Cox's Bazar, Dec 01 (V7N) — After a nine-month closure, tourist ships have resumed operations on the Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin route, marking a significant boost for the region's tourism industry. On Sunday morning, the MV Bar Aulia set sail with 653 passengers from the BIWT wharf at Nunyarchhara, Cox's Bazar.

While three ships have been approved by the district administration for this route, only the MV Bar Aulia operated on the first day, as the other two vessels remain idle due to insufficient passenger demand.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh, expressed optimism about the resumption of services. "The restart of shipping on this route is a relief for tourists and a ray of hope for those involved in the tourism sector," he stated.

Nilufa Yachmin Chowdhury, Convener of the Tourism Control Committee and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Cox's Bazar Sadar, oversaw the ship's departure. "We closely monitored operations to ensure compliance with the ministry's guidelines," she said.

Shipping on the Cox's Bazar–St. Martin and Teknaf–St. Martin routes is permitted only during the calm sea months from October to March. However, services from Teknaf remain suspended due to maritime tensions involving shelling along the Myanmar border and rising concerns over diver activity in the Naf River.

The resumption of the Cox's Bazar route is expected to rejuvenate the local tourism economy, providing relief to operators and joy to eager travellers.

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