DU students demand end of travel ban to St. Martin's

Students of Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday demanded an immediate end to all travel bans on the Saint Martin's Island. 

In the afternoon, they under their organisation 'Students for Soverignty' made this demand of lifting the touring ban at a press conference, held in front of the DU's Madhu's Canteen. 
 
Existing travel policies of the coral island threaten both the national sovereignty and the economic survival of local inhabitants, they pointed out, adding, the government must balance environmental goals with the rights of the people living there.

Convener of the organisation, Muhammad Ziaul Haque, said island dwellers have been living in a miserable condition for about two years. 

Presently, a total of 10,000 inhabitants are facing a 40 per cent (pc) decrease in the essential supplies because of inadequate transportation facility, he added.

He further said, "Under the 'excuse of ecology', the authorities have ignored our basic needs.

The curbs on tourism have caused a local income to drop by over 60pc, leaving many families in hardship. 

Also, the DU organisation highlighted that the restricted access affects education and healthcare; local students are losing 100 days of schooling annually as teachers cannot easily travel. 

Speakers urged the administration to protect the island's 'geographical interests', ensuring that the sovereignty of the territory remains secured.