Cox’s Bazar has witnessed an overwhelming rush of tourists during the four-day holiday combining Durga Puja celebrations and the weekend break.
Despite rainfall, the country’s longest sea beach has been crowded with visitors, and hotel owners confirm that all hotel, motel, and resort rooms are fully booked until October 4.
Tourism operators said that over 90 percent of rooms in more than 500 hotels, motels, and resorts in the city had been booked in advance. Hoteliers also noted that the demand during this year’s holiday has surpassed previous records, leaving “not a single room vacant.”
Visitors expressed that the festive atmosphere, especially the grand immersion ceremony of Durga idols at the beach, has been a major attraction.
Many noted that even rain could not dampen their excitement, and the opportunity to spend the holidays with family by the sea added to the joy.
Tourist Police and local administration have strengthened security measures in view of the huge turnout.
Additional DIG of Tourist Police (Cox’s Bazar region) Apel Mahmud said sufficient police personnel, including plainclothes officers, have been deployed across key tourist zones to prevent theft and crime.
Mobile courts under executive magistrates are also in operation, supported by RAB and district police forces, to ensure tourists’ safety.
Business owners in the hospitality sector reported a booming season, with hotels running at full capacity and tourists crowding not only the city but also resorts along the Marine Drive and Inani.
To manage the surge in holiday travelers, Bangladesh Railway has introduced a pair of special trains named “Tourist Express” on the Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route, operating from Tuesday night until October 4.
