A deep silence has taken over St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island. The once-lively beaches and resorts now stand empty, with no bustling crowds or tourist activities.
Ships no longer dock at the jetty, and the familiar sound of ferry horns has vanished. This sudden change has been described by local residents, who are adjusting to life without visitors.
Since February 1, a nine-month ban on tourism has been enforced, leaving the island completely devoid of tourists. This has also led to concerns about the 5,000–6,000 stray dogs on the island.
These animals usually rely on food scraps from visitors, but with tourism halted, food scarcity has become a growing issue. Last year, an NGO stepped in to provide food for them.
The 10,500 residents of St. Martin’s are now facing a financial crisis, as most of them are directly or indirectly involved in the tourism industry. With fewer people engaged in fishing, the island’s economy has taken a hit.
Previously, environmental concerns were not a major focus for the islanders.
However, awareness about ecological preservation has grown significantly. Among the 232 resorts on the island, 120 are owned by locals, many of whom had pinned their hopes on tourism for a better future.
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Salah Uddin has stated that during this tourist-free period, various environmental conservation programs will be implemented to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
File Photo
