Cox’s Bazar beach came alive at 12:01am on Wednesday as thousands celebrated the arrival of 2025 with fireworks and lanterns, despite an administrative ban.
The night sky lit up, and the sound of firecrackers echoed throughout the city, ushering in the New Year.
While the authorities prohibited open-air celebrations, star-rated hotels hosted lavish indoor events.
Law enforcement agencies maintained strict security around the hotel and motel zones as well as the beach area for 31st night celebrations.
However, by 11pm, tourists and locals began gathering on the beach in large numbers. By 11:30pm, the beach was packed with hundreds of thousands of people, defying the restrictions.
Rahela Bristhi, a tourist from Khulna, shared her excitement: “I came to experience the New Year celebrations on the beach. It feels great to welcome 2025 with fireworks.”
Minhaj and Sumi, a couple from Dhaka, also expressed their joy: “We visit Cox’s Bazar every year for New Year’s Eve. This year was no exception. Even with the ban, the celebrations here were vibrant.”
While the beach festivities captured the attention of many, star hotels hosted grand indoor programs. Renowned artists like Imran, Porshi, and Kornia performed, keeping guests entertained. Many tourists joined the celebrations in the hotels, dancing and rejoicing late into the night.
Somaiya Akhtar Rabu, guest relations officer of Sayeman Beach Resort, noted: “We organized a grand indoor event for our guests. Famous artists delivered exceptional performances during the New Year celebrations.”
To ensure a smooth celebration, security forces were deployed across Cox’s Bazar, including the beach, hotel zone, and key tourist spots.
The Tourist Police, district police, RAB, and army maintained a strong presence to prevent any untoward incidents.
Md Asaduzzaman, additional superintendent of Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Zone, said: “Tourists celebrated 31st night under flawless security arrangements. No untoward incidents were reported.”
Superintendent of Police in Cox’s Bazar Md Rahmat Ullah confirmed: “Adequate police were deployed not just at the beach but also at all major tourist spots across the district. This ensured that the celebrations proceeded without any issues.”
