Photo : BSS

COX'S BAZAR, Jan 29, 2026 (BSS) - A newly constructed resort in St. Martin's Island was fined Taka 20,000 on Wednesday for carrying out construction activities in violation of environmental laws. 

During the operation, authorities also seized 55 bags of natural stones and 10 bags of cement.

The joint operation was conducted on Wednesday afternoon by the district administration, the Department of Environment (DoE), and the police. The drive was led by Executive Magistrate of the Cox's Bazar District Administration, Manju Bin Afnan, while Assistant Director of the Department of Environment, Cox's Bazar District Office, Md. Abdul Latif Johnny acted as the prosecutor.

According to Md. Abdul Latif, the resort authority, was fined for using natural stones extracted from the sea while carrying out construction work within an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), which is prohibited under environmental laws. The seized construction materials were later handed over to a local union council member.

Executive Magistrate Manju Bin Afnan said St. Martin's Island is the country's only coral island and requires special protection. "A special operation is being conducted by the Cox's Bazar district administration to safeguard the environment and ecosystem of St. Martin's Island and ensure effective coordination among relevant agencies," he added.