Cox’s Bazar DC backtracks on special zone for female tourists
The move comes following the recent gang-rape of a woman who was on a visit to Cox's Bazar with her husband and 8-month old child
The administration has surrounded the area adjacent to Jhinuk Market at Laboni Point, to the last end of Urmi Restaurant with red flags to mark the separate zone Dhaka Tribune
Abdul Aziz, Cox’s Bazar
Publish : 29 Dec 2021, 09:08 PMUpdate : 29 Dec 2021, 11:41 PM
Authorities in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday backtracked on a plan to introduce a separate zone for female tourists and children visiting the sea beach following massive backlash from the netizens.
After the recent gang-rape of a woman who was on a visit to Cox's Bazar with her husband and 8-month old child, the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner’s office on Wednesday inaugurated a 150-yard-long zone at Laboni Point to give women and children special protection.
As soon as news of the special zone spread, netizens reacted very negatively to the decision, said Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Mamunur Rashid.
“We take various initiatives keeping in mind the interest of the tourists. Since the tourists have not welcomed the decision, we have backtracked from the special zone plan for female tourists and children in the sea beach to respect their opinions,” he told the Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday night.
Earlier in the day, DC Md Mamunur Rashid inaugurated the 150-yard-long zone at Laboni Point on Wednesday.
"The administration intends to give women and children special protection," he had said.
"Women and children accompanying their families are free to go anywhere they choose on the beach. However, there should be a distinct zone for individuals who come to the beach alone to ensure hassle-free travel," he added.
He had further said that women and children would be under the security of the police and beach workers.
The administration surrounded the area adjacent to Jhinuk Market at Laboni Point to the last end of Urmi Restaurant with red flags to mark the separate zone.
Signboards were hung at both ends of the zone. Beach workers and the police barred male tourists from entering the area.
Additional District Magistrate Abu Sufian, Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell) Syed Murad Islam, President of Tour Operators Association Anwar Kamal, and others were present during the false start.
Cox’s Bazar DC backtracks on special zone for female tourists
Authorities in Cox’s Bazar on Wednesday backtracked on a plan to introduce a separate zone for female tourists and children visiting the sea beach following massive backlash from the netizens.
After the recent gang-rape of a woman who was on a visit to Cox's Bazar with her husband and 8-month old child, the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner’s office on Wednesday inaugurated a 150-yard-long zone at Laboni Point to give women and children special protection.
As soon as news of the special zone spread, netizens reacted very negatively to the decision, said Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner (DC) Md Mamunur Rashid.
“We take various initiatives keeping in mind the interest of the tourists. Since the tourists have not welcomed the decision, we have backtracked from the special zone plan for female tourists and children in the sea beach to respect their opinions,” he told the Dhaka Tribune on Wednesday night.
Earlier in the day, DC Md Mamunur Rashid inaugurated the 150-yard-long zone at Laboni Point on Wednesday.
"The administration intends to give women and children special protection," he had said.
"Women and children accompanying their families are free to go anywhere they choose on the beach. However, there should be a distinct zone for individuals who come to the beach alone to ensure hassle-free travel," he added.
He had further said that women and children would be under the security of the police and beach workers.
The administration surrounded the area adjacent to Jhinuk Market at Laboni Point to the last end of Urmi Restaurant with red flags to mark the separate zone.
Signboards were hung at both ends of the zone. Beach workers and the police barred male tourists from entering the area.
Additional District Magistrate Abu Sufian, Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell) Syed Murad Islam, President of Tour Operators Association Anwar Kamal, and others were present during the false start.