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The government has issued a new set of directives for visiting the country's top tourist destination, Saint Martin's Island, in order to protect the ecosystem and biodiversity of the island.
The new circular imposes strict regulations on travel schedules and the number of tourists visiting the island. The environment ministry issued 12 specific instructions regarding travel to the island on Wednesday.
During November, tourists will only be allowed to visit during the daytime, with no overnight stay permitted. In December and January, overnight stays will be allowed, while in February it will remain closed to all tourist travels. The daily number of visitors must not exceed 2,000.
The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) cannot permit the operation of any vessel to the island without prior approval from the environment ministry, according to the government notification.
Tourists must purchase tickets through the authorized web portal of the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Each ticket will contain a Travel Pass with a QR Code. Tickets without a QR Code will be considered fake.
To preserve the island's fragile ecosystem, the government has banned lighting, loud noise, and barbeque parties on beaches at night.
Entering the Keya forest, collecting or trading in Keya fruits, or causing harm to marine life such as turtles, birds, corals, crabs, starfish, and seaweed are strictly prohibited. The operation of motorcycles, sea bikes, or any motorized vehicles on the beach is also banned.
Carrying prohibited polythene items is not allowed, and tourists are discouraged from bringing single-use plastics such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and 500ml or 1000ml plastic bottles.
Tourists are instead encouraged to carry personal reusable water flasks, as per the directives.
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