The only coral-rich island in Bangladesh, St. Martin’s Island, is finally witnessing long-awaited improvements to its sole waterway access point. The island’s lone jetty, which had been in disrepair for years, is being rebuilt in an initiative led by the Cox’s Bazar District Council.
Located 34 kilometers off the Teknaf mainland in the Bay of Bengal, the island’s jetty and pontoon reconstruction began a month ago. According to Mohammad Saifuddin, Assistant Engineer of the District Council, the project, with an estimated budget of Tk 7 crore, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“So far, 18 piles have been installed,” said Saifuddin. “The new jetty is being constructed using RCC pillars topped with steel plates, making it more environmentally sustainable.”
Faiz Ahmed, Acting Chairman of St. Martin’s Union Parishad, expressed optimism about the project, noting that it will resolve long-standing transportation challenges for tourists and the island’s 11,000 residents.
The upgraded jetty is expected to significantly improve access, safety, and the overall travel experience to and from this popular tourist destination.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Collected
