Tourist ship services on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route will not begin on November 1 because the relevant authorities have delayed approvals. The services may start on November 4 instead, as preparations are complete, according to officials familiar with the matter.
At a meeting in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday to discuss tourism management and overall security, Bangladesh Tourism Board chief executive officer Barrister Mutasim Billah Farooqui said tourist ships would not operate to Saint Martin’s from November 1 because of delays in securing approval from the relevant departments.
Hossainul Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Ship Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said the ships were ready to carry tourists to the island. However, government holidays and other related issues could prevent services from starting on November 1.
In that case, he said, ship services could begin on November 4.
Tourists waiting for the season to start and tourism-linked businesses on Saint Martin’s are keen to know when services will resume. However, the association leader said November 4 remains tentative.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
