Amid efforts to save nature, economic uncertainty grips St Martin's Island

COX'S BAZAR, Feb 25: As the holy month of Ramadan starts, residents of St Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island, are facing mounting economic hardship. With tourism suspended for nine consecutive months effective from February 1, thousands of fishermen, labourers and small business owners are enduring severe financial strain.
The government announced the suspension of tourism activities for environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. As a result, tourist vessels have stopped operating, and hotels, motels, resorts and restaurants across the island have effectively shut down.
Traditionally, the island's tourism season runs from October 1 to March 31. However, this year the timeframe was shortened to January 31 due to environmental concerns. Officials argue that the extended closure will allow coral reefs, sea turtles, migratory birds and other marine species to recover from years of ecological stress caused by excessive tourist pressure, plastic waste and unregulated activities.
Local residents say income earned during the tourism season typically sustains them for the rest of the year. But with the season cut short, many business owners have been unable even to recover their initial investments.
Kefaet Ullah, a local resident, said household expenses are increasing during Ramadan, but now they have no income at all. "Poor families are suffering badly," he added.
Hotel workers and shopkeepers report that many families have already fallen into debt. A potential rise in essential commodity prices during Ramadan could further worsen their situation.
With tourism halted, some islanders have returned to fishing. However, unpredictable sea conditions, seasonal fishing restrictions and rising fuel costs make steady earnings uncertain.
"Without tourists, I've had to keep my auto-rickshaw idle. Loan instalments are overdue. I couldn't save anything before Ramadan. I don't know how I will manage," said Jafar Alam, an auto-rickshaw driver.
MA Abdur Rahman, president of the St Martin's Hotel-Motel-Resort Owners' Association, said environmental protection is necessary but stressed the need for alternative income sources.
"We agree that protecting the environment is important. But keeping tourism closed for such a long time without alternative livelihood arrangements will push people into extreme economic crisis," he said.
Foyezul Islam, acting chairman of St Martin's Union Parishad, noted that the majority of the island's households are directly dependent on tourism. He called for immediate food assistance, special incentives and employment-generation initiatives ahead of Ramadan.
Authorities maintain that the prolonged suspension is essential to restore the island's fragile ecosystem. Coral reefs, sea turtles, crabs and diverse bird species are expected to benefit from reduced human disturbance.
While environmentalists welcome the conservation move, residents fear that without timely government intervention, the economic toll on the island's population could deepen in the coming months.

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