More than 400 illegal shanty shops and establishments built on the sandbanks of Sugandha Point at Cox's Bazar beach have been evicted. Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, March 16, 2026 (BSS) - More than 400 illegal shanty shops and establishments built on the sandbanks of Sugandha Point at Cox's Bazar beach have been evicted in a drive conducted by the district administration. 

The eviction campaign, which began on Thursday, was led by Executive Magistrate of the district administration's Tourism Cell Manju Bin Afnan. The drive was carried out after shop owners failed to remove their establishments within the deadline set by the authorities.

During the operation, announcements were made through loudspeakers instructing traders to remove illegally constructed structures from several beach areas, including Laboni Point, Kolatali, Himchhari, and Inani.

The decision to remove the illegal structures followed directives issued by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed during a meeting of the Cox's Bazar District Law and Order Committee on March 9. 

The minister ordered the district administration to clear all unauthorized establishments from the beach within a week. In response, the administration began the eviction operations. 

Environmental organizations have long raised concerns over the growing number of illegal shops at Sugandha Point, one of the most popular tourist spots along the 120 kilometer-long Cox's Bazar beach. According to them, over the past 15-16 years, numerous makeshift shops and structures had gradually turned parts of the beach into a congested seaside slum, making it difficult for visitors to walk along the shoreline.
The district administration said the eviction drive aims to restore the natural environment and ensure easier access for tourists visiting Cox's Bazar beach.