COX'S BAZAR, Nov 20: Residents of Saint Martin's, the country's only coral island, on Tuesday staged demonstrations and formed human chains wearing make-believe shrouds in protest against the government decision to limit the movement and staying time of tourists at the island, blocking roads.
The protest programmes were held at Dolphin intersection of Cox's Bazar city's Kalatali area around 11am, causing gridlock for around four hours.
The protestors alleged that their livelihoods are on the brink of severe threats as the movement of the tourists and their stay at the island are their main sources of income.
Calling the government's decision a 'death trap', they threatened that they would continue the movement until their demands are met.
Upon requests by the Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nilufa Yeasmin and additional superintendent of police Jasim Uddin, a delegation from the protesters held a meeting with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Salahuddin in this regard.
Additional DC (general) Md Yeamin Hossain said they would put forward the demands the group made to the government to address the issue.
Upon assurance from the administration of resolving the problem, the protesters left the road allowing traffic movement after around four hours. —UNB
