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Published : 27 Dec 2025, 08:25 PM
Cox’s Bazar, the country’s leading tourist destination, has drawn tourists in droves during the combined Christmas and weekend holidays, with hotel rooms fully booked and the shoreline crowded even on foggy mornings.
From Sugandha Point to Kolatali, the beach has been lined with tourists since Saturday, a human tide that reflects the nation’s appetite for a winter break.
Despite the muted sunshine, the festive spirit is palpable, as families, friends, and travellers soak in the sea air and sands. Yet, beneath the merriment, a rising chorus of complaints reveals that the soaring costs of accommodation, food, and transport are dampening the holiday experience.
Mahbub Hasan, a visitor from Dhaka, said: “I had to pay much more than the price quoted for booking a hotel online. The food prices are also unusual. I did not expect such an experience when I came for a vacation.”
Nasrin Akhter, visiting from Chattogram, echoed the concern: “Many people here are taking advantage of tourists. Starting from autorickshaws to food, there are extra charges everywhere. The administration’s surveillance needs to be strengthened.”
In response, the tourist police have stepped up measures to safeguard visitors and curb exploitation.
Apple Mahmud, additional deputy inspector general (ADIG) of the tourist police in Cox’s Bazar, said: “Patrols have been strengthened at important points, including beaches, to ensure the safety of tourists. Immediate action is being taken if complaints of excessive fare collection and harassment are received.”
Tourism professionals emphasise that proper regulation, rent control, and vigilant oversight could ensure a positive impact for Cox’s Bazar this season, reinforcing its economic significance while preserving its reputation as a welcoming holiday destination.
