Member of Parliament Mahfuza Sultana Swapna has taken a firm and uncompromising stance against the alarming practice of Cox's Bazar hotels and resorts renting rooms to underage girls. Speaking on the need to eradicate social vices and uphold the sanctity of the country's premier tourism destination, she warned that strict legal and administrative measures will be enforced against any hospitality establishment violating regulations.
In recent times, allegations have surfaced regarding unscrupulous hotel operators facilitating unauthorized stays for minors, inadvertently fostering criminal activities and social degradation in the coastal district. Acknowledging these growing concerns, MP Swapna emphasized that safeguarding the younger generation and preserving the ethical standards of the tourism industry is a paramount priority for lawmakers and local authorities alike.
To curb these malpractices, authorities have stressed the mandatory verification of National Identity cards or birth registration certificates during the check-in process. Many establishments previously bypassed these checks or turned a blind eye, allowing underage individuals to slip through loopholes. Moving forward, any hotel or guest house found aiding such irregularities will face severe repercussions, including the cancellation of operating licenses and prosecution.
Law enforcement agencies, including the district administration, local police, and tourist police, have been urged to intensify surveillance and conduct regular inspections across hotels, motels, and cottages. Ensuring the safety of genuine tourists, particularly women and children, remains a top priority, and authorities have assured that visitor registries will undergo rigorous monitoring with zero tolerance for negligence.
Civil society members and local tourism stakeholders have warmly welcomed this decisive warning, noting that such interventions are crucial for restoring family-friendly tourism and cleansing the sector of illicit elements. Ensuring functional CCTV coverage and verifying guest credentials are seen as vital steps toward deterring unlawful behavior within hospitality venues.
Ultimately, this initiative aims to transform Cox's Bazar into a thoroughly safe, secure, and welcoming destination for families and travelers from all walks of life. Continued cooperation between local administration, law enforcement, and hotel owners will be essential in sustaining these rigorous standards and eliminating illegal operations from the region.
