Residents of Saint Martin withdrew their protest program over the restrictions on tourists and the ban on overnight stays on the island after getting assurance from the authorities to meet their demands.
The blockade was lifted at 4pm on Tuesday after assurances from the Cox’s Bazar district administration.
The protesters had blocked the Kolatali intersection road in Cox’s Bazar city from 11am to 4pm, causing a five-hour traffic stoppage.
At the scene, Cox's Bazar Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Yamin Hossain spoke with the protesters as a representative of the district commissioner.
After receiving assurances that their demands would be considered, the protesters cleared the road, and traffic resumed.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Hossain told the residents of Saint Martin: "We agree with your legitimate demands. The matter has been communicated to the government, and all demands will be met. Please vacate the road for now; we expect a quick solution."
Abdul Malek, a key coordinator of the protest and a representative of the Saint Martin Island residents, said: "We have temporarily suspended the protest considering the tourists’ inconvenience. However, as long as our demands are not met, the island’s residents will not return."
Earlier, protesters had blocked the Kolatali intersection and lay on the road wearing burial shrouds.
They accused the current government of harming the tourism industry under the guise of environmental protection, a situation not faced by previous governments.
In the rally, over a thousand people from the island, including staff from hotels, restaurants, and tour operator associations, participated.
The island's residents reported severe shortages, with many facing hunger and hardship.
Meanwhile, tourism-related business owners expressed concern, saying that the tourist season had begun in November, but due to the government’s restrictions, the ships carrying tourists to Saint Martin had not yet begun operating.
This has led to uncertainty about the number of tourists visiting the island this season.
The residents and tourism-related businesses, affecting over 3.5 lakh people, are facing serious livelihood threats.
They have called for effective measures to protect both the environment and the tourism industry, urging coordinated efforts from all relevant authorities.
