All preparations are in place to welcome tourists back to Saint Martin’s Island as overnight stays resume from tomorrow, December 1 (Monday).
Tourist vessels will begin operating from Nuniachhara Jetty in Cox’s Bazar, allowing visitors to once again spend the night on the island for the next two months.
Throughout November, tourists were only permitted to visit during daytime hours.
Authorities have emphasized that tourists must strictly comply with 12 government directives to help protect the island’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.
The daily tourist capacity has also been capped—no more than 2,000 people will be allowed on the island each day.
Moreover, all travel to the island will remain closed entirely in February.
Residents of Daruchini Dwip are eagerly awaiting the arrival of visitors. Abdul Malek, a local resident, said they have prepared to provide tourists with all necessary hospitality and facilities.
Most livelihoods on the coral island—popularly known as Narikel Jinjira—depend on tourism, he added, inviting tourists to visit responsibly.
According to officials, tourist vessels will depart from the Nuniachhara Jetty at 7:00 AM on Monday (December 1) and return the following day at 3:00 PM from Saint Martin’s. The island will remain open to tourists until January 31.
Md. Shahidul Alam, Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Cox’s Bazar, said that four vessels—MV Karnaphuli Express, MV Baro Aulia, Keari Sindbad, and Keari Cruise & Dine—have been authorised by the district administration to operate on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin sea route.
He further said the district administration will strictly enforce the 12 government directives to protect the island’s biodiversity.
Due to security concerns, tourist ships will no longer operate from Teknaf, and all travel will instead be carried out from Cox’s Bazar across the Bay of Bengal.
The district and upazila administrations have already completed all necessary preparations.
By Mohammad Morshed
Cox’s Bazar Life Photo
