Saint Martin’s to reopen Saturday, but ship owners decline to operate

COX’S BAZAR CORRESPONDENT

After remaining closed for nine months, Bangladesh’s only coral island, Saint Martin’s, is set to reopen to tourists on Saturday (November 1). However, ship operators have withdrawn at the last moment, leaving the island without any passenger vessels on reopening day.

Two ships — Karnaphuli Express and Bar-Awliya — were scheduled to carry tourists from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar to the island. But the plan has now been scrapped.

“The Tourism Board’s ticketing software is not yet functional, and tourists will not be interested in same-day trips without overnight stays,” said Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh. “For this reason, no ships will travel to Saint Martin’s from November 1.”

He added that operators are now preparing to resume services in December and January, when limited overnight stays will be permitted.

According to a directive from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the island will reopen this month, but tourists will be allowed only day visits throughout November. In December and January, up to 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to stay overnight. All tourist travel will be suspended again in February.

The circular also states that the BIWTA cannot permit any vessel to operate to Saint Martin’s without approval from the Environment Ministry. All tickets must be purchased through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official web portal, and each ticket must include a travel pass with a QR code. Any ticket without a QR code will be considered invalid.

Several restrictions have been imposed to protect the fragile ecosystem. Tourists are barred from lighting the beach at night, playing loud music, or holding barbecue parties. Entering the keoya forest, collecting or selling its fruits, or harming wildlife such as turtles, birds, and corals are also prohibited. Motorcycles, sea bikes, and other motorized vehicles are banned from the beach. Carrying polythene bags or using single-use plastics such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and small plastic bottles has been discouraged. Tourists have been advised to bring their own reusable water flasks.

Abdur Rahman, president of the Saint Martin’s Bazaar Association, said the restrictions could discourage visitors. “Saint Martin’s is far from Cox’s Bazar. The entire day is spent going and returning. Without the option of staying overnight, tourists will not come,” he said. “We are already living amid losses.”

Nur Ahmad, former chairman of the Saint Martin’s Union Parishad, said the island’s economy is almost paralyzed. “Hotels, restaurants, trawlers, and shops have all come to a standstill. Local livelihoods depend entirely on tourism. We support environmental protection, but the government must also consider people’s livelihoods,” he said.

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said strict monitoring will be in place. “Motorized vehicles will remain banned, and boats carrying tourists must obtain prior permission, though locals will not require it. These steps are essential to protect the island’s environment,” he said.

Though the reopening offers a glimmer of hope, many fear that without proper coordination and logistical readiness, Saint Martin’s tourism season may again fail to take off — deepening the economic woes of island residents.