Cox's Bazar correspondent
After months of business downturn due to Ramadan and the political situation, the tourism sector in Cox’s Bazar is finally seeing a ray of hope with the upcoming Eid celebrations. Tourism-related businesses in the coastal city expect full occupancy and booming business during the Eid holidays.
Like other districts across the country, a voter list update campaign is underway in Cox's Bazar as well. However, the difference in the pace and challenges of the activities in cities and villages is clear depending on the area.
From Teknaf’s Sabrang to Nazirartek, the shores of Cox’s Bazar have witnessed an alarming number of Olive Ridley turtle deaths. A team of researchers from the Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) has recovered 86 dead turtles over the past four days.
A project by the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) has become the primary reason for Sonadia Island's lack of development.
The suspension of the lease granted to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for Sonadia Dwip (Island) has been welcomed by the island's residents and environmentalists. They believe that this decision will save the island's mangrove forests, the only one of its kind in the southeastern coastal region, and the safe breeding grounds of marine turtles, preserving its green canopy, biodiversity, and ecosystem from destruction.
Cox's Bazar remains a top destination for Bangladeshi tourists, attracting around 2 to 2.5 million visitors annually. Lifeguards, tourist police, and the district administration work together to ensure their safety.