Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Sunday | 12 January 2025 | Epaper

Toab Holds Human Chain In City

Tk 1000cr investment to be at risk if tourists stop visiting St Martin

Published : Tuesday, 29 October, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 350
Business Correspondent
President of Tour Operator Association of Bangladesh (TOAB) Rafeuzzaman said the government limit on tourists visit to St Martin Island in the peak tourist season of December, January and February will bring serious threat to Tk 1,000 crore investment to tourist industry. 

"Despite our strong objections, the government has taken a suicidal decision to limit overnight stays and tourist travel in St. Martin in the peak period. We ask the government to consider the decision, we will resist it," he said. 

Rafeuzzaman made the remark speaking as chief guest at a human chain and protest rally orgenised by 'St Martin's Island Environment and Tourism Protection and Development Alliance', on Monday at Shahbag in the capital. 

He said "We want to protect the environment and biodiversity of St. Martin, but not by stopping tourism. We will take all the necessary steps in favor of protecting the environment."

Shiblul Azam Qureshi, Chairman of St. Martin Island Environment and Tourism Protection and Development Alliance, said maintaining the balance of environment in St. Martin Island and protecting it is also our top priority. 

But restricting visit to St Martin is not a solution. Ban on overnight stay in the island is not a solution. He said strictly stopping the use of plastic bag, even a single is sensible but the government must create an alternative route to travel to St Martin from Teknaf.

Publicity Secretary Md. Habibur Rahman said, "Saint Martin Island is an integral part of Bangladesh and a symbol of our independence and sovereignty. If tourist traffic is controlled on this island, suspicion will be created in the public mind including all small and large businesses involved in tourism business, including St. Martin Islanders. 

Moreover, hotel and motel will go bankrupt. Countless professionals will lose jobs and millions will become unemployed. It will cause social unrest. So considering the overall loss, we request the government to withdraw the restrictions from such suicidal decision."

In the meeting, E-TAB President Imranul Alam said if St. Martin is closed then lakhs of people will become jobless. He demanded lifting of all restrictions related to visit to St Martin.

Leaders of Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), Tour Operators Association of Cox's Bazar, St. Martin's Island Environment and Tourism Protection and Development Alliance, E-Tourism Association of Bangladesh (E-TAB), took part in the human chain and protest rally. 

Leaders of Tour Operators Association of Kuakata, St. Martin Hotel Owners Association, St. Martin Shop Owners Association, Boat Owners Cooperative Association, Fishermen Association, Bangladesh Sleeper AC Bus Owners Association, Ships Owners Association, Sea-Cruise Operators Owners Association were present in the event.



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