Dhaka, Oct. 29 -- Tourist transport services to St Martin's Island are set to miss the Nov 1 starting date due to delays in obtaining required clearances and approvals.

The development was shared on Thursday after a discussion meeting on tourism management and safety, held at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Cox's Bazar.

The government has introduced new conditions for tourist vessels to St Martin's Island to protect its fragile ecosystem and ensure passenger safety, prompting the delay in clearances and services.

Hossainul Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Operator Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said once all formalities are completed, it may be possible for the vessels to begin operations by Nov 4 or...