Tourists at risk: Cox's Bazar lifeguards to cease operations

One of Bangladesh’s most vital tourist safety initiatives is on the verge of collapse. The Sea-Safe Lifeguard service, which has rescued hundreds of tourists from drowning along Cox’s Bazar’s world-famous beach, will cease operations on September 30 due to a severe funding shortfall leaving half a million annual visitors vulnerable to deadly rip currents with no professional rescue system in place. For over a decade, 27 trained lifeguards clad in red and yellow uniforms have patrolled the busiest five-kilometre stretch between Labani, Sugandha, and Kalatali points, blowing whistles and waving tourists away from dangerous zones. Their presence, a reassuring fixture for beachgoers since 2012, will vanish by October 1. With it, 35 staff members including 27 frontline rescuers will lose...