Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, March 23, 2026 (BSS) - The world's longest sea beach in Cox's Bazar has come alive in full festive spirit on Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, as thousands of tourists from across the country thronged the shoreline from morning to evening, transforming the coastal belt into a bustling hub of recreation, colour and celebration.

The normally quiet beach, which saw little activity during the month of Ramadan, has regained its peak vibrancy with the arrival of the Eid holiday rush. 

Tourists are flocking to popular points including Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni beach areas, where the rhythmic waves, soft sands and coastal breeze are blending with festive joy to create an atmosphere of continuous celebration.

Tourism operators and business owners said number of visitors have surged sharply since the start of the Eid holidays, reviving businesses that remained largely dormant throughout Ramadan. 

They expect the flow of tourists to increase further in the coming days, making this one of the busiest Eid seasons in recent years.

Before Eid, tourism stakeholders had projected that nearly 1 to 1.1 million tourists could visit Cox's Bazar during the holiday period, generating business worth around Tk 100 crore.

Visitors from different parts of the country, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram and Sylhet, were seen enjoying sea bathing, jet-ski rides, beach cycling and horse riding along the sandy shoreline. Families and groups of friends gathered along the coast, capturing memories against the backdrop of the blue Bay of Bengal.

Tourists expressed delight at the festive experience. Many said celebrating Eid by the sea with family made the occasion more memorable, especially for first-time visitors who described the experience as a blend of natural beauty and emotional joy.

Security and safety arrangements have been strengthened to manage the growing crowd. Tourist Police officials said a three-tier security system has been deployed, with uniformed personnel, plainclothes teams and intelligence units working in coordinated shifts to ensure safety across the beach zone.

Lifeguard teams and beach workers have also been stationed in risk-prone areas, using red flags and loudspeaker warnings to alert visitors about safe swimming zones. Authorities said their priority is to ensure that tourists can enjoy sea bathing and recreation without accidents or disruptions.

Hotel and tourism business leaders said occupancy rates have risen sharply since Eid day, with expectations of around 100,000 visitors arriving daily during the peak holiday period. They estimate that tourism-related transactions could reach Tk 100 crore during this extended rush.

District administration and law enforcement agencies said extensive preparations were in place ahead of the holiday surge, including intensified patrols and coordination among security units to maintain order and ensure smooth tourist movement.

Officials added that with sustained inflow of visitors, Cox's Bazar is likely to remain crowded throughout the Eid holidays, reaffirming its status as the country's premier tourism destination.