, Nov. 1 -- Saint Martin's Island, the country's only coral island, reopened to tourists on Saturday (November 1) following a government decision.

However, ship owners have said they have no plans to operate tourist vessels until December, as visitors are not permitted to stay overnight this month.

Hossain Islam Bahadur, General Secretary of the Sea Cruise Operators Owners Association of Bangladesh (SCOAB), said it takes at least seven to eight hours to reach Saint Martin's if a ship departs from Nuniarchhara Ghat in Cox's Bazar city.

"As a result, tourists won't be able to see anything. Travelling to and from the island within a single day is not only difficult but also unprofitable for business. That is why many tourists are reluctan...