Cox's Bazar, a beach town in Bangladesh, has undergone a significant economic transformation over the past five decades [2dfa9669]. The town has seen a shift in economic activities, with the hotel-motel zone becoming the focal point of tourism and trade. Improvements in road infrastructure and the launch of a rail network are expected to further unlock the town's economic potential. The rail link is anticipated to attract more tourists and create business opportunities for transportation services. The establishment of railway stations in other parts of the subcontinent has led to the development of junctions and trade centers, and Cox's Bazar is expected to follow suit. The anticipation of increased business opportunities has led to a surge in land prices, with companies actively seeking land for hotel and motel construction. The hospitality landscape of Cox's Bazar has also evolved, with the emergence of new hotels and boarding houses. The Burmese market, once renowned for its unique selection of goods, has seen a decline in business due to a shift in tourist focus. Overall, Cox's Bazar is entering a new phase of growth and is poised to become a thriving tourist hub [2dfa9669].
In addition to its economic transformation, Cox's Bazar is also set to enhance access to justice for all with the establishment of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Research Institute [888c86b1]. Chief Justice Obaidul Hasan announced the institute's establishment, which will be located next to Marine Drive in Teknaf Upazila, Baharchara Union of Cox's Bazar. The institute will feature multi-storied buildings with modern amenities, a museum, and a library. It aims to provide extensive opportunities for judicial research and data storage. This institute will be the country's first and only law, court, and judicial research-related institute, and the first modern establishment of the Supreme Court outside the capital. The establishment of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Research Institute in Cox's Bazar highlights the commitment to ensuring justice for all and improving access to legal services in the region [888c86b1].
However, there are concerns over the welfare of horses in Cox's Bazar. Horse owners in the area claim that horses are often "set free" rather than abandoned [05ac8256]. The horses are primarily used to entertain tourists visiting the beach town, and during the peak tourist season, one horse can earn up to Tk4,000 daily for their owners. However, during the off-season, when income decreases, many horse owners release their horses to roam and scavenge for food. Some owners also deliberately abandon older or incapacitated horses. Civil society organizations and the local administration criticize this practice as inhumane and obstructive. The administration plans to discuss the matter with horse owners and may confiscate the horses if the practice continues [05ac8256].