Nazam Uddin Abir: Cox’s Bazar, home to the world’s longest natural sea beach - is one of Bangladesh’s most important tourist destinations. Every year, millions of domestic and international tourists visit this coastal city. Ensuring that tourists can travel in a safe, comfortable, and harassment-free environment amid such a huge influx is a key objective of the Bangladesh Tourist Police. In the Cox’s Bazar region, the force is led by Additional DIG Md. Apple Mahmud.
Since assuming responsibility as an Additional DIG Apple Mahmud has prioritized tourist safety, prevention of harassment and the restoration of discipline in the tourism sector. According to Tourist Police officials his leadership has brought significant improvements and a structured transformation in tourism security management in Cox’s Bazar.
For a long time, tourists visiting Cox’s Bazar have raised several common concerns, including overcharging, fraud, the activities of middlemen, fake tour guides, hotel booking complications, theft, and delays in receiving assistance during emergencies. These problems tend to intensify during peak tourist seasons and public holidays.
Taking these realities into account, the Tourist Police reorganized their operational activities under the guidance of Additional DIG Md. Apple Mahmud. Patrols were strengthened in key tourist areas, including sea beaches, hotel and motel zones, Kolatoli, Laboni Point, Inani, Himchhari, bus terminals, and airport areas. In addition, the number of mobile teams was increased, and plainclothes surveillance was expanded.
Tourist Police officials stated that under his leadership, emergency hotlines and instant response teams remain active to resolve tourist complaints swiftly. In many cases, tourists are now receiving immediate assistance through phone calls and social media communication.
Recently, several tourists from Dhaka and other districts reported that Tourist Police intervention led to quick and effective resolutions when they faced harassment. Many tourists have also praised the proactive role of the Tourist Police on social media platforms.
Additional DIG Md. Apple Mahmud regularly monitoring field-level operations himself. Through frequent patrol inspections in beach areas, discussions with duty officers, and direct conversations with tourists and local business owners, he strives to understand real-time ground-level challenges.
Several members of the Tourist Police noted that such hands-on supervision by a senior official has significantly increased responsibility and professionalism within the force. At the same time, it has helped build confidence and trust among tourists.
There is growing discussion that ongoing efforts to bring discipline to the tourism sector have affected the interests of certain illegal groups. Operations against overcharging, fake guides, fraudulent tour packages, and broker syndicates have resulted in warnings for some individuals and legal action against others.
Authorities emphasize that maintaining discipline is essential for developing tourism in a sustainable and internationally acceptable manner. Without ensuring tourist safety and proper management, the country’s tourism image risks being negatively affected.
A section of local residents and business owners believe that improved tourist safety will enhance the overall reputation of Cox’s Bazar. This, in turn, is expected to increase visitor numbers and strengthen the tourism-dependent local economy in the long run.
A hotel owner said, “If tourists feel safe, they will return again and again. The active role of the Tourist Police is also positive for our business.”
Tourist Police officials further stated that, under the direction of Additional DIG Apple Mahmud, plans are underway to expand technology-based surveillance systems, launch awareness programs, and improve coordination with tourists. Efforts are also being made to build an integrated security framework by ensuring the active participation of local communities and business owners.
Overall, the activities of the Tourist Police in Cox’s Bazar go beyond maintaining law and order. They reflect a broader commitment to creating a safe, disciplined, and tourist-friendly environment. How sustainable and effective these initiatives will prove to be under the leadership of Additional DIG Md. Apple Mahmud is now being closely observed by all concerned.
PT/ra
