Passenger vessels resumed operations on the Cox’s Bazar–Saint Martin’s route on Monday, with nearly 1,200 tourists travelling to the island on the first day of the season.
However, the district administration fined one of the ships, Keari Sindbad, Tk50,000 for illegally selling tickets to tourists without government-approved travel passes.
A mobile court led by Executive Magistrate Nilufa Yasmin Chowdhury imposed the fine after finding that three tourists were sold tickets for Tk1,800 each without the mandatory QR-coded travel pass moments before departure.
“According to government instructions, no ticket can be sold without a QR code. The ship authorities have been fined for the irregularity and warned. Any repeat of the violation will result in tougher action,” the magistrate said.
She added that permanent residents of Cox’s Bazar may travel by showing a national identity card, but all other tourists must obtain a travel pass.
Three vessels, MV Karnafuly Express, MV Baro Awlia and Keari Sindbad, left the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara at 7:30am, carrying a total of 1,174 tourists.
Travellers from across the country flocked to the jetty from early morning. After ticket verification, each passenger received an eco-friendly water bottle provided by the district administration.
Arup Hossain, a tourist from Dhaka, said, “This is my first trip to Saint Martin’s. I’m pleased with the overall management.”
Another visitor, Roksana Ali, from Chattogram, said, “The journey is now longer and a bit tiring because ships are not operating from Teknaf, but the beauty of the island will make up for it.”
Hossain Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh, said the administration has permitted six ships to operate this season, adding that three vessels sailed on the first day based on passenger numbers.
A maximum of 2,000 tourists will be allowed to travel to the island each day.
Night stay has been permitted from today until 31 January.
To protect Saint Martin’s fragile biodiversity, authorities have banned polythene bags, single-use plastics, entry into coral-sensitive zones, harming corals or marine life such as crabs and turtles, loud events and motor vehicles on the island.
The Department of Environment is supplying special eco-friendly flasks for water transportation.
Tourist Police have been deployed for security along the jetty and sea route.
Cox’s Bazar Region Chief and Additional DIG Apple Mahmud said, “We are ensuring round-the-clock vigilance so tourists can enjoy a safe journey.”
Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Mannan, who inspected the first day’s operations, said, “The district administration is strictly implementing government directives. The cooperation of tourists and all stakeholders is essential.”
