Tourists flock to Cox's Bazar beach for 31st night

COX'S BAZAR, Dec 31: Millions of tourists thronged Cox's Bazar sea beach to celebrate 31st night, but no
cultural programmes were allowed in open spaces at the beach on security grounds.
It was forbidden to set off crackers or fireworks at the beach. But various
arrangements were made in hotels with the permission from the administration to celebrate 31st night.
Hotel authorities said that hotel bookings were satisfactory and all-out security was ensured for tourists.
Strict security measures have been taken to complete all types of programmes on the occasion of 31st night, tourist police say.
The tourist season is accompanied by the winter mood. Millions of tourists flocked to Cox's Bazar sea beach every day in December.
The gathering of tourists increased here at the yearend, focusing on the 31st night celebrations.
On the afternoon of December 31, millions of tourists were seen bathing in the salty sea at Laboni, Sugandha and Kalatali points at the sea beach.
Many were sitting on the sand dunes or on deck chairs and chatting with their loved ones. Some were seen riding horses and bikes and enjoying the vast sea.
At Laboni point, this correspondent talked to tourist couple Mashiur Rahman and Sharmin Akhter about their feelings at the sea beach.
They said they had come to Cox's Bazar with their family on vacation in December.
"We've come here mainly to celebrate 31st night. But there are no programmes on the occasion. This has made me sad a little. We enjoy the beauty of the beach," Mashiur said.
Another tourist, Rafiq Uddin, said, "I came here from Rajshahi on the occasion of the 31st night. The
environment is very nice. It would be more enjoyable if some programmes could be held here."
Hotel owners say that hotel bookings were good. Various arrangements were made with the permission from the administration.
Cox's Bazar Hotel-Motel Owners Association President Abul Kashem Sikder said that all hotels, motels and
guesthouses were booked 100 per cent on the occasion of the 31st night.
"Many tourists have asked us for rooms, but we could not provide them. This time, more tourists have come than that in previous years."
"All rooms in over 500 hotels, motels, resorts and guesthouses here have been booked until next Sunday," he added.Hotel Kallol Managing Director Imran Hasan said that the hotel authorities organised evening cultural programmes on the hotel premises to entertain tourists.
Hotel authorities have demanded that special security measures be strengthened in the sand dunes of the beach, roads, and hotel-motel zones. Most hotels have beefed up security.
Tourist Police Cox's Bazar Region Assistant Superintendent of Police Abul Kalam said concerts or cultural programmes were not allowed in open spaces. Bursting fireworks or crackers at the beach was also prohibited.
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salah Uddin said no programme was allowed to celebrate 31st night in the open spaces of the beach this time too, considering tourists' security.
Law enforcers created a special security zone at several levels on December 30 and 31. None will be allowed to enter the beach without search.

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