Cox's Bazar beaches have been swamped with tourists enjoying the three-day holiday, on the occasion of Christmas, and two days off this weekend.
Authorities reported that over 350,000 tourists are now visiting the beach city.
Hotel owners said that due to the three-day off, people have been gathering at Cox's Bazar since Friday morning. Hence, hotels are running out of rooms to accommodate the guests.
Several tourists have shown concern that they might have to spend the night at the beaches. Hence, the tourist police and Cox's Bazar district administration are on high alert to avoid any untoward incident.
Besides, tourists were also seen gathering at St Martin's Island, Inani beach, Himchari and Buddhist temple in Ramu.
Zobaida Hossain, a tourist from Dhaka, said: “I came to Cox's Bazar after finishing my exams. It was a bit difficult to find a room, but it was worth it as I could swim in the ocean.”
Rubel, a lifeguard at Cox's Bazar beach, said that due to the huge number of tourists on the shore, there is a lot of pressure on them.
Anwar Kamal, president of Tour Operator Owners Association of Cox's Bazar, said: "Our business was not going well for some time. But now all the hotels in Cox's Bazar have been booked for the three-day holiday. Many tourists are still calling us for bookings, but we are not able to provide them the service.”
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Cox's Bazar tourist police Delwar said: “Millions of tourists may gather further during the three-day holiday. Hence, several teams of tourist police are working now. We are always vigilant about the safety of the tourists.”
Cox's Bazar district Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell) Md Masum Billah said as over 350,000 tourists are now visiting Cox's Bazar, the district administration is taking measure to protect the visitors.
