Dhaka, Oct. 25 -- Just two years ago, several vessels sailed daily from Teknaf to Bangladesh's only coral island, Saint Martin's. The route was cheaper and faster, saving tourists both time and money.

However, the outbreak of armed conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine State made that sea route unsafe. Since then, authorities have suspended all tourist vessels between Teknaf and Saint Martin's.

The ships now depart from Cox's Bazar, their movement dependent on tides. Setting off around 9am, they take six to seven hours to reach the island, arriving by late afternoon.

But under a new government directive, visitors in November must return the same day. Even if the ships depart Saint Martin's by 5pm, they will not reach Cox's Bazar before midnigh...