Interim Government’s Decision on Saint Martin’s to Remain Unchanged

Muyabia Labony , Dhaka – The elected government will uphold the interim government’s decision regarding Saint Martin’s Island to protect its environment, ecology, and biodiversity.

The island will remain open to tourists only for a specified period, as the government believes extending tourism beyond three months would jeopardize the island’s existence.

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo shared this information in a written response to Deutsche Welle.

He stated that scientific research conducted on-site shows that keeping tourism closed for nine months has significantly improved the island’s ecological state.

Following seven years of discussions with relevant agencies, the final decision to regulate tourism was made in 2024.

According to the current regulations, tourism is prohibited for nine months of the year. Since October 2024, the interim government imposed strict travel restrictions, allowing only 2,000 tourists daily from November to January.

Minister Mintoo emphasized that continuing this policy is essential. “If tourism remains open for more than three months, the existence of Saint Martin’s will be at risk.

To save Bangladesh’s only coral island and natural heritage, we must maintain these controls,” he added.

Key Highlights of the Decision

• Tourism Duration: Only 3 months (November to January).

• Daily Limit: Maximum 2,000 tourists per day.

• Closure Period: 9 months annually for ecological recovery.

• Scientific Basis: Research confirms biodiversity improvement during the closure months.