The sea beach in Cox’s Bazar, the country’s premier tourist destination, has taken on a calmer tone during the holy month of Ramadan. With fewer tourists than at other times of the year, the vast sandy shoreline and the rolling sound of waves have created a distinct, tranquil atmosphere.
As the Ramadan afternoon gives way to evening, some tourists and local residents gather along the coast to arrange iftar amid the sea’s natural splendour. Some spread mats or plastic sheets over the sand and sit with family members and friends, while others break their fast under beach umbrellas and on rented chairs. The salty breeze and rhythmic waves lend a unique dimension to the moment of iftar.
Alongside locals, several travel enthusiasts have also joined in these gatherings. Many describe the experience of breaking fast by the sea, free from urban noise, as both spiritual and soothing.
In recent years, such nature-centred iftar arrangements have emerged as a growing trend in Cox’s Bazar. Watching the sun set over the horizon before responding to the call to prayer has added a special charm to Ramadan evenings on the beach.
However, alongside the appeal of open-air iftar gatherings, local resident Md Absar has urged greater attention to cleanliness and environmental responsibility. He noted that some visitors leave behind plastic and other waste after iftar, stressing that maintaining the beach’s cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
