Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar 

An overwhelming festive atmosphere has taken over Cox's Bazar sea beach during the Eid holidays. According to local business owners, at least 300,000 tourists have visited in the four days since Eid day up to Tuesday. Relevant sources report that tourist numbers will continue to surge until Saturday (June 14)  with more visitors arriving each day.

For these holidaymakers, neither the scorching sun, intermittent rain, nor the rough sea has been a deterrent. At times basking under the intense sun, and other times soaking in the rain, tourists have been seen throwing themselves into the crashing waves of the sea. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in tragic incidents — with four fatalities reported from the treacherous currents.

Tuesday witnessed alternating spells of sunshine and rain. Amidst this, hundreds of thousands of tourists reveled in the saline waves of the turbulent sea. On the fourth day of the long Eid vacation, each moment was filled with unrestrained excitement and joy.

As the day progressed on Tuesday, the number of tourists swelled at every point of Cox’s Bazar beach. By noon, over a kilometer-long stretch of the beach, from Kolatoli to Laboni Point, was densely crowded with visitors. The ever-changing weather — sudden showers, bright sun, and cloudy skies — only intensified the festive mood. Alongside sea bathing, tourists were seen enjoying photo sessions and sand games on the beach.

Azad Rahman (60), a tourist from Munshiganj, shared, “This year’s Eid has been special. No one should miss bringing their grandchildren to Cox’s Bazar — let them ride horses and relive childhood moments.”

Monika, a visitor from Dhaka, said, “It’s hard to get leave from work. So even though I’ve wanted to come here for a long time, it wasn’t possible. But this time, with a 10-day Eid holiday, I rushed here with my family to enjoy. The more people gather, the livelier it feels.”

Another tourist, S.M. Ibrahim, remarked, “Cox's Bazar is a place one can visit countless times and still feel like coming again. This Eid holiday, I came here and rode jet skis, beach bikes, and horses. It’s pure joy. The breeze on this beach is soothing to the soul.”

Rubina Alam noted, “Cox’s Bazar is the perfect destination for an Eid vacation. That’s why we came here with the family. I particularly love Marine Drive, Himchhari, Inani, and Patua Tek’s rocky beach.”

Shafique Rahman said, “Eid is about joy and sacrifice. The celebration intensifies when we’re at Cox’s Bazar beach. The ever-changing weather — sunshine and rain — has made this Eid even more delightful.”

Sumaiya Yasmin shared, “I came rushing to Cox’s Bazar for Eid holidays. Having a great time, though the huge crowd makes it difficult to properly enjoy the sea. Still, the sun, rain, and Cox’s Bazar’s natural beauty are simply wonderful.”

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of Cox’s Bazar Residential Hotel, Motel and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, said tourist turnout was low on Eid day but started increasing from the second day. At present, 50% of rooms in over 500 hotels, motels, and resorts are booked. Since Monday, occupancy has reached 100%, and this is expected to continue until Sunday.

According to him, in the past four days, nearly 300,000 tourists have visited Cox’s Bazar, and in the next four days, another 400,000 are expected to arrive.

Although the sea remains rough, with newly formed pits at certain points and reverse currents in others, life guard teams are on high alert to ensure the safety of beachgoers.

In the past two days, four people, including a father and son, have died while bathing in the turbulent sea.

On Monday at 1:30 PM, Shahinur Rahman (60) from Rajshahi Sadar and his son Mohammad Sifat (20) were swept away by strong currents at the Kolatoli Point of the beach. They were later rescued but pronounced dead at the hospital.

Earlier, on Sunday evening, a tourist named Rajib Ahmed (35) from DC Road in Chattogram city went missing while bathing at Laboni Point. His body was recovered eight hours later from the north side of Diabetic Point.

Additionally, on Sunday morning, a local named Mohammad Nuru from Baharchhara area in Cox’s Bazar went missing while fishing for fun at Shaibal Point. His body was recovered Monday morning from the Nazirartek Point near the mouth of the Bankkhali River.

Cox’s Bazar District Administration’s Tourism Cell Executive Magistrate Nafis Intesar Nafi confirmed these incidents.

Mohammad Shukkur, senior lifeguard of Sea Safe Life organization deployed at Cox’s Bazar beach, said lifeguards are working in three tiers — stationed at towers for surveillance, patrolling along the shore, and positioned on boats in the water. However, he stressed that tourists must be more aware and follow lifeguards’ instructions to avoid accidents. Despite everything, lifeguards remain vigilant.

Assistant Superintendent of Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Zone, Nityananda Das, said a three-layer security system has been enforced to ensure a cheerful and safe environment for tourists during the Eid holidays. Police are posted at every watchtower, with mobile teams and plainclothes officers patrolling the beach.

Tourism Cell Executive Magistrate Nafis Intesar Nafi added that multiple mobile teams are working on the ground to prevent any form of harassment of tourists during the holidays.

Besides,  Cox’s Bazar sea beach, incoming tourists are also exploring other stunning attractions like the Marine Drive, Himchhari waterfalls, Inani’s rocky beach, Patua Tek, Ramu’s Buddhist monastery, Maheshkhali’s Adinath Temple, Burmese Market, Radiant Fish World, and Dulahazara Bangabandhu Safari Park.