Cox's Bazar District

Cox's Bazar District
Name	Cox's Bazar District
Settlement type	District
Coordinates	21, 25, N, 92...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision type1	Division
Subdivision name1	Chittagong Division
Established title	Established
Established date	1984
Seat type	Headquarters
Seat	Cox's Bazar
Area total km2	2491.85
Population total	2,654,918
Population as of	2022 Census
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	BST
Utc offset	+6
Website	www.coxsbazar.gov.bd

Cox's Bazar District is a southeastern coastal district within the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh, internationally renowned for its expansive natural sea beach. It is bordered by the Bandarban District to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the south, the Chittagong District to the north and east, and shares a border with Myanmar to the southeast. The district's history is deeply intertwined with the Arakan region and British colonial administration, evolving into a major hub for tourism, fishing, and, more recently, hosting a significant population of Rohingya refugees.

Geography

The district's topography is characterized by a long, sandy coastline along the Bay of Bengal, featuring the iconic Cox's Bazar Beach, and inland areas marked by hills and forests. Key geographical features include the Bakkhali River, which forms part of the border with Myanmar, and the Himchari National Park, known for its waterfalls and rainforest. Offshore, the island of St. Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island, falls under the district's jurisdiction, while the Teknaf Peninsula extends to the southernmost point of mainland Bangladesh, facing the Naf River which delineates the international border.

History

The region was historically part of the Arakanese Kingdom and later came under the control of the Mughal Empire and the British East India Company. The modern name honors Captain Hiram Cox, a British officer sent by the British Raj to rehabilitate Arakanese refugees in the late 18th century. Following the Partition of India in 1947, it became part of East Pakistan and was officially established as a district in 1984. The area has witnessed significant historical events, including naval activities during World War II and, in recent decades, the influx of Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Rakhine State, leading to the establishment of camps like Kutupalong refugee camp, one of the world's largest.

Demographics

According to the 2022 Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics census, the district has a population of over 2.6 million. The majority are Bengali Muslims, with significant populations of Bengali Hindus and Buddhists. Indigenous communities such as the Chakma, Marma, and Tripura reside in the northern hilly areas. Since 2017, the district's demographic landscape has been profoundly altered by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, with major settlements coordinated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration in the Teknaf and Ukhia areas.

Economy

The economy is predominantly driven by tourism, centered on the beach, and a robust fishing industry based in ports like the Cox's Bazar Fishing Harbor. Salt production is a traditional industry along the coast, while agriculture, including rice and betel leaf cultivation, is practiced inland. The district is also a site for significant infrastructure projects, such as the Cox's Bazar Airport and the Matarbari Power Plant, a major coal-fired power station being developed with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Remittances from abroad and humanitarian aid related to the refugee crisis also contribute substantially to the local economy.

Tourism

Cox's Bazar is the premier tourist destination in Bangladesh, famous for its 120-kilometer long beach. Major attractions include Himchari National Park, the Inani Beach with its coral stones, and the Buddhist temple at Ramu. The island of St. Martin's Island is renowned for its biodiversity and is a popular spot for snorkeling. Other sites of interest are the Aggmeda Khyang monastery, the Cox's Bazar Lighthouse, and the Laboni Beach point. The development of hospitality infrastructure is led by entities like the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, which operates several hotels and resorts in the area.

Administration

The district is divided into eight upazilas: Cox's Bazar Sadar, Chakaria, Kutubdia, Ukhiya, Teknaf, Maheshkhali, Ramu, and Pekua. The district headquarters is located in the municipality of Cox's Bazar. Law enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the Cox's Bazar Metropolitan Police and the district Bangladesh Police. The district is represented in the Jatiya Sangsad by several parliamentary constituencies and is overseen by a Deputy Commissioner.

Category:Cox's Bazar District Category:Districts of Chittagong Division