Cox's Bazaar
Shamim Ahmed, On e-mail
An unusual calm prevails after sunset. Few visitors are seen loitering at the beachside market. Rest retire for gossip in the hotel rooms or slowly creep into the restaurants. This is Cox's Bazaar- the world's longest beach and the country's top tourist destination. With so many tourist spots and panoramic landscapes, Cox's Bazaar has the potential to be the largest source of revenue earning for the country. Surprisingly, there is not even a welcome billboard at the town entrance. It is true that of late there has been mushrooming of a number of standard hotels and restaurants-- thanks to the private entrepreneurs, who despite all odds have been brave enough to venture into the business. However, the story ends here. There are no amusement facilities either inside or outside the hotel premises. No facilities for outdoor games (golf, tennis, handball etc.) exist. Garbage lays scattered everywhere, even in the hotel zone. Street lights are meagre adding to sense of insecurity. Jhaubon (pine trees forest) have been developed along the beachside. Possibly the only beach in the world with pine trees and without coconut trees. Why the authorities concerned opted for pine trees is not understood. Planting coconut trees could reap economic benefits. Moreover, coconut trees are known to withstand cyclonic storm and could be an effective barrier against natural disasters. There is lack of ornamental garden with sitting arrangements along the beach. No tour operator services have developed in and around Cox's Bazaar for the tourists. Not even to the Rakkhine Palli, Buddhist temples within the city or to nearby Himchari or Ramu. There are no arrangements for any package tours to nearby potential tourist spots like Teknaf, Kutubdia, Inanai or St. Martin's. The journey to Kutubdia /Moheshkhali in small uncovered speed boats or by age old boats is simply hazardous and time consuming. (The privately owned sea vessel to St. Martin's operates only during the peak-season).The roads to Teknaf Beach and to the picturesque Inanai Beach are broken, full of pot holes and simply horrendous. Even if one reaches these places on personal initiative, there is hardly any recreational activity, except for taking bath or a stroll along the beach. Due to lack of privacy, the girls/ladies cannot think of a bath. To top it all is the nuisance of the uninviting flashing cameras of the photographers. Travelling should be fun and enjoyable. There are no good restaurants and no souvenir shops. The women and the children suffer the most for lack of good rest/comfort rooms. No promotional materials are available in the Parjatan motels/private hotels to guide the visitors.Cox's Bazaar Cultural Centre remains unutilised throughout the year. Lively cultural nights could be arranged for entertainment (initially at least twice a week ).The construction of the Marine Drive (under the Army Engineering) continues at a snail's pace .The portion of the Marine Drive that caved in near Kolatoli several years ago is yet to be repaired. One has to rely on privately owned 'Chander Gari' (old dilapidated jeeps) at an exorbitant price for a ride to Himchari. The beach side makeshift thatched shops need to be demolished immediately--allegedly dens of criminals. Boundary walls of govt/military offices at several places should be replaced immediately with iron fences to allow unobstructed view of the coastline. Over and above, the existing conditions are frustrating, utterly disappointing and not at all tourism friendly. Immediate attention is sought from the authorities concerned in this regard.
|
|
