Saint Martin's Island

Saint Martin's Island is a small coral island located in the north-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. It is the southernmost part of Bangladesh and covers an area of just 3 km². This island is special because it is Bangladesh's only coral island.

Near the island, there is a smaller area called Chhera Dwip, which becomes separate from the main island during high tide. Chhera Dwip lies about 8 kilometres west of the northwest coast of Myanmar, close to where the Naf River meets the sea.

To protect the island and its environment, a nine-month restriction on tourists has been put in place, starting from February 1, 2025. During this time, only the route between Cox's Bazar and St. Martin's Island will remain open, especially because of tensions near the border with Myanmar.

History and description

Long ago, the island was part of the Teknaf peninsula. Over time, part of the peninsula was covered by the Bay of Bengal, and the southernmost part became an island. People began living there in the 1700s. Arabian traders first called it "Jazira." Later, during the time when British occupation happened, it was named after a leader named Mr. O.M. Martin. The local people call it "Narkel Dweep," meaning "Coconut Island," or "Daruchini Dweep," meaning "Cinnamon Island."

Administration

The island is part of the Saint Martin's Union Parishad. It has nine villages or areas:

• Paschim Para (Western Neighbourhood)
• Deil Para
• Uttar Para (Northern Neighbourhood)
• Majher Para (Middle Neighbourhood)
• Purba Para (Eastern Neighbourhood)
• Konar Para (Edge Neighbourhood)
• Nazrul Para (Neighbourhood of Nazrul)
• Golachipa (literally "narrow neck")
• Dakkhin Para (Southern Neighbourhood)

Inhabitants

The island has about 3,700 people, and most of them make a living by fishing. They also grow rice and coconut, and collect algae to dry and send to Myanmar. From October to April, fishermen from nearby places sell their fish at a market on the island. Food like chicken and meat is brought in from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

When it rains a lot, the sea can be very rough, so people can't travel to the mainland at Teknaf. The island has a hospital, but sometimes there isn't a doctor there.

Biological diversity and bioprospecting potential

The island is home to many different plants and animals. Surveys in 2010 found many types of seaweeds, corals, oysters, fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals living there. Because of this rich life, the nearby area was named a Marine Protected Area in 2022 to help keep these species safe.

Scientists have also studied tiny creatures that live on sea sponges. These tiny creatures can create substances that might help fight diseases and could be useful for making new medicines. Some of these tiny creatures can even help protect fish from getting sick.

Transportation

The only way to get to Saint Martin's Island is by boat or ship from Cox Bazar or Teknaf. On the island, you can travel using small battery-powered vehicles, bikes, or bicycles. The roads are made of concrete and are in good shape.

Hotels on the island often use solar power for electricity. After a big storm in 1991, the island did not have electricity from the big power stations, but now the electricity is better. Many places still use solar panels or small machines that run on fuel to get power.

Tourism

Saint Martin Island is a popular place for visitors. Each day, eight ships travel to the island from Chittagong or Cox's Bazar. The nearby coral reef includes a small area called Chera Dwip, which has some green plants but no people living there. It is best for visitors to go early and return before the afternoon.

There are plans to protect the turtles that lay eggs on the island and the corals. Some coral pieces are taken to sell to tourists. Sometimes, turtles and their baby turtles are disturbed by lights on the beach. Fish are also being caught too quickly, so fishermen need to go farther out to find them.

You can walk around the whole island in a day because it is very small—only about 8 km² (3 sq. mile), and it becomes even smaller during high tide, shrinking to around 5 km² (2 sq. mi). The island is made from sedimentary rock, and its northeastern and southern parts, including Chhera Dwip, have patches of coral.

Much of the coral reef around Saint Martin has disappeared since 1980 because of human actions.

Sovereignty dispute and shootings of St. Martin's fishermen

Fishing is an important job for the 5,500 people who live on St. Martin's Island. However, there are disagreements between Myanmar and Bangladesh about who owns the island. These disagreements have sometimes led to serious problems for fishermen.

Sometimes, groups from Myanmar have been involved in incidents where Bangladeshi fishermen were harmed. For example, in 1998, some fishermen were hurt near the island. In 2011, fishermen were attacked by people calling themselves pirates not far from the island. In 2018, Myanmar changed some maps to show the island as part of their country, which caused tension. In 2024, an armed group from Myanmar fired at a boat near the island.

Climate and weather

The best weather on Saint Martin's Island is usually from November to February, which is the main time for tourists to visit. From March to July, strong storms called cyclones can happen. The island was badly affected by a cyclone in 1991 but has since recovered. It was not damaged by the tsunami in 2004. This period from March to July is usually a quiet time for tourists.