Tourist numbers and travel rules on Saint Martin's Island to be reconsidered: Environment Minister

He said this while presiding over an inter-ministerial meeting on tourist visits to Saint Martin's Island at the ministry's conference room at the Secretariat on Monday. The minister said the next decision will be taken considering protection of the island's environment and biodiversity, tourist safety, and travel management.

The minister said tourism must be conducted while keeping Saint Martin's natural environment intact. In this regard, it is important to take into account the island's carrying capacity, waste management, availability of drinking water, and the impact of tourism on the marine environment.

The meeting discussed various aspects of controlling tourist movement and stays, protecting the environment, and ensuring safety during the 2026-27 tourism season. According to existing directives, in November tourists will go during the day and return the same day. In December and January, there will be an opportunity to stay overnight. The daily number of tourists is limited to an average of two thousand, and there is a provision to keep tourist movement suspended in February. These rules will be reviewed and the next decision will be announced.

State Minister for Environment Sheikh Faridul Islam emphasized buying travel passes and QR-coded tickets through a web portal recognized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board and following environmentally friendly instructions. He called for avoiding banned polythene and single-use plastics and for tourists to carry their own water flasks.

The meeting was further informed that existing restrictions will remain in force to protect the island's biodiversity, including sea turtles, birds, and coral. At night, lighting lights on the beach and adjacent areas, making noise and barbecue parties, entering keora forests, collecting keora fruit, and driving motorcycles and similar vehicles on the beach will remain prohibited.

Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Fahmida Khanam, officials from relevant ministries and agencies, members of parliament, tourism entrepreneurs, and representatives of environmental organizations were present at the meeting.