Police in Cox’s Bazar have imposed a series of restrictions on New Year’s Eve celebrations, banning public gatherings and events at the beach and other open spaces amid security concerns and a nationwide mood of mourning following the death of former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
Every year, tens of thousands of tourists flock to Cox’s Bazar sea beach to bid farewell to the outgoing year and welcome the new one, and this year has been no exception, with visitors arriving from different parts of the country. However, tourism stakeholders say the death of Khaleda Zia on Tuesday morning has led many people to cancel their travel plans.
In a notification issued late Tuesday night, the district police announced seven restrictions to be enforced from 6:00pm on December 31 to 6:00pm on January 1 to maintain law and order.
The restrictions include a ban on all types of programmes and public gatherings at the sea beach and other open areas. The police have also urged people to refrain from spreading rumours, propaganda or provocative content on social media, and from engaging in activities that could disrupt communal harmony or incite violence.
In addition, the use and sale of fireworks and firecrackers will remain prohibited, while loud honking and reckless driving of vehicles and motorcycles will not be allowed.
District police spokesperson and Additional Superintendent of Police (DSB) Alok Bishwas said concerts, dance or music programmes would not be permitted on roads or in open spaces during the period. He added that bars and liquor shops would remain closed from 6:00pm on December 31 to 6:00pm on January 1.
Police will also set up checkpoints at city entry points and at 10 key locations to strengthen surveillance, he said.
Traditionally, Cox’s Bazar witnesses a surge in visitors on the last day of the year and the first day of the new year, with locals also gathering at the beach. However, open-air celebrations have been restricted for the past eight to nine years due to security concerns. While several star-rated hotels and resorts usually host indoor events, hotel owners said such programmes would remain suspended this year in light of Khaleda Zia’s death.
Hotel and resort owners said many guests have cancelled bookings, and a significant number of prospective visitors have decided not to travel. Cox’s Bazar has more than 500 hotels, motels, resorts, guesthouses and cottages, with accommodation capacity for around 170,000 tourists per night.
Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Hotel, Motel, Resort and Guesthouse Owners’ Association, said around 90 percent of rooms had been booked ahead of the year-end holiday.
Tourist Police Cox’s Bazar Region chief and Additional DIG Apel Mahmud said law enforcement agencies were on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents and had strengthened a four-layer security system to ensure the overall safety of tourists.
