A month-long clean-up campaign is currently underway on Saint Martin’s Island, the only coral-rich island in Bangladesh, as part of an effort to protect its fragile ecosystem. With a nine-month ban on tourist visits in effect, authorities have launched an extensive environmental conservation drive.
In the first phase of the Saint Martin’s Island Clean-Up Program, 410 kilograms of plastic waste were collected over two days, according to the Teknaf Upazila Administration. The waste included single-use plastic bags, cups, water bottles, straws, toothpaste tubes, shampoo sachets, chocolate wrappers, and other plastic debris.
On Wednesday (February 12), the Department of Environment and Bangladesh Sustainable Alliance (BSA) jointly organized a day-long clean-up drive, marking the completion of the first phase. A total of 266 volunteers, including students, teachers, environmental activists, and representatives of anti-discrimination movements, actively participated in the effort.
The program began with a pledge-taking ceremony, where Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin led the participants in a special environmental oath. Following the ceremony, the UNO officially launched the clean-up drive.
Speaking on the initiative, UNO Sheikh Ehsan Uddin said that on February 11, a training workshop on waste management and environmental conservation was conducted at Marine Park on the island. The session was led by ten master trainers specializing in environmental preservation.
“In the first phase, clean-up activities covered South Para, Wards 1, 2, and 3 entirely, along with parts of Wards 4 and 5. Our administration is fully committed to protecting the ecological balance of Saint Martin’s Island,” said the UNO.
Authorities have assured that the clean-up drive will continue in phases, gradually covering the entire island and reinforcing efforts to preserve its unique natural habitat.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Courtesy
