There has been a huge relief and joy among those involved in the tourism industry of Cox’s Bazar as the order to transfer Additional DIG of Tourist Police Apel Mahmud to the headquarters has been officially postponed.

Responsible administrative sources confirmed that a written gazette (notification) has been issued from the Tourist Police Head Office in this regard.

The gazette said that the decision has been taken considering the safety of tourists, continuity of ongoing activities and the overall situation of important tourist centers of the country including Cox’s Bazar.

As a result, Apel Mahmud will be serving in Cox’s Bazar for the time being.

Why transfer postponed—Internal accounting sources said that since Cox’s Bazar is the largest and most sensitive tourist center in the country, there was a risk that a sudden change in the leadership of the Tourist Police here would have a negative impact on security management, tourist services and the law and order situation.

The higher-ups consider it important to maintain experienced leadership, especially in view of the tourism season.

A senior official of the tourist police said, “The decision has been taken considering the ground realities and the current needs of the tourism industry.”

A flood of joy in the tourism sector After the written order to suspend the transfer was published, there is a flood of joy among the hotel-motel owners, resort entrepreneurs, tour operators, representatives of the transport sector and local businessmen of Cox’s Bazar.

According to them, the activities of the tourist police under the leadership of Apel Mahmud have become more visible and effective than before.

Several businessmen related to tourism said that the tourist police have played a more active role than before in reducing tourist harassment, strengthening security in beach areas, assisting foreign tourists and controlling unauthorized activities.

A tour operator said, “If this transfer had been effective, there was a risk of the ongoing order collapsing. We are relieved that it has been suspended.”

On the other hand, multiple sources in the tourism sector have claimed that the news of the postponement of the transfer has most alarmed some corrupt and irregular business circles.

It is alleged that due to the strict surveillance of the tourist police in recent times, the avenues for illegal guide business, excessive rent collection, tourist harassment, unauthorized tour packages and unethical benefits have narrowed.

A leader of a tourism organization said on condition of anonymity, “If the law is enforced strictly, those whose businesses do not survive are naturally uncomfortable.”

Positive assessment of the policy-making community Policy-making officials of the tourist police believe that this decision to postpone the transfer is a reflection of the government’s positive attitude towards the country’s tourism security system.

It also sends a message of maintaining effective and accountable leadership at the field level.

Clear message on tourism security According to analysts, the decision to postpone the transfer by issuing a written gazette has given a clear institutional message about ensuring security, good governance and a tourist-friendly environment in Cox’s Bazar and other tourist centers of the country.

Those involved in the tourism industry hope that this decision will help increase tourist confidence, curb irregularities, and further strengthen the tourism image of Cox’s Bazar in the long run.