By Ibrahim Khalil Mamun COX’S BAZAR, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- The holiday mood of Independence Day combined with the extended Eid-ul-Fitr vacation has turned tourist town Cox’s Bazar into a hub of festivity. Waves of visitors are flocking to the wide sandy beach and blue waters of the city’s iconic seashores. Families and groups of tourists are enjoying the sea, swimming in the waves, strolling along the sand, and taking photographs, creating a vibrant and celebratory environment.  The long holiday, which includes the weekly weekend and Independence Day, has drawn people of all ages to the coastline. Visiting the Sugandha Point this afternoon, families were seen bathing in the sea, walking along the beach, and capturing memories with loved ones. Visitors expressed delight at spending quality time together during the extended break. Fazle Rabbi of Mohammadpur in Dhaka said, “We have visited several places in Cox’s Bazar, including Inani Beach and other nearby attractions. We came with our family and enjoying a great time.” Another tourist, Rabeya Khatun, said, “It feels wonderful to be here. The presence of people makes the atmosphere lively. Spending time with everyone is truly enjoyable.” Another visitor named Ahsanul Haq echoed the same, voicing that he came with family and children.  Meanwhile, lifeguards and the tourist police were deployed along the coastline to ensure visitor safety and smooth travel, implementing a three-tier security system. Md. Imtiaz Ahmed, manager of Sea Safe Lifeguard, said, “On Independence Day following Eid vacation, millions of tourists have flocked in Cox’s Bazar beach. We have set up a three-level security system, including observation towers, beach patrols, and boats in the water to ensure the safety of tourists.” Inspector Zahidul Islam of Cox’s Bazar Tourist Police Zone confirmed that the beach is fully safe for visitors.  “Multiple police boxes, mobile teams, and station-based units are on constant duty, with the tourist police remaining vigilant to maintain maximum security,” he said. Tourism-related businesses reported bustling activity in more than 500 hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, and market areas across Cox’s Bazar. Abul Kashem Sikder, president of the Cox’s Bazar Residential Hotel-Motel-Guest House Owners Association, said, at least seven lakh tourists have visited Cox’s Bazar over the past five days, from the day after Eid till today, with an additional 2 lakh visitors expected by Saturday.  

SHERPUR, Mar 27, 2026 (BSS) - A mobile court has fined a businessman for illegally storing more than 18,000 litres of diesel in a tank built on the ground floor of a five-storey residential building in Sherpur town and ordered its removal within 24 hours.   The mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan, conducted the raid on early Mar 27 in the Goalpotti area of Sherpur town and fined Tapas Nandi, owner of M/s Shimla Traders.   It was learned that Tapas Nandi and Shafiqul Islam Helal had long been running a business by illegally storing diesel in a 25,000 litres capacity tank built on the ground floor of a five-storey residential building.   During the raid, 18,058 litres of diesel were found in stock. The court imposed a Taka 10,000 fine on the businessman and ordered the removal of the fuel and the tank within 24 hours.   Speaking to BSS, Executive Magistrate Mahmudul Hasan said the fine was imposed in accordance with existing laws. “We have also seized all relevant documents, which will be sent to the concerned authorities for necessary action,” he added.