Govt to limit tourism in Saint Martin’s Island from Nov-February

The government has decided to limit tourism in Saint Martin’s Island, the one and only coral island of Bangladesh, for four months as part of its efforts to ensure an environment-friendly atmosphere there.

On the other hand single-use plastics - plastic products that are used once and then discarded will completely be banned.

“Tourism in Saint Martin’s Island will be limited for the next four months – November to February. The Council of Advisers took the decision today (Tuesday),” Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy.

As part of the decision, he said, the tourists will be allowed in Saint Martin’s Island in November but they cannot stay there at night.

In December and January, the tourists will be allowed there and they will stay at night. However, the number of tourists cannot exceed 2000 per day.

On the other hand, tourists will not be allowed in February to clean the Island and protect the environment.

Responding to a separate question, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said the government is committed to looking into any logical demands from the people who remained aggrieved over the last 15 years.

He, however, said the government will listen to them if their demands are sent through a proper channel.

Regarding search committee to establish new Election Commission, Azad said there is specific process and it will be done following the existing law.

Assistant Press Secretaries Nayem Ali and Shuchismita Tithi were present during the briefing.