Published : 23 Oct 2025, 01:10 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 02:37 PM
The Ministry of Environment and Forest has announced that vessels travelling to St Martin’s Island will now require its approval alongside the shipping ministry’s clearance, aiming to protect the island’s unique natural beauty, ecosystem, and biodiversity.
A ministry statement on Wednesday said the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) cannot permit any vessel to operate to the island without the environment ministry’s authorisation.
Tourists must purchase tickets online through Bangladesh Tourism Board-approved portals, with each ticket carrying a travel pass and QR code.
Tickets without QR codes will be considered invalid. Tourist schedules and island presence will be strictly controlled: in November, visits are limited to daytime, while overnight stays will be allowed only in December and January. The island will be closed to visitors in February, and daily tourist numbers cannot exceed 2,000.
Activities harmful to the environment are prohibited, including lighting fires, creating noise, barbecues, entering the Kaya forest, collecting or trading fruits, and disturbing marine life such as turtles, birds, corals, crabs, and shells.
Motorised vehicles -- including motorcycles and scooters -- are banned on beaches. The use of single-use plastics, including packets, straws, mini shampoo bottles, and 500–1,000ml plastic bottles, is discouraged; visitors are advised to bring their own water flasks.
A ministry-led meeting on eco-friendly tourism on Tuesday was chaired by Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan, with participation from ministry officials, representatives from the aviation and tourism ministry, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, and e-ticketing operators.
