Residents and tourism-related businesses in St. Martin’s Island staged a human chain and protest march on Thursday (January 30), demanding the withdrawal of government-imposed travel restrictions in February.
The protest, organized by local business associations and island residents, occurred at noon at Teknaf’s St. Martin’s Jetty. Participants included members of the Hotel-Motel and Cottage Owners’ Association, Tour Operators Association of Cox’s Bazar (TOAC), Restaurant Owners’ Association, Service Trawler Owners’ Association, Speedboat Owners’ Association, Van Owners and Workers’ Union, and Market Management Business Association, among others.
Speakers at the rally expressed frustration over the government’s restrictions on tourist entry to St. Martin’s Island, stating that they have already created economic hardships for the locals. They fear that the situation will worsen during the monsoon season when tourism remains naturally low.
“Ignoring long-standing appeals from residents and businesses, the government has decided to maintain travel restrictions beyond January. This uncertainty is causing immense distress,” a protester said.
The protestors urged authorities to allow ship operations and lift travel restrictions at least for February, so that tourism-dependent locals can recover from financial setbacks.
Addressing the protest, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Ehsan Uddin acknowledged the concerns, stating:
“I am aware of the protest. The issue has been communicated to the Deputy Commissioner and higher authorities.”
The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change had previously restricted tourist access to St. Martin’s Island beyond January 31, citing environmental concerns. Tourist ships from Cox’s Bazar are only allowed until January 31, after which the ban takes effect in February.
Despite repeated demands for an extension, no official decision has been made.
Meanwhile, A. N. M. Helal Uddin, president of Cox’s Bazar Nagorik Forum, has filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the travel restrictions. The hearing was scheduled for January 28 but did not occur. The court has now set February 4 as the new date for the hearing.
For now, the fate of tourism on St. Martin’s Island remains uncertain, with January 31 potentially marking the last tourist voyage of the season.
By Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Rajin Saleh
Photo: Courtesy
