The History of Cox’s Bazar

Siam Ahmed · 9/2/2026

Cox’s Bazar is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Bangladesh. It has a long and interesting history. In the early 9th century, the greater Chittagong area, including Cox’s Bazar, was ruled by the kings of Arakan. In 1666, the Mughals conquered the area. Mughal Prince Shah Shuja was attracted by the natural beauty of the hilly area while travelling to Arakan. He stayed there for some time with his large group. He had about one thousand palanquins with him. The name Dulahazara, meaning “one thousand palanquins,” is still used for a place in the area. Later, the area was controlled by the Tipras, Arakanese, Portuguese and British. The name Cox’s Bazar came from British officer Hiram Cox. He worked to settle and help Arakanese refugees in the area. He died in 1799 before completing his work. A market was later established in his memory and was named Cox’s Bazar.