Photo: Collected

COX’S BAZAR, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) – The government today announced that the tourists would be allowed to stay on the country’s lone coral Island- Saint Martin in Cox’s Bazar-in December and January. 
In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today issued a notification with 12-point directives for the tourists willing to visit the island.

The directives were issued aimed at protecting the unique natural beauty, environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island, said a ministry press release here.

According to the directives, overnight stay will be allowed in the Island in December and January, while it will remain closed for all tourists in February.  

However, tourists will be allowed to visit the Island only during the daytime in November, with no overnight stay permitted. 

Tourists must purchase tickets through the authorized web portal of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, where each ticket will contain a Travel Pass and QR Code. Tickets without a QR Code will be considered counterfeit.

The new circular imposes strict regulations on travel schedules and the number of tourists visiting the island. The daily number of visitors must not exceed 2,000.

According to the notification, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) cannot permit the operation of any vessel to Saint Martin’s Island without prior approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 

These guidelines have been implemented under Section-13 of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995 (Act No. 1 of 1995) and in accordance with the “Guidelines for the Protection of Environment, Ecosystem and Biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island and for Eco-Friendly Tourism, 2023” (S.R.O No. 165-Law/2023, dated May 23, 2023).

Director of Cox’s Bazar district office of Department of Environment Md Jamir Uddin confirmed BSS that the directives will be enforced strictly for the sake of protecting environment and bio-diversity.  

To preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem, the government has banned lighting, loud noise, and barbeque parties on beaches at night. 

Entering the Keya forest, collecting or trading Keya fruits, or causing harm to marine life such as turtles, birds, corals, crabs, starfish, and seaweed are strictly prohibited.  

The operation of motorcycles, sea bikes, or any motorized vehicles on the beach is also banned.

Carrying prohibited polythene items is not allowed, and tourists are discouraged from bringing single-use plastics such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap or shampoo packs, and 500ml or 1000ml plastic bottles. Tourists are instead encouraged to carry personal reusable water flasks.

The government expects that these new measures will help preserve the delicate ecosystem and biodiversity of Saint Martin’s Island, turning it into a model for responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh, said the notification.