Officials had opened a section of Cox’s Bazar 150m (492ft), for children and women on Thursday, but they announced hours later that they would not be continuing with the plan.
Officials had stated that some women requested the segregation of the beach.
Bangladesh is a country with a Muslim majority and remains conservative.
Abu Sufian, a Cox’s Bazar senior official, said to AFP that the women requested a beach section just for them because they were insecure and shy in a crowded area.
After news of a gang assault on a woman in Cox’s Bazar last Wednesday shocked the country, the decision to cut off the beach was made. This prompted a national outcry about women’s safety in this area.
However, social media was abuzz over the announcement. Critics charged the government with allowing hardline Islamists to hold large rallies calling for gender segregation at work and in factories.
One commentator called the beach segregation “Talibistan”, referring to Taliban Islamist group that has recently curtailed women’s rights within Afghanistan.
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh is the longest natural beach on the planet and a popular tourist spot.
Hundreds of thousands flock to the area during holidays, and tourism has seen a boom in recent years.
