The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has formed a new committee to regulate uncontrolled tourism and establish designated departure points for ships heading to Saint Martin’s Island.
This initiative protects the island’s fragile environment while ensuring sustainable tourism development.
Senior Assistant Secretary Sabrina Rahman signed an official order on Tuesday, November 19, to make the announcement. Nizam Uddin Ahmed, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADM), confirmed that the Cox’s Bazar district administration and other concerned authorities have received the order.
The Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) of Cox’s Bazar Sadar and Teknaf will co-chair the committee. The Deputy Director of the Department of Environment in Cox’s Bazar will be the member secretary.
Other members include representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, the Bangladesh Tourism Board, local officials in Cox’s Bazar, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, the Bangladesh Coast Guard, and the Tourist Police.
The committee’s responsibilities include streamlining tourism activities on the island and creating a structured approach for transportation routes, ensuring both tourist convenience and environmental protection.
Photo: Rajin Saleh
