United News of Bangladesh

Tourist travel to St Martin’s, a coral-rich island located in Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, will be suspended for nine months starting February 1, according to a decision from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The closure will remain in effect until November 2025. Generally, the island’s tourist season runs from October 1 to March 31, but this year, travel has been limited to the earlier date due to new regulations. Cox's Bazar Additional District Magistrate, Imran Hossain, said that ships will be allowed to operate to St. Martin’s until January 31. "After that, no tourist ships will be allowed to operate.” The decision has raised concerns among local businesses, as the tourism sector plays a vital role in the island’s economy. 26 rooms of 3 Eco resorts gutted in Saint Martin's fire MA Abdur Rahim Jihadi, President of the St. Martin Hotel-Motel-Resort Owners Association, voiced concern about the potential impact on local residents. "No such crisis has occurred on the island before," he said. “If tourists stop coming now, it will create various challenges for the local population. Hundreds of people are involved in the tourism business, and we are requesting that the government reconsider the decision, at least allowing tourists to visit until February 28,” he added.

Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) seized 105,000 pieces contraband yaba tablets raiding the seas adjacent to St. Martin's Island and Chhera Dwip on Tuesday.  Lt. Commander Abdur Rahman, a media officer at the Bangladesh Coast Guard headquarters here, confirmed it saying that based on secret information, BCG Station Teknaf led  by Station Commander Lt Commander M Aminul Sajjada conducted a special operation in the sea area adjacent to Chhera island round 10:30 am on Tuesday.   During the drive, a wooden boat was seen entering the Bangladesh territory from the border of Myanmar, approximately seven nautical miles from St. Martin's Island.  Read: Over 1 kg Crystal meth, Yaba seized in Cox’s Bazar Coast Guard members signaled the boat to stop as its movements seemed suspicious. Sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, the boat dropped a yellow sack into the sea water and quickly fled to the Myanmar border.   The bag was later searched and 1,05,000 pieces of yaba tablets were seized in an abandoned condition.  The Media officer of the Coast Guard headquarters also said that the seized yaba tablets have been handed over to Teknaf Model Police Station for further legal action. 

Four bodies were recovered after a fishing trawler capsized with 25 people onboard in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday.