Siena:The government will review the duration of tourist visits to Saint Martin's Island, the number of visitors allowed, and the departure point for tourist vessels, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said on Monday.
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, the availability of safe drinking water, and the impact of tourism on the marine ecosystem.
Further decisions will involve input from relevant ministries and agencies, focusing on environmental conservation, tourist safety, and transport management. These remarks were made during an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Mintoo at the ministry's conference room.
State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam highlighted the importance of purchasing travel passes and tickets with QR codes through Bangladesh Tourism Board-approved web portals and adhering to environmental guidelines. He also advocated for banning polythene on the island, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and encouraging tourists to carry their own water flasks.
Existing restrictions to protect the island's biodiversity, including marine turtles, birds, and coral, will remain in effect. The meeting was attended by Cox's Bazar-4 MP Shahjahan Chowdhury, Dhaka-14 MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, and other key officials and representatives from various ministries, divisions, agencies, and environmental organizations. Local administration and tourism business representatives participated virtually.