Single-use plastic to be restricted in St. Martin's Island: Adviser

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said the use of single-use plastic will be restricted in Saint Martin's island in Cox's Bazar.

Additionally, she said, measures will be taken to limit the number of tourists and restrict overnight stays on the island.

The adviser made this statement during a briefing at the secretariat on Monday. 

The briefing also covered discussions on eco-friendly tourism management and the conservation of biodiversity on St. Martin's island.

Rizwana said initiatives are being taken to make St. Martin's, Cox's Bazar, and Kuakata free of single-use plastics. 

She emphasized the uniqueness of St. Martin's as the only coral island in Bangladesh, highlighting the necessity of taking decisive steps to conserve it.

The adviser urged all to follow previous guidelines issued over the ban on single-use plastics. 

She added that discussions would be held with hotel owners, tour operators, and the Ministry of Tourism to finalise decisions before the upcoming tourist season. 

Syeda Rizwana expressed her desire to conserve St. Martin's for future generations and to see it become a tranquil, noise-free island.

The Secretary and Additional Secretaries of the ministry and Director General of the Department of Environment were present, among others.