All tourists to Saint Martin’s Island now require a mandatory travel pass. The Bangladesh Tourism Board has developed an app for obtaining the pass.
Tourists can download the app, register with their national ID, and acquire the travel pass online. Authorized vessels departing from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s will only permit those with valid passes to board.
The new regulations strictly prohibit carrying polythene or plastic items to the island. Additionally, tourists staying on the island must properly record their hotel registrations.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has formed a management committee to oversee tourism activities. Except for residents, all tourists must now obtain written permission before entering the island.
Even at the end of November, uncertainty persists over the operation of passenger vessels to Saint Martin’s despite the start of the tourist season. Moreover, the app is currently unavailable on the Google Play Store as it remains under development.
By Rajin Saleh
