A tourist zone in the making

Bangladesh is blessed with many beaches including the longest in the world. The sandy beach in Cox's Bazar stretching up to Teknaf is around 125 kilometres long. This rare unbroken beach is rich in natural beauty and amazing views. Besides Cox's Bazar, there are a number of beaches in the country.

The Patenga beach in Chattogram and the Jamtala beach in the Sundarbans are also attracting visitors. The coral island St. Martin's is also surrounded by beaches.

Many visitors to Bangladesh find Chattogram to be the perfect tourist destination. It is filled with dense green forests, endless hills, a moderate climate and the breathtaking beach.

Since the seventh century, Chattogram has been mentioned in many documents as a seaport of mystical beauty and magnificent charm. The bustling harbour stands in stark contrast to the tranquility and peaceful surroundings of the city. And attractions, such as the Patenga Beach, ensure a constant influx of travellers.

The beach lies approximately 20km outside the city of Chattogram, and is located near the fascinating landmarks including the Shah Amanat International Airport and the BNS Isha Khan Naval Base. It is located at the Karnaphuli River mouth and stretches to the Bay of Bengal. Vendors from the city flock to the Patenga Beach to sell their selection of icecreams, cold drinks and food to the hundreds of tourists who come here.

The beach itself is quite sandy, with a few rocky patches here and there. Most visitors come to the Patenga Beach as it is known for having some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in Bangladesh. The more adventurous travellers will also be able to enjoy a river cruise on the Karnaphuli River, or a boat trip on the bay waves. Nature enthusiasts will find the Patenga Beach to be a haven for most of the wading bird species of Bangladesh and if lucky, bird watchers will also be able to see spoon-billed sandpipers running around.

If the crowds at the Patenga Beach become too much, visitors can move to the Parky Beach, which is just a quieter extension of Patenga. Here, the beach is lined with massive shady palm trees and fishing boats. Fishermen sit around peacefully, going about their daily chores while seagulls patiently circle overhead waiting for the odd scrap of fish to be thrown their way. It is the perfect location for a quiet picnic or a day of relaxation.

The Patenga Beach is a tourist destination that lures visitors with the attractions of good weather, natural splendour and the quiet lapping of the waves at their feet. Every moment at the Patenga Beach is a photographic opportunity and an unforgettable memory in the making.

However, the illegal establishments including truck terminals, illegal shops and buildings will be evicted from the beach and an adequate area of land will be earmarked for development. A total of 7.0 miles from Patenga to the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) will be declared a tourist zone.

Bangladesh Tourism Corporation will be implementing both the projects. The Detailed Project Plan (DPP) has already been prepared. Besides, the authority will start the process of land acquisition.

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has already declared the Patenga beach a tourist zone. The CDA will acquire adequate land at the WQest Point and set up the Tourist Zone-1 by constructing the tourism and amusement establishments including steps, toilets, restaurants, rides, etc. Street lights will be installed.

Deputy Inspector General of Tourist Police Muslim Uddin said, "Tourist police will discharge their duty for security of tourists at the Patenga beach tourist zone. We have all setup in the regard."

Chief Engineer of CDA Kaji Hasan Bin Shams said, "We have no alternative to declaring Patenga a tourist zone to restore the system and management here. We will set up two tourist blocks on the two sides of the zone where rides and other amusement facilities will be set up."

[email protected]