Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that no structures will be permitted on the sand dunes along Cox’s Bazar beach, as authorities intensify eviction drives against floating shops and other illegal establishments.
The ongoing operation will be carried out in phases from Nazirartek to Teknaf along the 120-kilometre coastline.
He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while inspecting the Sugandha Point area of the beach. The minister also said that genuine small traders affected by the eviction drives would be rehabilitated.
Earlier on March 9, the Home Minister issued directives at a law and order committee meeting held at the Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, ordering the removal of all floating illegal structures from the beach within a week. Following the directive, the local administration conducted eviction drives in the Sugandha and Kolatoli areas, removing more than 500 illegal structures.
During his visit, the minister inspected the recently cleared areas of Sugandha Point. Members of Parliament Lutfor Rahman Kajal and Shahjahan Chowdhury, Cox’s Bazar Zila Parishad Administrator ATM Nurul Bashar Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner Md A Mannan, Superintendent of Police ANM Sazedur Rahman, and local BNP leaders were present.
Deputy Commissioner Md AMannan said that all structures at Sugandha Point had already been removed in line with the Home Minister’s instructions. He added that, in phases, all illegal establishments along the coastline up to Teknaf would be cleared.
Tourism stakeholders said the initiative has significantly transformed the appearance of the beach. With the removal of floating shops, the sand dunes and the blue waves are now clearly visible from the roadside. They added that visitors during the upcoming Eid holidays would be able to experience a cleaner and more visually appealing beach environment.
Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman said, “Every year, 60 to 70 lakh (6–7 million) tourists visit Cox’s Bazar. Most of them visit the beach at least once during their stay. However, tourists often express dissatisfaction when they see clusters of makeshift shops and informal settlements along the dunes upon entering the beach. Various criminal activities have also been reported in these areas.
With the removal of these makeshift structures, the overall appearance of the beach has significantly improved, offering visitors a refreshed view of Cox’s Bazar. In addition, this initiative is expected to reduce marine pollution.”