Environmental adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan defended government regulations limiting visitors to St Martin's Island during a Saturday event in Dhaka. The adviser addressed criticism about tourism restrictions while speaking at the Water Development Board auditorium. She emphasized that controlling visitor numbers protects the island's ecosystem rather than banning travel completely. Local residents do not operate hotels on the island, which belongs to all citizens rather than outside business interests.
Hasan explained that overnight stay restrictions began in 2016 but previous administrations failed to enforce them. The current government implements these measures to preserve the sensitive environment. She questioned demands from ship operators and hotel owners who seek unrestricted access to the island. The adviser also criticized recent proposals to establish universities in Chalan Beel wetlands as environmentally harmful.
Hasan explained that overnight stay restrictions began in 2016 but previous administrations failed to enforce them. The current government implements these measures to preserve the sensitive environment. She questioned demands from ship operators and hotel owners who seek unrestricted access to the island. The adviser also criticized recent proposals to establish universities in Chalan Beel wetlands as environmentally harmful.
