Eid-ul-Azha holidays have transformed Chittagong recreational spots into bustling hubs, with a steady surge of visitors flocking to popular tourist destinations since the day after Eid.
On Friday and Saturday, Patenga Sea Beach, considered the country’s second-largest sea beach, remained packed throughout the day, drawing thousands of visitors and creating a festive atmosphere. Compared to the second day of Eid, the third day saw an even higher influx of people.
Other major recreational sites across Chittagong also witnessed heavy crowds, including Chittogram Zoo, Anwara Parki Beach, Concord Foy’s Lake Amusement Park and Water Park, Sea World, DC Park, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Agrabad Karnaphuli Children’s Park, Patenga Butterfly Park, Sitakunda Eco Park and Botanical Garden, Guliyakhali Sea Beach, Mohamaya Lake, Khoiyachhora and Napittachhora waterfalls, and the Patenga Naval area, among others.
To ensure visitor safety, authorities have put in place a three-tier security arrangement involving local police and tourist police. Information desks and breastfeeding corners are also being set up at Patenga Sea Beach.
Tourist Police Inspector Hasan Imam said Patenga Sea Beach has experienced a massive turnout during the Eid holidays, adding that authorities were fully prepared to manage the crowds this year.
“Visitor numbers were comparatively lower on the first day, but there was a significant surge on the second day, which increased further on the third day (Saturday),” he said.
He further noted that, following directives from Police Headquarters, security measures are being strictly enforced, with regular patrols and plainclothes police deployed.
“A multi-layered security system has been established around Patenga Sea Beach, and no untoward incidents have been reported so far,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chittagong Zoo has emerged as the second most popular attraction in the city during the Eid holidays, drawing visitors with its wildlife exhibits and recreational facilities for children.
Zoo veterinarian and deputy curator Dr Shahadat Hossain Shuvo told Dhaka Tribune that visitor numbers were relatively low on Eid day but increased significantly from the second day onward.
“The zoo remained open from the morning of Eid day. Around 2,000 visitors came on Eid day. On the second day, Friday, we received 10,700 visitors, and by Saturday afternoon (5 pm), around 12,000 visitors had entered the zoo with tickets,” he said.
He added that the entry fee is Tk 70 per person.
He said that the Chittagong Zoo currently houses 520 animals and birds of 68 species. Expansion work of the zoo is underway, and once completed, the number of animals and birds is expected to increase further. He added that the rusted cages inside the zoo have recently been cleaned, renovated, and repainted.
He further noted that a newly developed walkway around nearby hills has recently added a new dimension for visitors. The zoo also offers various amusement facilities for children, including swings and other rides, alongside wildlife viewing opportunities.
Adjacent to the zoo, the Concord Foy’s Lake Amusement Park and Water Park Sea World have also been given a new look, with several initiatives taken to attract tourists.
Foy’s Lake Complex, one of the major recreational hubs in the city, is located in the heart of Chittagong and covers 336 acres, including a nearly five-kilometre winding artificial lake. The amusement park features a large number of rides, and a significant influx of visitors has been observed since the day after Eid.
Notable rides include Circus Swing, Bumper Car, Family Roller Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Pirate Ship, Coffee Cup, Red Dry Slide, Yellow Dry Slide, and Bug Bounce, among others. Several restaurants inside the park serve a variety of local and international cuisines.
The lake is surrounded by rows of hills and diverse greenery. Various hills in the area have been named Arunima, Jaltungi, Godhuli, Ostachol, Akashmoni, Bonshree, Himjhuri, Asmani, Gagondwip, and Udayan, among others. A photo corner on the hilltops features sculptures of various animals in different poses. An aquatic zone has also been developed along the lakeside as a picnic spot with sculptures of marine animals.
Deputy Manager (Marketing) of Foy’s Lake Concord Amusement Park, Biswajit Ghosh told Dhaka Tribune that a large number of visitors have been arriving since the day after Eid. “The turnout is even higher on the third day from morning. Previously damaged rides have been repaired, and the park has been beautified. We have made the park more modern. New engine boats have been added for lake tours, and resort-bungalows within the complex have been renovated for tourists,” he said.
Tourist Police Chittagram Region Superintendent of Police Uttam Prasad Pathak told Dhaka Tribune that special arrangements have been made for the seven-day Eid holiday period, anticipating a higher-than-usual influx of tourists.
He said a three-tier security arrangement has been implemented at popular destinations, especially Patenga Sea Beach. Alongside regular patrols, plainclothes police are also on duty.
He added that information desks have been set up to help locate children who may get lost in the crowd. A breastfeeding corner has also been established. Tourist police teams remain alert to prevent incidents of theft and harassment. Watchtowers have been installed at Patenga Sea Beach as part of the security measures. So far, no untoward incidents have been reported.
