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The High Court (HC) on Tuesday upheld a government decision to limit tourism on the Saint Martin's Island citing environment conservation after dismissing a writ petition filed by a local, who mentioned job shortages due to the verdict.
The HC bench of Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Mubina Asaf passed the order after hearing on the writ petition filed by one Mohammad Abdul Malek, who is a resident of Saint Martin.
The writ petition sought withdrawal of the government decision restricting the number of tourists on the island.
Deputy Attorney General Mahfuz Bin Yousuf told reporters that the government's decision to limit tourism in Saint Martin's Island will remain effective following the HC order.
The writ petitioner's lawyer Mohammad Sultan Mahmud said the HC passed the order saying, "The government is relaxing the restriction on tourism on the island."
The government imposed tourism restriction on October 28 for a few months as part of its efforts to ensure a considerate public attitude for the environment of the tourist spot, he added.
The decision permitted tourists on Saint Martin's Island, but did not allow them to stay during the nights in November. However, it allows overnight stays in December and January with the condition that the island houses a maximum of 2,000 tourists per day.
The island will remain closed to tourists in February, when cleaning and conservation initiatives will be conducted.
Employment opportunities for people in the island became extremely narrow due to the government decision, Mohammad Abdul Malek said in the writ petition. Many residence of the island became jobless as a result and are living in inhuman conditions, the petition also read.