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Sunday, 30 November
Ship operators have decided not to operate any ships to St. Martin for now. Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh, said that there is a risk of fewer tourists due to the non-implementation of the tourism board's software and the strict instructions of the Ministry of Environment. In November, tourists will be able to visit the island only during the day, which the ship owners believe will not attract enough tourists. However, they hope that preparations will be made to launch ships in December and January according to the situation.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has imposed strict controls on St. Martin. From now on, it is mandatory to purchase tickets online through the recognized portal of the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Each ticket will have a travel pass and QR code, without which the ticket will be considered fake.
Under the new rules, night travel is prohibited in November, only day trips will be allowed. An average of 2,000 tourists will be able to stay overnight every day in December and January. Tourist travel to the island will be completely closed in February.
The government has issued 12 instructions to protect the island's sensitive environment and biodiversity. Among these, making lights or noise on the beach, having barbecues, entering the forest, harming sea turtles, king crabs, corals, birds and other biodiversity are strictly prohibited. In addition, the movement of motorcycles, sea bikes or any motorized vehicles is prohibited, and it has been advised not to carry single-use plastic.
An executive magistrate will be deployed at the pier to implement the government directives. The aim is to establish St. Martin as an example of responsible and environmentally friendly tourism. Initially, two ships named 'Karnaphuli Express' and 'Bar-Aulia' are scheduled to operate from Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox's Bazar to the island.
November 18, 2025
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