Bangladesh’s Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintu announced that the interim government will maintain its existing decision on tourism control for Saint Martin’s Island. According to a report citing the minister, scientific field research showed that the island’s environment, ecosystem, and biodiversity improved after a nine-month closure to tourists. The government had finalized the tourism regulation policy in 2024 after nearly seven years of consultation with relevant agencies.

Under the policy, a maximum of 2,000 tourists are allowed to visit the island daily from November to January, while tourism remains closed from February to October to allow natural recovery. The minister said the restriction has yielded positive results and must continue to preserve the country’s only coral island and its ecological balance.

However, some residents have been demanding the withdrawal of the ban, arguing that tourism is the main source of income for most islanders and that the restrictions have severely affected the local economy and livelihoods.