Despite a severe weather warning signal number 9 issued by the Meteorological Department, thousands of tourists and locals have flocked to Cox's Bazar beach. Lifeguards and beach workers are struggling to keep them safe as they defy warnings.
 
Sugandha Point at Cox's Bazar beach. At first glance, it’s hard to tell that a disaster is unfolding here. Thousands of tourists and locals have flocked to the beach. Lifeguards and beach workers are trying to stop them, but no one is listening! It’s like a game of cat and mouse. The severe weather warning signal number 9 issued by the Meteorological Department means nothing to them.
 
This scene has been observed since Sunday morning (May 26) at Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni points on the beach. Despite repeated warnings and whistles, no one is heeding the advice.
 
Osman Ali, a tourist from Munshiganj, said, "I couldn’t stay at home after seeing the rough waves of the sea due to the cyclone on the media and social media. So, I came to Cox's Bazar to witness the cyclone. It feels great."
 
When asked about safety, this tourist felt a bit embarrassed and replied, "We have come to the sea with precautions. What’s the problem with that? We are traveling safely. We will take care of the rest."
 
Another tourist, Ishaq Gazi, who came from Gulshan, Badda, Dhaka, said, "We planned to visit Cox's Bazar 10 days ago. We didn’t know it would be like this. We came with a three-day plan. Now we are caught in the cyclone. It feels exciting to see the sea, but it’s also frightening."
 
Senior lifeguard Rashid Ahmad said, "If we move them away from one side, they enter from the other side. Locals are also coming to see the cyclone. We are struggling. Beach workers are working, but no one is succeeding. It feels like a game of cat and mouse with us."
 
Beach worker Shafiul Alam said, "We are following the magistrate’s instructions to make announcements. We are asking everyone to leave the beach area. But many are not following this directive."
 
Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shaheen Imran, who came to observe the situation at the beach, said, "We have ordered the suspension of all services, including kitkats, jet skis, and beach bikes. Tourist police, beach workers, and lifeguards are working to clear the beach area. We also request tourists not to keep us occupied here. We have to work for the entire district. Please stay in safe shelters."
 
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