Rain-drenched skies, rolling clouds, and the roar of the Bay of Bengal combined to create a captivating atmosphere at Cox’s Bazar beach on Wednesday, drawing large numbers of tourists eager to experience the seaside in its monsoon splendour.
A visit to the beach before sunset found Kalatali, Sugandha, and Laboni points bustling with visitors despite intermittent rainfall and overcast conditions.
Many tourists ventured into the sea for a swim, while others relaxed under colourful beach umbrellas, quietly enjoying the sweeping views of the ocean. Some chose horse rides along the shoreline, while others explored the coast on beach bikes and jet skis, taking in the dramatic monsoon scenery from the water.
Mirza Sahab, a tourist visiting from outside the district, said he returned to Cox’s Bazar whenever he had the opportunity.
“I come to Cox’s Bazar quite often. During the monsoon, the beach takes on a completely different character. The waves appear much larger, and the sound of the sea becomes more powerful. It is a remarkable sight,” he said.
Another visitor, Sumaiya Shimu, who travelled with her family, said continuous rainfall had accompanied their trip.
“It has been raining since we arrived. Whenever the rain eases, we head to the beach. We have not yet had the chance to visit the Marine Drive, but Cox’s Bazar is beautiful in every season,” she said.
Despite the unsettled weather, red-and-yellow safety flags remained hoisted at designated bathing zones, indicating areas where swimming was considered safe under lifeguard supervision.
Members of Sea Safe Lifeguard Service were seen monitoring the beach from sunrise until sunset, helping ensure the safety of visitors entering the water.
Mohammad Osman, senior lifeguard and supervisor of Sea Safe, said 27 lifeguards were deployed across Kalatali, Sugandha, and Laboni points throughout the day.
“Our teams work from dawn until sunset to help prevent accidents and assist tourists in the water. We urge visitors to swim only within the designated red-and-yellow flag zones, as we are providing services across three separate beach points with a limited workforce,” he said.
The Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police have also strengthened security measures, maintaining round-the-clock patrols along the beach and surrounding tourist areas.
Executive magistrates from the tourism cell and personnel from the Beach Management Committee were also on duty to assist visitors and maintain order.
With the monsoon transforming the coastline into a dramatic landscape of dark clouds, crashing waves, and cool sea breezes, Cox’s Bazar continues to attract tourists seeking a different side of Bangladesh’s most popular tourist destination.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
