600 shops removed in Cox's Bazar beach cleanup drive 

 
Cox's Bazar, Mar 15: Hundreds of beachside shops were voluntarily removed from Cox's Bazar Sea Beach on Sunday as the administration took measures to restore order and maintain the area's scenic appeal.

The operation began early morning at Sugandha Point, one of the busiest sections of the beach. Executive magistrates, with support from the army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, and Ansar, supervised the process. Bulldozers were on site, and loudspeakers were used to make public announcements. Instead of facing resistance, shop owners began dismantling their establishments voluntarily. The clearance continued until around 3:00 pm.

Officials said more than 600 structures were removed from Sugandha Point and nearby areas. Executive Magistrate (Tourism Cell) Monju Bin Afnan said shop owners had received prior notice with a 10:00 am deadline, and additional time was granted to those handling large quantities of goods.

Similar operations will continue in other parts of the beach in phases to ensure sustained order and safety.

The move follows a directive from Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during a Cox's Bazar District Law and Order Committee meeting on March 9, emphasizing the need to restore order and preserve the beach's beauty.

Shop owners who vacated voluntarily expressed hope for government support. Nazir Ahmad, a long-time trader of Burmese products at Sugandha Point, said he had supported his 11-member family from the spot for 16 years and now awaits alternative arrangements. Shellfish seller Shahidul Islam estimated a loss of Tk 5-6 lakh, having stocked goods for Eid sales, while Nurul Bashar also faced uncertainty with pre-stocked Ramadan items.

The administration reiterated that phased beach clearance will continue to maintain Cox's Bazar as a safe and organised tourist destination.