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.  

CUMILLA, Mar 26, 2026 (BSS)- Five persons including four of a same family were killed and some others injured in a collision between a bus and a private car on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway in Cumilla.  The accident occurred this evening at Kalakachua area of Burichong upazila, police said.  Police said, a speedy bus of Starline Paribahan coming from Dhaka hit a private car in front of Miami Hotel in the Kalakachua area, leaving the vehicle severely damaged. The driver of the private car died on the spot. Four passengers of the car succumbed to their injuries after being taken to hospital. The injured persons were admitted to different hospitals in Cumilla where four of them succumbed to their injuries.  The deceased persons were identified as Jamal Hossain, 52, driver of the car, Abdul Momin, 50, his wife Jarna Begum, 40, son Saif, 7 and daughter Labiba 18. The family hails from Sonaimuri Upazila of Noakhali district. Abrar, 12 of same family is undergoing treatment at Moynamoti Army General Hospital where his condition remains stable, doctors said. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Momin of Moynamoti highway thana said hearing the news of the accident police and rescue teams rushed to the spot and sent the victims to the hospital.   Police is investigating the cause of the accident and other legal proceedings are underway.