Cox’s Bazar Beautification Project

One of the most popular attractions in Bangladesh is Cox’s Bazar. Once a sleepy little fishing town, its industry has been boosted over the years with the influx of thousands of tourists. Everyone who travels to Bangladesh always ensures that they visit Cox’s Bazar, as it is the longest natural stretch of beach in the world, at a length of 120 kilometers. Although this breathtaking beach is considered to be part of the attractions in Bangladesh, beautification projects and developments have been introduced to grow Cox’s Bazar into a prime holiday destination.

Cox’s Bazar lies approximately a hundred and fifty kilometers outside Chittagong and its name was derived from an army officer by the name of Cox, who passed away in 1798. With breathtaking cliffs, mouthwatering seafood restaurants, shark free waters and ancient temples and pagodas as additional attractions to Cox’s Baaar, this magical holiday destination sees approximately eighty to a hundred and twenty thousand visitors in the peak season times, and in the off-peak seasons an estimated fifteen to twenty five thousand tourists.

In order to keep Cox’s Bazar as attractive as possible and to improve facilities to increase the tourism industry, beautification projects and conservation programs have been initiated. To create an environmentally friendly town, the first goal was to add landscaped gardens and parks to the town, as part of its facelift. Scattered park benches that allow visitors to rest amongst the tranquility of the gardens while soaking in the splendor of Cox’s Bazar have also been installed. The beach is the greatest attraction in the town, and therefore the project plans include putting up signal boards on the beach, shark safety zone indicators, rescue teams, searchlights, a first aid centre and other facilities and features to improve safety and enjoyment on the sandy beaches.

Another wonderful initiative, which not only improves Cox’s Bazar but increases conservation and humanitarian efforts, is the International Coastal Cleanup Day and the daily beach cleaning teams. Once a year, large groups of volunteers gather on the beach to collect the bottles, cigarette butts and other refuse left behind by visitors. The daily cleaning of the beaches is done by group of homeless children who work in two shifts. In return for their efforts, the children are paid in cash but also receive additional benefits such as evening school classes, food and accommodation. This arrangement provides the children with a safe environment and a start in life off the streets, but also assists conservation by cleaning the beaches to keep it safe and clean for the coastal animals and birds, and for the tourists.

The beautification projects and initiatives are creating a healthier and more attractive way of living for locals and the wildlife. With hotels, transportation and noteworthy sites waiting for tourists and travelers, Cox’s Bazar is livening up with visitors and a busy tourism industry.