Bangladesh’s Saint Martin’s Island will reopen to tourists from November 1, bringing relief and renewed optimism to residents who depend heavily on tourism for their livelihoods.

The government has permitted tourist visits to the island from November 1, 2026, to March 15, 2027. A maximum of 3,500 tourists will be allowed to visit each day during the period.

The decision was announced in a letter issued on Sunday by the Environment-2 branch of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Signed by Senior Assistant Secretary Sabrina Rahman, the letter instructed the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to implement decisions made at an interministerial meeting.

Authorities Prepare for Tourist Season

Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury said he had received a circular concerning the operation of tourist vessels from Cox’s Bazar beginning in early November.

“We are preparing accordingly, with particular attention to tourist safety and maintaining normal law and order,” he said.

The reopening has been welcomed by island residents, many of whom rely on tourism-related businesses and services for their income.

Zainal Abedin, a resident of Saint Martin’s Island, said he was delighted by the announcement, adding that residents would become busy with tourism-related work again next month and that many households expected their earnings to increase.

Foyezul Islam, chairman of Saint Martin’s Union Parishad, also welcomed the decision. He said keeping the island open to tourists for five months would ease some of the financial hardships faced by local residents.

“The livelihoods of people here largely depend on tourism,” he said, adding that residents had struggled over the past two years because of strict restrictions on tourist visits. He thanked the government for easing some of those restrictions this season.

Environmental Protection Remains a Priority

Alongside the resumption of tourism, authorities are placing emphasis on waste management to protect the island’s environment and biodiversity.

Relevant agencies have been instructed to take the necessary measures to safeguard the island’s natural ecosystem as tourism activities resume.

The reopening is expected to provide a fresh source of income for local residents while requiring continued efforts to balance tourism with environmental conservation.