Residents and tourism businesses on Saint Martin’s Island are celebrating the government’s decision to reopen the country’s only coral island to tourists from November 1 after a prolonged wait.
Local representatives, businesspeople, and residents from different walks of life took part in a celebratory procession on the island on Sunday afternoon after the announcement.
Under the new decision, the island will allow up to 3,500 tourists daily until March 15, 2027. Each tourist will have to pay a Tk100 environmental conservation fee.
Residents say tourism is a major source of livelihood on the island, and the prolonged suspension of tourist access had slowed economic activity. The reopening offers hope of a recovery.
Advocate Kefayet Ullah, a resident, said the decision brought great joy after a long wait. He welcomed the chance to resume tourism after restrictions affected islanders.
Businessman Tayeb Ullah said the decision would fulfil residents’ hopes after two years. Tourism is the islanders’ main source of income, and reopening would benefit businesses and locals.
Acting chairman of Saint Martin’s Union Parishad Foyezul Islam said the island’s roughly 3,500 residents depended on tourism for their livelihoods. He thanked the government and those involved in the decision, saying the four-month season offered renewed economic hope.
The decisions were announced in a letter issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Sunday. However, the letter reportedly had not reached the relevant section of the Cox’s Bazar district administration by then.
The new season will run until March 15, extending the previous deadline of February 28. The daily tourist limit has also increased from 2,000 to 3,500.
Tourists must travel on authorised vessels from the BIWTA jetty in Nuniachhara, Cox’s Bazar town, and carry an online registration or QR-code travel pass with their tickets.
Vessel operators said preparations were almost complete. Farhan Tourism director Nurul Islam said vessels in Chattogram had undergone painting, seating replacement and other repairs and would be ready before November 1.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association, said vessels would operate throughout the season, with tourists permitted to stay overnight.
Restrictions to protect the island’s environment and biodiversity will remain, including bans on single-use plastics, lighting beaches at night, loud music and barbecues. Tourist access to Chera Dwip will also be restricted.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
