Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam today said a plan for St Martin's Island will be formulated by taking into consideration the interests of the people, the country's interests, sovereignty and the existence of the island.

"We will formulate a plan by coordinating the interests of the people, the interests of the country, our sovereignty and the existence of the St Martin Island and we will try to do what is important on the basis of coordination," he said.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a programme to plant 20,000 saplings and clean the sea beach on St Martin's Island on this evening.

World Vision Bangladesh and Enroute Foundation are implementing the programme with the cooperation of Bangladesh Coast Guard and BGB.

The state minister said the people living on the island are an important part of it and their concerns must be taken into serious consideration.

"They are nurturing and sustaining the island. So, it can be said that they have developed an attachment to the island. They are living on the island despite many adversities," he said.

The state minister said he had received a recommendation from the interim government regarding St Martin's Island and that the Environment Ministry has a master plan in this regard.

The state minister said St Martin's Island is a unique natural resource of Bangladesh and an important repository of biodiversity.

"Planting trees, removing plastic waste and ensuring participation of local people are extremely important to protect the island from the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental pollution.

He urged to work in coordination to keep St Martin's Island clean, green and safe.

Chairman of Enroute Foundation Md Tarikul Haque, Head of Programme Zubayer Ibn Hasnat Abhi, Senior Manager of World Vision Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar Area Development Programme Coordination Office Ronald Probir Chisik, Manager Mohammad Ruhul Amin and Upazila Coordinator Chhoton Barua were present, among others.