What tourists must know as Saint Martin’s Island reopens today
Overnight stays are not allowed in November but will be permitted in December and January. The island will remain closed in February.
Saint Martin's Island, the country's only coral island, reopens to tourists today (1 November) after a nine-month closure.
Tourists must follow 12 government directives to ensure safe and responsible tourism.
Authorities have set a strict daily cap of 2,000 visitors to protect the island's fragile ecosystem.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Overnight stays are not allowed in November but will be permitted in December and January. The island will remain closed in February.
Cox's Bazar Additional District Magistrate Md Shahidul Alam recently said, "Tourists must follow the government's instructions to preserve the island's natural balance, biodiversity, and scenic beauty."
Only vessels approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) can operate.
Boats will now depart from Cox's Bazar city instead of the previous Teknaf route. Travel from Inani in Ukhiya is still prohibited, reports BSS.
Tickets must be purchased online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board's official portal. Each ticket includes a travel pass and QR code. Tickets without a valid QR code will be treated as fake, said Tourism Board Deputy Director Mohibul Islam.
To protect biodiversity, visitors cannot enter Keya forests, collect Keya fruits, or harm turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, shells, or other wildlife. Motorcycles, sea bikes, and other motorized vehicles are banned on the beach.
Lighting fires at night, making loud noise, or holding barbeque parties is also forbidden. The use of single-use plastics such as chips packets, straws, plastic bottles, and mini soap or shampoo packs is discouraged. Tourists are advised to bring reusable water flasks.
Advocate Mujibul Haque, chairman of the local Youth Environment Society, said, "The temporary closure has significantly improved the island's environment. Red crabs and marine species are now breeding along the beaches, and nesting sites for mother turtles have developed."
Officials say the temporary closure improved the environment, and the new rules aim to allow controlled tourism while protecting the island's natural beauty.
