Tawhidul Islam, Cox's Bazar

For the first time in the country’s history, government employees have been granted a continuous 10-day public holiday for Eid-ul-Azha. 

However, unlike previous years, officials report that Cox's Bazar is not witnessing the usual influx of tourists taking advantage of this extended break. Due to the early onset of monsoon rains, at least 70% of hotel, motel, and cottage rooms in the seaside city of Cox's Bazar remain vacant, according to tourism service providers. Nevertheless, hoteliers and the local administration are holding out hope that the number of visitors will increase two to three days after Eid, and have prepared the destination accordingly.

According to information from the Cox's Bazar district administration, Tourist Police, and tourism service providers, there are nearly 600 hotels, motels, cottages, and flats in Cox's Bazar city for overnight stays. In preparation for tourists arriving for Eid-ul-Azha, these establishments have been newly decorated. However, the expected surge in tourists has yet to materialize.

Imtiaz Nur Somel, Marketing Manager of Ocean Paradise Limited, a star-rated hotel, said, “Although the Eid holidays officially begin on June 5, tourists are booking rooms starting from June 9. I am hopeful that around one lakh (100,000) tourists will stay in Cox’s Bazar between June 9-13.”

Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox's Bazar Hotel, Motel and Guest House Owners' Association, said, “Due to the monsoon season, the tourist response during this Eid holiday has so far been less than expected compared to other years. Currently, about 30% of rooms under our association have been booked. Still, we’re hopeful that if the rain subsides, tourist numbers will increase two to three days after Eid. We’ve made preparations accordingly.”

Mohammad Rezaul Karim, President of the Cox's Bazar Tourist Club and Tours Operators Owners Association (TOAC), added, “The response from tourists has been comparatively lower this Eid holiday because of the monsoon season. However, since the holiday is long, we still expect Cox’s Bazar to be bustling with visitors toward the latter part of the break.”

Meanwhile, as always, the administration has taken extensive preparations to ensure tourist safety and make the holiday experience enjoyable.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Nityananda Das of the Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Zone said, “We’re expecting around 300,000 tourists to visit Cox's Bazar during this Eid. To make their visit enjoyable and safe, we’ve strengthened a three-tier security system. In addition to observation from watchtowers, police will be stationed at every beach watch post. Mobile teams and plainclothes officers will also patrol the beach.”

He added, “We’ve held several meetings with local stakeholders to enhance service quality for tourists and instructed them to avoid any form of harassment.”

Executive Magistrate Nafis Intesar Nafi of the Cox's Bazar District Administration’s Tourism Cell said, “At a preparatory meeting held on May 20 ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, it was decided that strict action would be taken to prevent extra charges in transportation and extortion during the holiday. Accommodation providers have also been instructed not to charge additional rent, and restaurants must display their price lists. Regular monitoring is being conducted to ensure these measures are enforced.”

He further mentioned that multiple mobile teams would be working in the field during the holidays to prevent any form of harassment against tourists.