Authorities discovered secret tunnels inside many of these cottages and hotels, used either for hiding or escaping during raids. Some tunnels were found to be connected to rooms and hidden spaces under beds, where several individuals were found hiding during the operation.
According to the Tourist Police, certain hotels and cottages in the Kalatali area, a major part of the tourist zone, have long been involved in blackmailing, extortion, and trapping tourists. These ongoing issues are tarnishing the reputation of Cox’s Bazar as a tourist destination.
Additional DIG of Tourist Police, Apel Mahmud, confirmed the raid and said, “Recently, the cottage zone has witnessed incidents of mugging, extortion, and even murder. Tourists have reported harassment and safety concerns. We will not tolerate immoral activities. Operations will continue until the area is free of crime.” He also stated that legal action will be taken against those detained.
Meanwhile, local civic groups have welcomed the operation and expressed hope that regular enforcement will help curb the longstanding criminal activity in the cottage zone and restore Cox’s Bazar’s image as a safe and reputable tourist destination.
