Over one thousand Rohingyas were relocated from illegally constructed hillside settlements in Cox’s Bazar's Ukhiya upazila as administration moved to protect the region's natural landscape and tourism potential.

Joint operation, involving the administration, police and army, conducted under leadership of Monju Bin Afnan, executive magistrate of Cox’s Bazar in Moragachtola area of Balukhali on Sunday morning (February 8), where hundreds of structures had been built by clearing hillsides. Operation covered 350 houses that had been constructed without permission in the hill-surrounded territory.

Tourism stakeholders expressed concern that uncontrolled hillside development damages the area's natural beauty and ecological balance. Cox's Bazar, home to the world's longest natural sea beach, attracts millions of domestic and international tourists annually.

Executive magistrate Afnan told media, “Local residents are acting as a supporting force for this crime. To prevent them from continuing these illegal activities, the administration is imposing various terms of fines or imprisonment on those responsible.”

Landlords had been renting spaces for TK 2,000-3,000 monthly, with some charging up to TK 15 thousand for basic shelter. Several property owners were detained during the operation for facilitating unauthorized construction in protected hill areas.

Environmental concerns have grown as hillside cutting increases vulnerability to landslides during monsoon season. Tourism industry officials worry that environmental degradation could harm Cox’s Bazar's reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Relocated individuals will be moved to designated areas through proper administrative channels. Authorities emphasized continued monitoring to prevent further unauthorized hillside development that threatens the region's tourism infrastructure and natural appeal.