Passenger boats to Saint Martin-Teknaf route have remained suspended for six consecutive days due to adverse weather, disrupting daily life on the island and raising concerns over potential food shortages.
The suspension, which began on July 2 has been continued through Tuesday morning as rough seas and weather warnings prevented passenger vessels from operating.
Abdur Rashid, president of the St Martin Service Trawler Owners' Association, said the route is served by 26 passenger trawlers, with two to three vessels operating daily on a rotational basis.
However, vessel travel has been suspended to avoid accidents while weather warning signals remain in effect.
St Martin, Bangladesh's only coral island, relies almost entirely on Teknaf on the mainland for the supply of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential commodities. Prolonged disruption of the maritime route could therefore lead to shortages of daily necessities and other essential services.
Acting Chairman of the St Martin Union Parishad, Foyezul Islam, said local residents have been facing severe difficulties since passenger boat services were suspended last Thursday.
"Every year during June and July, rough weather disrupts transportation to the island. If the suspension continues for several more days, food shortages may emerge," he added.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) SM Anik Chowdhury confirmed that passenger trawler operations on the Teknaf-St Martin route remain suspended because of unfavorable weather conditions.
