Kuakata Beach crowded with tourists amid Durga Puja holidays

Kuakata Beach in Patuakhali is experiencing a surge in tourist activity due to the four-day Durga Puja holidays that started last Thursday (10 October).

The tourist influx has led to over 90% occupancy in hotels and motels across the beach town, which is also locally known as "Sagor Konnya" (Daughter of Sea) — offering a full view of both sunrise and sunset from its same wide sandy beach.

Since Friday afternoon (11 October), the entire beach has been bustling with visitors. Local traders are optimistic that the surge of tourists will remain throughout the four-day holiday.

Popular tourist spots such as Shutki Palli, Red Crab Island, Fatra Forest, Gangamati Jungle, and several Buddhist temples, including Seema and Misripara, have also been seeing large crowds.

Alipur Port, the Rakhine village, market and museum, and other cultural sites have become hotspots as well for visitors eager to explore the local heritage.

Mahfuzur Rahman, a tourist from Jashore, said, "I came with my family members. All of them are enjoying their time here. However, the transport system to the places of interest is very poor. The communication system should be improved."

He said that due to the increase in tourists, the prices of food in the restaurants were higher. "Hotels have also increased the rent. Moreover, the presence of police for security on the beach is not noticeable," he added.

Luna, a tourist from Dhaka, said, "The natural beauty of Kuakata impressed me. Everything here is very beautiful. I have heard many stories about Kuakata. I have been thinking of coming here for a long time."

Dipankar, a tourist from Barishal, said, "I have visited Kuakata before. Kuakata is a very beautiful place. That's why I come back again and again. This time, I've brought my wife with me."

Ansar Uddin, Superintendent of Police of Kuakata Tourist Police, said the number of tourists was high due to the holidays and that has created a little pressure on the force.

"Therefore, tourist police personnel have been deployed at various spots for the safety of tourists. Our patrol teams are active in the field. We have teams at every tourist spot in Kuakata. We are always ready to provide maximum security to the tourists," he added.