Staff Reporter:
An estimated 350,000 tourists flocked to Cox’s Bazar Beach over the three-day Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, turning the world’s longest natural sea beach into a hub of activity and generating around Tk200 crore in tourism revenue.
Although the official holiday period ended on Tuesday, large crowds were still seen along the shoreline in the afternoon, with visitors continuing to pour in. From Laboni Point to Kolatoli Point, the beach remained lively as tourists soaked up the scenery and festive atmosphere. Holidaymakers spent their time strolling across the expansive sands, riding beach bikes and horses, and enjoying jet ski rides. Others relaxed on deck chairs, taking in the cool sea breeze, while many captured the moment with photos and selfies. For most, however, the main attraction was the sea itself, with crowds venturing into the water to unwind.
Visitors said they had travelled to Cox’s Bazar not only to celebrate Eid but also to reconnect with nature. Many expressed satisfaction with the overall travel experience, citing a smooth and hassle-free trip. Foyez, visiting with his wife, said they arrived the day after Eid to make the most of the public holidays. Though due to return to Dhaka on Tuesday night, the couple described their experience as overwhelmingly positive despite the sheer volume of visitors.
However, some tourists alleged that hotel tariffs and food prices had been significantly inflated during the festive period.
Abul Kashem Sikdar, president of the Cox’s Bazar Residential Hotel-Motel Guest House Owners’ Association, confirmed that around 350,000 tourists visited during the three days, with business turnover in the sector estimated at Tk200 crore.
Md Imtiaz Ahmed, project officer at the Sea Safe Lifeguard Organization, said no major incidents were reported during sea bathing despite the crowds. He noted, however, that ensuring safety remains challenging, with just 27 lifeguards deployed to manage more than 100,000 bathers daily.
Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan said the Cox’s Bazar district administration had taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of visitors during the Eid rush, as the resort town experienced one of its busiest holiday periods in recent times.
