Bangladesh’s sole coral island, Saint Martin’s, was officially opened to tourists yesterday, but no ships set sail as operators halted services due to a government restriction on overnight stays.
Hossain Islam Bahadur, the general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, stated that operating ships at a loss was not feasible. He mentioned that if the government permits overnight stays in November, they would resume operations during the month.
According to the latest government regulations, a maximum of 2,000 tourists can visit daily in November, with overnight stays still prohibited. However, in December and January, the same number will be permitted to stay overnight.
Authorities specified that ships must now depart from Cox’s Bazar, as departures from Inani in Ukhiya are no longer allowed.
While two vessels were initially planned to depart from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara, they later canceled their trips. Bahadur explained that due to the travel time of seven to ten hours each way, completing a round trip in a single day was deemed “impossible.”
Saint Martin’s had been off-limits to tourists since February 1 to safeguard its ecosystem.
Shahidul Alam, an additional deputy commissioner of Cox’s Bazar, mentioned that ship owners had the freedom to decide on operations but emphasized the strict enforcement of the government’s 12 travel guidelines.
Numerous tourists voiced disappointment over the situation. Sadik Molla, a visitor from Gazipur, shared, “Seven of us had to cancel our trip upon learning that we would have to return on the same day. The thought of traveling for eight to ten hours and returning the same evening is too exhausting.”