Tourism restrictions imposed on St Martin's Island to protect the environment have failed to reduce pollution after one and a half months, while pushing the island's 12 thousand 500 residents into severe economic crisis.

Bangladesh's only coral island implemented tourism control policies from 2024, limiting daily visitors to 2 thousand and allowing overnight stays only during December and January. November's overnight ban resulted in virtually no tourist arrivals.

Pollution persists despite controls, according to local residents. Plastic and polythene waste piles up along beaches and roadsides with no effective waste management system, adequate dustbins or regular cleaning operations. Uncontrolled cottage construction and keya tree destruction continue unchecked.

Tourists face harsh conditions at Nuniarchara Ghat in Cox's Bazar, where ship schedules depend on Bakkhali River tides. Passengers wait for hours without shelters, restrooms, public toilets or facilities for children. Women, children and elderly people endure inhumane situations during winter.

Travel pass system introduced for tourism control has drawn criticism. System requires passes not only for tourists but also tour operators, journalists, investors and Cox's Bazar residents. Locals complain visiting relatives or conducting business classifies them as tourists, violating citizen rights.

Tourism was the primary income source for St Martin's residents. Limited tourism has left most local families virtually unemployed. Over half of locally owned hotels and homestays remain unrented this season, while Dhaka-based investors' resorts book out in advance.

Families traditionally surviving on two months' earnings for 10 months cannot manage households at current market prices. Many are forced to sell land, homes and jewellery to survive.

Education and healthcare systems are collapsing. Island lacks adequate teachers, colleges or public examination centres. Students must bear extra accommodation and food costs in Teknaf, which many families cannot afford.

Healthcare remains deplorable despite a 20-bed hospital, which stays non-functional due to doctor shortages. Declining incomes prevent many from seeking treatment in Cox's Bazar or Teknaf.

Islanders demand environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism rather than complete closure. They seek alternative employment opportunities and basic rights to education and healthcare. Locals also demand electricity, sea ambulances, food warehouses, training centres and disaster shelters.

"Tourism limitation should not be imposed unilaterally. St Martin's future planning must involve island residents," local representatives said.

Residents want government to address waste management, control cottage construction and establish proper tourist facilities before restricting livelihoods. They emphasize that conservation cannot succeed while communities suffer without basic services or economic alternatives.