Kuakata, the scenic coastal town of Bangladesh affectionately known as the Sea Princess (Sagor Kanya), is prepared to welcome hundreds of thousands of tourists for the public holidays surrounding Eid-ul-Fitr and Pohela Boishakh.
Since the inauguration of the Padma Bridge in mid-2022, the presence of tourists has significantly increased in Kuakata.
Therefore, during the long holidays connecting Eid-ul-Fitr and the Bengali New Year, businessmen believe that the tourism sector will gain momentum.
From Zero Point of Kuakata Beach, an enchanting 18 km of beach stretches to the east and west. It is one of the few beaches where visitors can observe both the sunrise and the sunset.
Rabiul Islam, member secretary of the Kuakata Beach Management Committee and the Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer, said: “We have held a preparatory meeting bearing in mind that the number of tourists will increase in Kuakata during the Eid and Pohela Boishakh holidays.”
A mobile court team will be in the field at all times to ensure safety and quality service for the tourists. Medical teams, fire rescuers, and security forces are also ready, added the UNO.
Abul Kalam Azad, Tourist Police Additional superintendent of police for the Kuakata region, said: “It is our duty to provide services and legal assistance to all tourists visiting Kuakata. Many tourists will come to Kuakata during the Eid and Bengali New Year holidays, so we have beefed up security.”
CCTV cameras have been installed at different points along the beach. Tourist police personnel will be on patrol to provide 100% security to the tourists, the tourist police official added.
Motaleb Sharif, general secretary of the Kuakata Hotel Motel Owners Association, mentioned that more than 70% of hotel and motel rooms around the holy Eid-ul-Fitr and Pohela Boishakh holidays have been booked, and round-the-clock security and services for tourists have been arranged.
Restaurants, the Rakhine women's market, the oyster market, Burmese pickle shops, and crab fry shops have put up new decorations.
Cameramen are also prepared to take pictures of tourists. Motorcycle drivers and auto-rickshaw drivers are ready to have visitors tour Kuakata’s attractions.
Tourist boats, speed boats, and water bikes have been prepared for travel to various islands and forest areas by sea from Kuakata.
The Tourism Park, National Park (Ecopark), Srimangal Buddhist Vihara, and Seema Buddhist Vihara are also now ready for tourists.
Additionally, boats have been prepared for travel to Fatra forest, Sonakata Fakirhat (Ecopark), Red crab pasture, Lembu forest, and Shutki village on the sea route to the west of Kuakata.
"We hope to see life return to the beach as before," hoped Motaleb Sharif.
Al-Amin Khan, assistant manager of the Elite Residential Hotel Sikdar Resort & Villa and Ocean View Hotel & Convention, said: "50% of our advance bookings have been completed, so far. We hope to have one hundred percent room bookings during the Eid holidays. Besides, we have prepared special discounts for tourists."
Pickle seller Jahir Raihan said: "I will be selling different types of hot and sour spicy pickles and chocolates to tourists in Kuakata during the Eid and Bengali New Year holidays."
Kuakata Municipality Mayor Anwar Howladar said: "Preparations have been made to serve the tourists coming for the Eid and Pohela Boishakh holidays considering everything, including their safety and security."
