Cox's Bazar correspondent
The interim government has not only imposed restrictions on tourist arrivals to Saint Martin’s Island but also enforced several limitations on local fishing and other activities. As a result, the island’s tourism-dependent residents now face a severe livelihood crisis.
Unauthorized rent-a-bike services are rapidly increasing on Cox’s Bazar’s 80-kilometer-long Marine Drive Road, leading to a growing number of accidents and fatalities.
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.