Prosenjit Barua:

Ukhiya, a beautiful upazila in Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh, is renowned for its natural beauty, historical significance, cultural diversity and religious heritage. Surrounded by the vast Bay of Bengal, green hills and forests, Ukhiya represents a unique combination of nature, history and tradition.

According to local history and popular belief, the name Ukhiya originated from ‘Ukhiya Ghat’. It is believed that there was once an important river port or landing station in the area known as ‘Ukhiya Ghat’. Over time, the word ‘Ghat’ gradually disappeared, and the area became known simply as Ukhiya. Historical references indicate that the name ‘Ukhiya Ghat’ appeared in the records of the East India Company in 1814. Ukhiya Police Station was established in 1926, and the area was upgraded to an upazila in 1983.

Located approximately 33 kilometres south of Cox’s Bazar town, Ukhiya covers an area of 261.80 square kilometres. According to the Population and Housing Census 2022, the upazila has a population of 263,143. It consists of five union parishads: Jaliapalong, Ratnapalong, Haldia Palong, Rajapalong and Palongkhali. Ukhiya is bordered by Ramu Upazila to the north, Teknaf Upazila to the south, Naikhongchhari and the Myanmar border to the east, and the Bay of Bengal to the west.

Ukhiya is particularly famous for its attractive tourist destinations. Inani Sea Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the region, featuring coral stones, blue seawater and a beautiful sandy coastline. Other notable destinations include Patuartek Sea Beach, Nidania Sea Beach and Sheikh Jamal Inani National Park. The combination of hills, forests, biodiversity and coastal landscapes makes Ukhiya an attractive destination for nature lovers and tourists.

Buddhist culture and religious heritage are also significant parts of Ukhiya’s identity. The area is home to several Buddhist monasteries and religious institutions that preserve its longstanding cultural traditions. Patabari Central Ananda Bhaban Buddhist Vihara and Old Rumkha Tiratna Buddhist Vihara are among the notable religious establishments. Various religious celebrations, including Buddha Purnima and Kathina Chibara Dana, reflect the region’s cultural richness and religious traditions. The peaceful coexistence of Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu communities has also contributed to Ukhiya’s social harmony.

Ukhiya has an important place in the history of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Several operations were conducted by freedom fighters in different parts of the region, including Ukhiya, Morichya, Palong High School and Balukhali. These events remain significant chapters in the local history of the Liberation War.

Agriculture, trade, fisheries and tourism are among the major pillars of Ukhiya’s economy. Rice, vegetables, betel leaves, betel nuts and various seasonal agricultural products are cultivated in different parts of the upazila. Local commercial centres, including Court Bazar, Morichya, Ukhiya Sadar, Kutupalong and Sonarpara, play an important role in the economic activities of the region. Tourism has also contributed to the growth of hotels, resorts, restaurants and transportation businesses.

In recent years, Ukhiya has gained international recognition due to the Rohingya refugee crisis. Following the mass displacement of Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017, a large number of refugees sought shelter in Bangladesh. Extensive refugee settlements developed in Kutupalong, Balukhali, Palongkhali and surrounding areas. As a result, Ukhiya has become one of the world's most significant centres for humanitarian assistance and refugee management.

Despite its enormous potential, Ukhiya faces several challenges, including unplanned tourism infrastructure, deforestation, environmental pollution, traffic congestion and the social and economic impacts of the Rohingya crisis. These challenges have created additional pressure on the environment, local communities and public services.

Experts believe that proper tourism planning, environmental protection, preservation of historical sites, development of local culture and sustainable infrastructure could transform Ukhiya into one of Bangladesh’s most attractive tourism and cultural destinations.

From its historical identity as ‘Ukhiya Ghat’ to its present significance as a region of natural beauty, cultural heritage and international importance, Ukhiya has developed a distinctive identity. Protecting its history, preserving its traditions and ensuring sustainable development will be essential to securing a brighter future for this remarkable region.