Dhaka:The government plans to reassess the management of tourism activities on Saint Martin's Island, including the duration of tourist stays, the number of visitors allowed, and the departure point for tourist vessels, as stated by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister emphasized that tourism on the island should be managed to protect its natural environment and biodiversity. Considerations will include the island's carrying capacity, waste management, availability of safe drinking water, and the impact of tourism on the marine ecosystem.
Future decisions on tourism management will be made after consulting relevant ministries and agencies. Factors such as environmental conservation, tourist safety, and transport management will be considered, According to minister.
Minister Mintoo shared these remarks while presiding over an inter-ministerial meeting about tourist visits to Saint Martin's Island at his ministry's conference room.
State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam highlighted the importance of purchasing travel passes and tickets with QR codes through web portals recognized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board. He also stressed the need for tourists to follow environmental conservation guidelines, avoid bringing polythene to the island, discourage single-use plastics, and encouraged bringing personal water flasks.
Current restrictions to protect the island's biodiversity, including marine turtles, birds, and coral, will continue to be enforced.
The meeting was attended by Cox's Bazar-4 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, Acting Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Safiullah, Department of Shipping Director General Commodore Md Shafiul Bari, and representatives from relevant ministries, divisions, agencies, tourism businesses, and environmental organizations. Representatives from the local administration and tourism businesses participated virtually.