Chattogram’s tourist hotspots are getting a festive facelift ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as authorities and private operators scramble to complete last-minute upgrades in anticipation of a surge in holiday crowds.
Across the city and its 15 upazilas, workers have been repainting facilities, installing decorative lighting, cleaning public spaces and tightening security – aiming to turn popular destinations into ready-to-visit Eid venues.
The rush typically begins within hours of Eid prayers. Families head to parks and the Chattogram Zoo, while younger crowds gravitate towards Foy’s Lake, Sea World Water Park, Patenga Sea Beach and Parki Beach.
Beyond the city, visitors are expected to pour into the beach near the Mirsarai Economic Zone, Arshinagar Future Park, the Mirsarai waterfalls and Guliyakhali Beach in Sitakunda.
Foy’s Lake, one of the city’s most visited leisure spots, has undergone a noticeable revamp. Nestled among green hills, the site combines natural scenery with amusement facilities, drawing day-long visitors during major holidays.
Bishwajit Ghosh, marketing manager at Concord Entertainment Company Ltd, said the park has introduced several new rides this year, including Tornado 360, Airborne Shot, Flying Bus and Sky Hooper. “We’ve also retained the crowd favourites – roller coaster, pirate ship, Ferris wheel and bumper cars – along with a range of rides for children,” he said.
At Sea World Water Park, operators will roll out special Eid programmes from the second day of the festival, featuring DJ shows, dance performances and magic shows. Boating services – both paddle and engine-driven – will run with additional safety measures.
The Chattogram Zoo is also bracing for a heavy turnout. Authorities have recruited 20 extra staff members to manage crowds and ensure safety.
“We expect around 70,000 visitors over five days,” said Dr Shahadat Hossain Shuvo, physician and deputy curator of the zoo. “We currently house about 520 animals across 68 species, including 18 tigers, two lions and five bears.”
At Patenga Sea Beach – one of the country’s busiest coastal destinations – preparations are in full swing. The site typically attracts more than half a million visitors during the Eid holidays.
Elsewhere, DC Flower Park along the Faujdarhat–Banda Link Road has been decorated with seasonal blooms to welcome visitors.
In Mirsarai, Arshinagar Future Park has added kayaking, boating and new rides ahead of Eid. Owner Jamal Uddin said he expects more than 10,000 visitors over the holidays.
To manage the influx, Tourist Police have introduced a two-tier security system in Patenga and nearby areas. Inspector Md Hasan Imam said mobile patrols will operate round the clock in coordination with local police, while help desks will assist visitors, particularly in cases involving missing children.
