Cox’s Bazar teemed with visitors over the extended Eid break. From the morning of Eid day onwards, visitors flocked to every stretch of the beach. Activity surged in hotels, resorts, restaurants and transport. Small entrepreneurs and labourers alike found extra work. This higher trade volume brought relief to coastal businesses. The entire tourism ecosystem including transport, accommodation, dining, apparel and local produce came alive. The holiday rush revived the seaside economy with traders expecting business to reach BDT 1 billion this Eid.

Tourists from across the country strolled the main beach points — Kolatoli, Sugandha and Laboni. A lingering rainbow, retreating clouds giving way to a striking sunset and the cool sea breeze amplified the Eid spirit for them. Families and friends bathed in the sea, rode jet skis and explored the shore on bikes or horses. The interplay of dunes, blue water and wind made each moment more vivid.

Imran Khan, a visitor from Ashulia on the outskirts of Dhaka, said he had brought his family to Cox’s Bazar for the first time. “That has doubled the Eid joy,” he said. He hoped to stay another three days and explore more.

Abdullah, who travelled from Cumilla, described celebrating Eid with his family by the sea as “like a dream”. The combination of ocean, hills and green forest, he said, was truly extraordinary.

Mamun and Rumi, a couple from Chattogram, said they had come after their wedding. “We heard there used to be shacks on the beach. But now it’s clean and very beautiful,” they said.

Those in the tourism sector said the seaside had lain quiet throughout Ramadan. The moment the Eid holiday began, Cox’s Bazar regained its bustle. With nature at its peak and the festive mood, crowds now pack the beach. Visitor numbers have grown by the day.

The surge in tourist traffic boosted sales in hotels, restaurants, handicraft shops, handloom fabrics and other traditional businesses. Transport operators, too, saw a sharp revival.

Hotel Cox Today’s general manager, Abu Taleb, said rooms were almost fully booked through March 30. “Ramadan saw no visitors,” he said. “Now the town is packed.”

Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel-Motel-Guest House Owners’ Association, said tourists began arriving the day after Eid. About 100,000 came that day, he added, and the influx could last for ten days. He predicted the tourism sector would generate around BDT 1 billion during the period.

Authorities put in place a three‑tier security system to ensure safe travel over the holiday. The tourist police are backed by plainclothes surveillance teams and intelligence units. Parvez Ahmed, an inspector with the Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Region, said the three layers worked in rotating 24‑hour shifts.

Mahbubur Rahman, a supervisor for beach workers, said staff had identified hazardous spots along the shore and were warning visitors. “Our aim is for tourists to enjoy the sea and recreation safely,” he said. Many workers had their leave cancelled from Eid day, he added.

“We mark risky zones with red flags and ensure safe bathing,” Zainal Abedin of the Cox’s Bazar lifeguard unit, said. “We’re here to serve the tourists.”

Sajedur Rahman, superintendent of police in Cox’s Bazar, said district police were working alongside the tourist police in a coordinated effort.

The district administration had prepared extensively for the large holiday influx, according to District Administrator Md A Mannan. He added that no further shops would be allowed on the beach front. “We want the world‑class beauty to return to the tourist area,” he said.