Brigadier General (Retd.) M Sakhawat Hossain, advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, Textiles, and Jute, said that due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, the route through the Naf River to Saint Martin’s Island has become hazardous for tourist ships.
He stated that fighting continues in the Arakan region, making the Naf River unsafe. He expressed hope that the situation in Arakan might stabilize by next year.
Tourist ships must use alternate routes to Saint Martin’s Island until then.
The advisor made these remarks on Monday (October 21) during a press briefing in Cox’s Bazar following his visit to the Matarbari Deep Seaport Project site.
During the briefing, he confirmed the completion of the first phase of the deep-sea port and announced that the second phase is now underway. The port is expected to be fully operational by 2029.
He also noted that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funds the project and is highly committed to ensuring its success.
Moreover, the construction of seven lighthouses across the country is nearly complete, further facilitating safe sea navigation.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
