Despite there being no formal restrictions announced by the government on traveling to Saint Martin Island, an unspoken ban appears to be in effect, preventing even the relatives of the island’s residents from visiting. Although the government has declared that tourists should be able to visit in November, all logistical arrangements for visiting the island are currently suspended. This situation has created a breeding ground for rumors and a significant degree of uncertainty among local business owners and potential visitors.
Local residents and tourism operators report that such severe restrictions on travel to Saint Martin have never been seen before, contributing to a hostile environment filled with misinformation. The local administration now requires national identification to allow residents to enter their own areas, a measure that further complicates the freedom of movement for the locals and their relatives.
Even media personnel and researchers require written permission from local authorities to access the island. For example, a BBC reporter had to present a national ID copy to the Coast Guard after obtaining written permission from local authorities to cover news on the island on November 4.
Ground reports from Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf, and Saint Martin indicate an ongoing unofficial ban on entering the island. The tourism business, vital for the island’s economy, has been severely affected, with many local shops, hotels, and restaurants remaining closed. Local authorities are adamant about not permitting tourists, which has sparked protests and demonstrations among the island’s business community and residents, demanding a lift on the travel restrictions.
One islander expressed frustration, “Our relatives can’t visit us, not even our spouses or children. What kind of freedom is this?” Mohd. Jasim, a local resort business owner, emphasized that the decisions taken must balance both the livelihood of the island’s 10,000 residents and environmental concerns.
The situation remains tense on Saint Martin Island as the community calls for clear communication and reasonable policies to safeguard their economic and social well-being. Meanwhile, protests continue with local businesses and residents uniting to voice their concerns, highlighting the dire need for government intervention to restore normalcy and economic stability to the area.