St Martin’s reopens, ships yet to set sail

Bangladesh's only coral island, Saint Martin's, officially reopened to tourists yesterday, but not a single ship departed as operators suspended services, citing a government ban on overnight stays.

"It is not possible to operate ships at a loss," said Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh. "If the government allows overnight stays in November, we will resume operations within the month."

Under new government guidelines, up to 2,000 tourists will be allowed to visit daily in November, though overnight stays remain prohibited. In December and January, the same number will be permitted to stay overnight.

Authorities said ships must now depart from Cox's Bazar, as services from Inani in Ukhiya are not allowed.

Two vessels were scheduled to operate from the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara yesterday but later withdrew. Bahadur said with travel time taking seven to ten hours each way, it was "impossible" to complete a round trip in one day.

Saint Martin's had been closed to tourists since February 1 to protect its ecosystem.

Shahidul Alam, additional deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar, said ship owners were free to decide whether to operate but stressed that the government's 12 travel guidelines would be strictly enforced.

Many tourists expressed disappointment. Sadik Molla, a visitor from Gazipur, said, "Seven of us had to cancel our trip after learning we would have to return the same day. Travelling eight to ten hours and coming back the same evening is too exhausting."