About This Area
Overview
Cox's Bazar district, renowned as the tourism capital of Bangladesh, is located in the southeastern part of the country. Part of the Chattogram Division, the district spans an area of 2,491.86 square kilometers. The district headquarters is home to the world's longest natural sea beach. Geographically, the district lies along the Bay of Bengal, contributing to its diverse economy and rich biodiversity. Administratively, Cox's Bazar district comprises 8 upazilas, 4 municipalities, and 71 union councils, with a population of approximately 2.8 million. The city of Cox's Bazar is the district's main hub, featuring famous tourist spots such as Sugandha, Laboni, and Himchari points. Key landmarks include the Ramu Buddhist temples, Moheshkhali Island, and the Matarbari deep sea port. The Cox's Bazar Development Authority plays a vital role in the urbanization and infrastructure development of the district.
Economy
The economy of Cox's Bazar is primarily driven by tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and salt production. Tourism is the main engine of the economy, creating employment opportunities for thousands of people. The multi-billion taka fisheries sector plays a significant role, particularly deep-sea fishing and frozen fish exports. The 1,200MW coal-fired power plant in Moheshkhali and Matarbari has opened new horizons for industrialization. Agriculture includes significant production of rice, vegetables, and tobacco. Additionally, shrimp cultivation and processing industries are growing. The planned Matarbari deep sea port will massively expand trade in the region once operational. Many local residents earn their livelihoods by selling land and engaging in small businesses. Recently, a significant amount of land has been acquired for government development projects, creating mixed impacts on the local economy.
Transport
The transportation system of Cox's Bazar is undergoing rapid development. The Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway connects the district to the country's main road network, forming part of the Asian Highway. Cox's Bazar Airport offers domestic flight services, with direct flights from Dhaka and Chattogram. A railway line extension project from Chattogram to Cox's Bazar is underway, promising revolutionary changes for tourist and commercial cargo transport. Waterways connect Cox's Bazar to the islands of Moheshkhali and Kutubdia via launches and speedboats. Currently, the Matarbari deep sea port is under construction to reduce congestion at Chattogram Port, providing Cox's Bazar with a direct connection to international shipping lanes. As part of the planned Moheshkhali Master Plan, roads will be constructed to connect the port to the national highway.
Education
The education system of Cox's Bazar district is on a path of continuous improvement. The most notable institution is Cox's Bazar Medical College, established in 2008 and currently affiliated with Chattogram Medical University. The district also houses government colleges, a private university named Cox's Bazar Science and Technology University, and numerous secondary and higher secondary schools. Cox's Bazar Government College and Moheshkhali Degree College are among the leading educational institutions in the region. While primary education enrollment rates have improved, government and private initiatives continue to increase participation in higher education. Buddhist religious education centers in Ramu and Ukhia are integral to the district's cultural and religious education. Government Technical Training Centers and a Polytechnic Institute are operational to promote technical education. Overall, although the literacy rate in Cox's Bazar district is slightly below the national average, it is increasing due to various pro-education measures of the current government.
Healthcare
The healthcare system of Cox's Bazar district ranges from basic to complex medical services. The main healthcare facility is Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital, a tertiary-level hospital. In addition, the District Sadar Hospital, upazila health complexes, and numerous community clinics provide healthcare services. Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital has various specialist departments for treating complex diseases. Emergency services are available for foreign tourists in tourist areas. However, dependence on hospitals in Chattogram remains for higher quality care and modern facilities. Private clinics and diagnostic centers have emerged in commercial areas. Future plans include enhancing the capacity and service quality of Cox's Bazar Medical College Hospital. The district's health department plays an active role in managing pandemics like COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Cox's Bazar is highly dynamic, driven by tourism and infrastructure development. The demand for hotels, resorts, cottages, and condominiums is growing rapidly in line with tourist arrivals. The areas near the sea beach, such as Hotel Zone, Laboni Point, Sugandha Point, and Kolatoli, are the most expensive and in-demand locations. Additionally, demand for resorts and second homes is increasing near Jilongja, Himchari, and Inani beaches. The implementation of mega projects like the Matarbari port and power plant in the Moheshkhali and Matarbari areas has created demand for residential and commercial accommodations. Land prices in the Hotel Zone have increased significantly over the past five years. Commercial space rentals multiply during peak tourist seasons. While government land acquisition poses resettlement challenges for local residents, opportunities for planned townships and housing projects are emerging. Land prices in Ramu and Ukhia are relatively lower, but due to the expansion of Cox's Bazar town, these areas could become major investment hubs in the future.
Investment Potential
Cox's Bazar district is currently considered one of the most promising investment destinations in the country. The Matarbari deep sea port project, in particular, will emerge as a major center for international trade once implemented. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, this port will reduce pressure on transshipment ports like Singapore and Colombo and will be capable of handling large vessels directly. Alongside the port, an industrial city is being developed under the Matarbari power plant and the Moheshkhali Master Plan. The tourism sector offers enormous investment opportunities in hotels, resorts, theme parks, and eco-tourism projects. There is significant potential in fish processing and frozen fish export industries, particularly for increasing shrimp and tuna exports to international markets. The Cox's Bazar Master Plan announced by the current government will further invigorate tourism and commercial activities through planned urban development. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority is providing special incentives to attract domestic and foreign investment. Due to its proximity to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar is also an ideal location for logistics and industrial establishment.
Future Development
The future development plans for Cox's Bazar district are extensive and multifaceted. The largest project is the Matarbari deep sea port, construction of which is currently ongoing. Once operational, this port will significantly reduce pressure on Chattogram Port and revolutionize the country's import-export trade. Additionally, the master plan formulation project under the Cox's Bazar Development Authority will ensure planned development of the tourism and urban areas. Plans exist to expand and upgrade Cox's Bazar Airport, enhancing its capability to handle international flights. Road and rail connectivity with South Chattogram is being further strengthened. Beyond the Matarbari power plant in Moheshkhali, there is potential for establishing more industries in the area. Extensive development of tourism infrastructure is planned to transform the district into an international-standard tourist destination. Special development projects have been undertaken around the refugee camps in Ramu and Ukhia to boost the local economy. Upon implementation of these projects, land values and business expansion in Cox's Bazar will increase manifold, making it one of the most important economic zones in the country.