Cox’s Bazar Deserted Amid 82-Hour Election Travel Ban

The world’s longest natural sandy beach has been transformed into a silent shoreline as an 82-hour travel restriction imposed by the Election Commission (EC) takes full effect. In anticipation of the 13th National Parliamentary Election and the concurrent national referendum, the coastal town of Cox’s Bazar has effectively been emptied of tourists, leaving its bustling hospitality sector in a state of unprecedented suspended animation.

Strict Mandates for National Security

The travel moratorium, designed to bolster security and maintain law and order during the polling period, strictly prohibits individuals from staying outside their permanent residential areas. According to Md. Shahidul Alam, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Cox’s Bazar, the enforcement window is precise and uncompromising.

“The restriction commenced at 07:30 AM on 10 February and is scheduled to remain in force until 04:30 PM on 13 February,” the ADM confirmed. “To ensure a seamless and secure electoral process, all hotels, motels, and guest houses have been formally instructed to cease room rentals to tourists for the duration of this period.”

A Stark Contrast on the Shoreline

Under normal circumstances, the iconic points of Laboni, Sugandha, and Kolatoli are teeming with thousands of holidaymakers. However, field observations on Tuesday revealed a landscape of striking emptiness. The usual cacophony of vendors and crowds has been replaced by the rhythmic sound of waves—a rarity for this tourism hub.

The few individuals seen wandering the sands are predominantly local residents. Shahedul Islam, a resident of Khurushkul, remarked on the eerie transformation: “Usually, there isn’t an inch of space to walk on this beach. Today, it feels like an entirely different world.” For some, like college student Jayanti Das, the quietude offered a rare opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the coast without the typical congestion, though she acknowledged the gravity of the circumstances.

Economic Impact and Logistics

Financial Strain on the Hospitality Sector

While the security measures are a prerequisite for a peaceful vote, the economic repercussions are being felt keenly by the local business community. Hotel owners report a wave of mass cancellations, with millions of BDT in potential revenue evaporating overnight. The crisis extends beyond large establishments; small-scale entrepreneurs, restaurant staff, beach-chair vendors, and transport workers are all facing a significant loss of income during what would otherwise be a peak season for Valentine’s Day and weekend travel.

As the 82-hour countdown continues, Cox’s Bazar remains a ghost town, waiting for the democratic process to conclude so it can once again welcome the nation to its shores.