September 28 marks World Rabies Day. In the context of Cox’s Bazar, the tourism capital of Bangladesh, the relevance of this day is paramount. According to local environmental organizations and census estimates, there are currently around 10,000 to 12,000 stray dogs across the 120-kilometer beach stretch, the municipality, and St. Martin’s Island. Instead of viewing this massive animal population as a threat, utilizing their ecological benefits through scientific management and a humane approach is the need of the hour.For a bustling tourist destination like Cox’s Bazar, the most crucial role these stray dogs play is that of natural security sentinels and crime deterrents. Their vigilant presence late at night along the vast, secluded beach stretches and the alleys of the hotel-motel zones acts as a psychological barrier for criminals. There have been multiple instances where local stray dogs collectively resisted and chased away muggers or suspicious groups attempting to target tourists in isolated areas at night. Furthermore, animal behaviorists emphasize that dogs are inherently social and loyal creatures capable of reading human body language. They never exhibit defensive aggression unless subjected to human cruelty or unprovoked attacks.
Globally, in acclaimed tourist destinations like Istanbul in Turkey or various cities in Nepal, stray dogs are celebrated as an integral part of urban and tourist life. In these countries, dogs are systematically vaccinated and given distinct ear tags, allowing international tourists to confidently interact, feed, and take photographs with them. This animal-friendly culture significantly enhances the destination’s global reputation for eco-tourism.If our government can guarantee 100% rabies vaccination for all stray dogs in Cox’s Bazar, millions of domestic and international tourists will feel completely safe and reassured. A well-communicated message of total immunization will permanently eliminate the fear of rabies and animal bites from the minds of visitors. Consequently, it will foster an inherently empathetic perspective toward these animals, cultivating an affectionate and understanding bond between tourists and dogs—a feature that will add a unique dimension to eco-tourism, echoing global best practices.
Visitors traveling to Cox’s Bazar are warmly urged not to panic or instinctively agitate stray dogs upon seeing them on the beaches or streets. Dogs seldom attack without provocation. Extending a little empathy or offering them a small treat can entirely neutralize any defensive aggression. Halting unscientific culling methods, implementing effective government policies, and nurturing civic empathy are the definitive steps required to ensure a rabies-free, ecologically sustainable, and welcoming Cox’s Bazar. Nevertheless, accidents are unpredictable, and though extremely rare, they can still happen. In the event of an unfortunate incident, do not delay—immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with water and visit the nearest healthcare center to secure your rabies vaccine.
By Salam Abu
Editor
