Cox’s Bazar is globally known for having the world’s largest sea beach along with towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, diversified economic, social and cultural activities, and all this together makes the district a main attraction for local and foreign tourists. But the authorities appear indifferent to building necessary facilities in Cox’s Bazar to boost tourism and economy.
There is an ample scope for expansion of beach tourism, cultural tourism and city-based economic tourism in Cox’s Bazar. It is high time to utilise the opportunities available for development of the tourist district through planned development and expansion of related services and facilities.
According to experts, a master plan is necessary for development of Cox’s Bazar and its surrounding areas as a World Class Tourist Centre with adequate infrastructural facilities.
Experts at a discussion on Sunday stressed the need for a unified and sustainable development strategy for Cox’s Bazar, describing the coastal district as an emerging hub for international trade, tourism, and blue economy.
The discussion, titled “The Tides of Cox’s Bazar’s Development Journey: Challenges, Opportunities, and Global Context,” was organised by the Cox’s Bazar Community Alliance (CCAD). Politicians, academics, engineers and development specialists took part in the event to outline a future vision for the region.
They identified five key pillars for Cox’s Bazar’s growth — tourism, security, environment, education, and infrastructure, saying that development planning, environmental protection, and international cooperation must progress together.
A CCAD survey of 134 participants found that 86 per cent identify tourism as the key economic driver, 84 per cent identify the Rohingya crisis as the top security concern, and 92 per cent demand Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway be upgraded to six lanes.
Engineer Shahiduzzaman, BNP Executive Committee Member and former MP, stressed the need for political unity and visionary leadership, particularly in tourism security, fisheries and infrastructure.
Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, warned that waste management and climate resilience must be prioritised, while Professor Fakhrul Islam of BUET envisioned Cox’s Bazar as a “technology-friendly city” modelled on Taiwan.
Dr. Ashfaq Hossain of Dhaka University highlighted the geopolitical dimensions of the Rohingya crisis, and former secretary Mafruha Sultana underscored the need for corruption-free governance.
Young voices like Fatema Tasnim Zuma, DUCSU Secretary for Liberation War and Democratic Movements, emphasised women’s and youth participation, while MM Suja Uddin of NCP called for a ‘development revolution’ led by the youth.
CCAD Chief Coordinator Muhibbul Muktadir Tanim said Cox’s Bazar represents “the strategic horizon of Bangladesh’s future development,” adding that responsible, people-oriented policies could transform it into one of South Asia’s most dynamic international economic zones.
We hope the government will give priority to the development of Cox’s Bazar to boost tourism and the country’s economy.
