Once the jewel in Bangladesh's tourism crown, famed for its seemingly endless stretch of golden sands fringed by swaying coconut palms, Cox's Bazar is increasingly resembling a chaotic urban jungle. The idyllic image cherished by tourists - of pristine beaches, abundant sunshine, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere - stands in stark contrast to the daily struggles faced by local residents. For them, the seaside city is becoming an unlivable space, burdened by the absence of fundamental civic amenities, crippling traffic congestion, and a host of burgeoning social and environmental challenges.
The sheer volume of visitors, reaching approximately ten million annually, alongside a permanent population exceeding two hundred thousand and the presence of nearly a thousand aid workers supporting the Rohingya refugee camps, has placed an unsustainable strain on the city's fragile infrastructure. The burgeoning tourism sector, while a significant economic driver, has fueled an unprecedented and largely unregulated urban expansion. The once sleepy beach town has morphed into a busy, cramped area woefully lacking in the minimum civic provisions expected of a modern urban center.
One of the most palpable manifestations of this chaotic growth is the crippling traffic congestion that now plagues Cox's Bazar town and its surrounding areas, particularly the vital artery connecting Cox's Bazar to Teknaf. This road, scenic in its coastal vistas, has become a bottleneck choked with a diverse and often unruly mix of vehicles: private cars jostling with overcrowded public buses, slow-moving rickshaws vying for space with speeding motorcycles, and heavy trucks servicing the burgeoning construction industry.
The social context of Cox's Bazar is also becoming increasingly complex. The influx of tourists has, unfortunately, facilitated the spread of the drug problem. Easily accessible narcotics are pushing the youth towards destruction, and alongside this, illegal arms and terrorist activities are on the rise. Under the cover of darkness, incidents of abduction and murder, snatching, and robbery are increasing, instilling fear in the hearts of tourists and making the lives of locals unsafe. These criminal activities are tarnishing the peaceful and secure environment of the city.
Unplanned urbanization and rapid economic change are causing a significant social transformation in Cox's Bazar. Local culture and traditions are often weakened by the onslaught of modernity. The commercialization of tourism is engulfing everything, jeopardizing the unique identity of the city. The economic benefits of this transformation are not reaching all segments of the local population equally, leading to social inequality and discontent. Simultaneously, incidents of women's repression are also alarmingly increasing, posing a significant threat to the safety and social stability of the city.
The protracted Rohingya refugee crisis in the surrounding areas has also indirectly contributed to the challenges faced by Cox's Bazar town. The presence of a large refugee population and the associated aid operations have put additional pressure on the already strained resources and infrastructure of the region, including road networks and waste management systems. While the humanitarian aspect is paramount, the long-term presence of the refugee camps has undoubtedly added to the complexities of managing the urban environment in Cox's Bazar.
The stark contrast between the holiday experience sought by tourists and the daily reality faced by locals underscores a critical failure in urban planning and sustainable development. The authorities' admission of the city's unplanned expansion highlights the reactive rather than proactive approach taken towards managing growth. The impediments cited - private properties and mushrooming tourist accommodations hindering infrastructure development - are a direct consequence of this lack of foresight and regulation. The flouting of High Court bans on construction near the seashore further exemplifies a disregard for environmental regulations and long-term sustainability.
The voices of frustrated residents and concerned stakeholders echo a growing fear that Cox's Bazar is on a trajectory towards becoming an unlivable urban jungle if these issues are not addressed with urgency and a comprehensive, long-term strategy. The potential of this natural paradise to be a world-class tourist destination is being undermined by the very forces driving its economic growth.
To avert this looming crisis, a paradigm shift in urban planning and governance is urgently required. The Cox's Bazar Development Authority, along with other relevant policymakers, must prioritize the implementation of a well-defined master plan that addresses the critical issues of waste management, sewerage infrastructure, transportation networks, and social order. Stricter enforcement of building codes and environmental regulations is paramount, even if it necessitates difficult decisions regarding existing unplanned structures.
A comprehensive and integrated waste management system, capable of handling the current and projected waste generation, is non-negotiable. This includes investing in modern treatment facilities, implementing efficient collection mechanisms, and promoting public awareness about responsible waste disposal. Similarly, the development of a comprehensive sewerage network is crucial to prevent the continued pollution of water bodies and safeguard public health.
The social and economic transformations underway need to be managed inclusively, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all segments of the local population. Addressing issues related to women's safety and empowerment must be an integral part of the broader urban development agenda.
The approval of a master plan development project is a welcome step, and the involvement of the army in its implementation offers hope for effective execution. However, the formulation and implementation of this plan must be expedited and must prioritize sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with environmental preservation, social stability, and the well-being of local residents.
Cox's Bazar stands at a critical juncture. It has the potential to be a thriving, sustainable tourist city that benefits both its visitors and its residents. However, this vision will remain elusive unless immediate and decisive action is taken to address the growing chaos of unplanned growth.
The time for piecemeal solutions is over. A holistic, long-term commitment from policymakers, the Cox's Bazar Development Authority, and the community as a whole is essential to reclaim the paradise that is rapidly being lost. Only through concerted effort and a genuine commitment to sustainable development can Cox's Bazar be transformed from a chaotic urban sprawl back into the jewel of the Bay of Bengal.
