Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that the decision regarding tourism restrictions and the potential ban on overnight stays at Saint Martin’s Island will be finalized in November, following discussions with policymakers.
The move aims to determine whether these measures will be implemented before the tourist season begins.
Speaking at a press briefing held by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Monday, Rizwana highlighted the environmental sensitivity of Saint Martin’s Island.
She added that the island is home to several endangered species and it was declared a sensitive ecological zone in 1999, On September 9, 2018, a ban on overnight stays was introduced, and by 2020, tourists were required to register their visits, with a limit of 1,250 visitors per day.
This cap was further reduced to 882 visitors in 2023, she said.
Rizwana also pointed out that the 2023 tourism guidelines prohibit the use of single-use plastics on the island. The final decision on tourism policies will be made after addressing these and other relevant issues.
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