Amid the ongoing conflict along the Myanmar-Bangladesh border, the movement of tourist ships on the Teknaf-Saint Martin route is set to be temporarily suspended starting this Saturday for security reasons.
In a recent announcement, the administration has decided to halt the operations of all tourist boats from Teknaf to St Martin until further notice, citing security concerns as the primary motive.
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Adnan Chowdhury stated that all ships will remain operational until Friday. Despite the suspension of tourist ship services from Teknaf, ships originating from Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar will continue their operations.
BGB Director General Major General Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui visited the Tumbru and Ghumdhum borders of Naikkonchari Upazila in Bandarban to assess the border situation. During a subsequent press conference at Ghumdhum High School ground, the BGB chief addressed concerns about the Teknaf-St Martin sea route, stating, “It is a matter of common sense.”
Highlighting the security priority, he mentioned that the temporary suspension of tourist ships to Saint Martin wouldn’t incur significant losses. Cox’s Bazar District Administration Tourism Cell Executive Magistrate Mohammad Masud Rana noted that 10 tourist ships currently operate on the Teknaf-St Martin route.
The border regions of Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar have been under threat for the past few weeks due to ongoing conflicts between Myanmar government forces and the rebel group Arakan Army near the border. The decision to suspend tourist ship services underscores the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors during this period of heightened tension.
