Tourists flock to Cox's Bazar to enjoy Eid vacation

Cox's Bazar, the world's longest natural beach was witnessing a massive surge in tourists as the extended Eid-ul-Fitr holidays brought in thousands of visitors.

Meanwhile, tourist spots in Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna,Chattogram were overflowed with huge crowds as holidaymakers spent their times with dear and near ones on the second day of Eid-ul-Fitr, report agencies.

In Cox's Bazar, the sandy shores of Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli Point were teeming with holidaymakers, creating a vibrant carnival-like ambiance.

Tourists were indulging in various beach activities-some riding the waves on jet skis, others floating on inflatable tubes, while families and friends relax under colorful umbrellas, savoring the tranquil ocean breeze.

Abul Kashem Sikder, President of the Cox's Bazar Hotel, Motel, and Guesthouse Owners' Association, said around 90 per cent of accommodations in more than 500 hotels, motels, and resorts were booked in advance.

"Our establishments can host up to 187,000 guests per day, and the demand is exceptionally high this Eid season," Sikder said.

Robin, a tourist from Dhaka, said that Cox's Bazar was the top destination for Eid holidaymakers as it offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation by the sea.

To ensure a safe beach experience, the Sea Safe Lifeguard organisation has deployed 27 trained lifeguards at Sugandha, Kolatoli, and Laboni Points-the busiest sections of the beach.

Imtiaz Ahmed, Field Team Manager of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said, "Our teams are on high alert, and we are running awareness campaigns to prevent accidents during sea bathing."

In Rajshahi, amusement spots especially on the banks of the river Padma are bustling with the presence of people of all ages as Rajshahi people are still celebrating Eid ignoring heat.

Although the city wore a deserted look with no traffic jams in the streets Tuesday due to Eid holidays, city dwellers were seen visiting their relatives and friends for exchanging pleasantries and greetings.

People attired in new dresses and shoes were busy with frequent roaming for their choice of destinations, including relatives and friends' places as a sense of security and safety returned following strict security measures taken by law enforcement agencies.

Thousands of people, especially children, poured in and around the city's parks, historic places and other recreation centres to enjoy and celebrate the festival.

Central Park and Zoo, Zia Shishu Park, Varendra Research Museum, BGB Amusement Point, Vadra Park, Padma Garden and Borokuthi amusement point drew huge crowds.

In Rangpur, various recreational spots, including zoos, parks, children's parks, and bridges over rivers, were now packed with people of all ages, from young children to adults. Long queues of visitors can be seen on Tuesday at the Rangpur Zoo, Shishu Park, Surovi Entertainment Park, Tajhat Zamindar Bari and Museum, City Chikley Entertainment Park, Proyas Sena Park, Chikley Water Park, and Rupkotha Theme Park.

The tourist attractions, such as Town Hall Square, the DC intersection, the Teesta Railway Bridge in Kawnia, the Gangachara-Mohipur Teesta Road Bridge, Rangpur Zilla School Ground, the flyover adjacent to the Cantonment Public School and College, the RAMC square, and the Paira square, had now taken on the form of human seas.

In Khulna, the entertainment centers of Khulna -- Gilatola Zoo and Jahanabad Cantonment Park, Rana Resort and Amusement Park, Wonderland Shishu Park, Ullas Amusement Park at Mujgunni, Jatisangha Shishu Park, Gallamari Linear Park, Shaheed Hadis Park, Khanjahan Ali Bridge, Khulna University campus and at the banks of Bhairab and Rupsha River in Batiaghata Eco Park -- were crowded with people from all ages.

Children, young boys and girls were wearing colourful dresses gathered at the places of recreation in the city where small makeshift shops were set up to sell different foods and toys.

Children enjoy rides at Wonderland Shishu Park in Khulna district —BSS

Besides, vehicular movement and pedestrians on the usually busy streets of the city were very thin Tuesday.

During a visit on Tuesday afternoon, the correspondent of the national news agency saw Khulna city's amusement spots including Parks were overwhelmed with hundreds of visitors, especially children.

A huge number of people, especially children, were seen enjoying different rides in the Parks on Eid holidays.

In Chattogram, though the busy port city, the country's second biggest metropolis wore a deserted look with no traffic jams in the streets on Tuesday due to Eid holidays, city dwellers were seen visiting their relatives and friends for exchanging pleasantries and greetings by taking advantage of the idle days of marathon Eid holidays.

People particularly children, juveniles and young men and women attired in new dresses and shoes were busy with frequent roaming for their choice of destinations including relatives and friends as a sense of security and safety returned following strict security measures taken by law enforcement agencies.