The Interim Government issued a gazette notification on Monday with a new set of guidelines containing 12 specific instructions for travel to Saint Martin’s Island to protect its unique natural beauty, environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity.
The Environment-2 Wing of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change issued a gazette notification, signed by its deputy secretary, Abdullah Al Mamun, to take effect immediately.
The ministry issued the gazette notification under Section 13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Act No. 1 of 1995), and in accordance with the “Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023.”
Earlier, the ministry issued a notification regarding travel to Saint Martin’s Island on October 22.
According to the gazette notification, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) cannot permit the operation of any vessel to Saint Martin’s Island without prior approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Tourists must purchase tickets through the authorized web portal of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, where each ticket includes a Travel Pass and a QR Code. Tickets without a QR Code will be considered counterfeit.
During November, tourists will be allowed to visit only during the daytime, with no overnight stay permitted, the notification said, adding that in December and January, overnight stays will be allowed, while February will remain closed to all tourist travel.
The daily number of visitors must not exceed 2,000.
To preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem, the government has banned lighting, loud noise, and beach barbecue parties at night.
Moreover, entering the Keya forest, collecting or trading Keya fruits, or causing harm to marine life, including turtles, birds, corals, crabs, starfish, and seaweed, is strictly prohibited.
The operation of motorcycles, sea bikes, or any motorized vehicles on the beach is also banned.
Carrying prohibited polythene items is not allowed, and tourists are discouraged from bringing single-use plastics such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and 500ml or 1000ml plastic bottles. Tourists are instead encouraged to bring their own reusable water flasks.
The government expects these new measures will help preserve the delicate ecosystem and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island, turning it into a model for responsible, eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh.
By Saddam Hossain
