, feels extraordinary,” she said.
Another tourist, Shahriar Alam, said he came mainly for recreation with his family.
“It’s been 19 years since my marriage, and this is the first time I’ve brought my wife and son to Cox’s Bazar. We are thoroughly enjoying the beach,” he said.
First-time tourist Rokeya Rahman shared her excitement, saying she had never been to Cox’s Bazar before.
“I haven’t even touched the seawater yet, but just seeing it feels wonderful. I think it will feel even better once I go into the water,” she added.
Sarwar Alam, a regular visitor, said Cox’s Bazar remains one of his favourite travel destinations.
“Whenever I feel low, I come here. Every time I visit, it refreshes my mind,” he said.
The influx of tourists has delighted beachside traders, many of whom say their businesses are finally recovering from earlier losses.
Shahab Uddin, a Burmese goods shop owner, said his daily sales have increased from less than Tk 5,000 last week to over Tk 30,000 now, due to the rise in tourist arrivals.
Similarly, pickle and cap seller Sharif Hossain said business is improving steadily. “Tourist numbers have increased considerably, and I expect them to rise further. At this pace, we will be able to recover our past losses quickly,” he said.
Despite the economic revival, tourism stakeholders stress the urgent need for enhanced security. Md. Yakub Ali, General Manager of Hotel Prasad Paradise, stated that the area from Laboni Point to Marine Drive and Teknaf is a crucial tourism zone with unrestricted tourist movement.
“Considering the overall situation of the country, this zone needs to be treated with special importance,” he said, adding that the authorities should ensure enhanced security and proper management so that tourists feel safe at all times.
While the return of large crowds has brought life back to Cox’s Bazar’s tourism sector, ensuring safety and security remains the key challenge. Stakeholders believe that addressing this concern effectively will make Cox’s Bazar even more attractive to tourists.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
