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[🇧🇩] St. Martin Island-----It's geopolitical & Environmental Significance.

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[🇧🇩] St. Martin Island-----It's geopolitical & Environmental Significance.
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Saif

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Date of Event: Aug 9, 2025
Source : https://en.prothomalo.com/environment/qma7nb0hyy
Master plan for Saint Martin’s Island in the offing
BSS Dhaka
Published: 08 Aug 2025, 17: 14

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Saint Martin's island in Cox's Bazar File photo

The interim government is working to formulate a master for Saint Martin’s Island, the country’s only coral-rich ecosystem.

“Work is also underway to finalise a master plan for the island, along with waste management measures and alternative livelihood programmes for local residents,” Dipankar Bar, Public Relations Officer of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry, told BSS.

He said measures have been taken to regulate uncontrolled tourism in Saint Martin’s Island to revive its ecosystem.

Over the past year, the ministry has implemented a series of groundbreaking initiatives to protect the environment, conserve forests and biodiversity, and address the climate change impacts, said a ministry press release issued today.

To curb pollution, the use of banned polythene in shopping malls across the country has been completely eliminated. Joint drives with law enforcement agencies are ongoing to prevent the use of polythene in manufacturing plants, kitchen markets, and other locations.

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Garbage strewn all over the Saint Martin's island beach Prothom Alo file photo

As an alternative, a joint project with the Ministry of Textiles and Jute has been undertaken to ensure the affordable supply of jute bags.

In air pollution control, the National Air Quality Management Plan has been formulated, 830 illegal brick kilns have been demolished, and the process to declare Savar and Ashulia in Dhaka as “Degraded Airsheds” is underway.

Illegal lead factories have been shut down, and youth have been engaged in awareness campaigns against noise pollution.

In Gazipur, connections from nine factories polluting the Gacha canal have been completely severed, and all polythene-producing factories have been closed. New programmes for the Department of Environment (DoE) have been approved, along with initiatives to construct 37 of its own office buildings.

For hill conservation, the list of recorded hills from 16 districts has been entered into an online database, with monitoring activities in progress.

Under the Climate Change Trust Fund, 41 projects worth Taka 3.51 billion (351 crore) have been approved, and the Bangladesh Climate Development Partnership has been finalised.

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Water enter the homes of St Martin's island damaged by Cyclone Mocha Sazid Hossain

Highlighting the activities of the ministry, the press release revealed that significant progress has been made in forest and wildlife conservation. A total of 10,322 acres of forest land allocated for various purposes in Cox’s Bazar and Sonadia have been reclaimed.

In Purbachal, 144 acres have been declared as a special biodiversity area. Over the past year, 5,093 acres of encroached forest land have been recovered and reforested.

The production and plantation of eucalyptus and acacia saplings have been banned, and special initiatives have been launched to restore the Madhupur Sal forest. Restoration work in Chunati and Sherpur forests is also underway to create elephant corridors and enhance biodiversity.

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Saint Martin's Island BSS

In wildlife conservation, 159 Elephant Response Teams (ERTs) have been formed to mitigate human-elephant conflict; initiatives have been taken to reintroduce the extinct native peacock; endangered species are being protected; wetlands have been declared as sanctuaries; and 293 wildlife crime control operations have rescued 5,684 animals.

Plastic use and picnics have been banned in national parks and eco-parks. Work is also ongoing to modernise the Wildlife Act and formulate new laws, rules, and guidelines.

These initiatives of the ministry have set a new benchmark for protecting the nation’s environment and nature, making a significant contribution towards building a climate-resilient and sustainable Bangladesh, the press release said.​
 
St. Martin's Island's geopolitical importance stems from its strategic location in the Bay of Bengal, which has become a focal point of increasing great power competition. Its proximity to major shipping lanes and Bangladesh's mainland, as well as its location near Myanmar, makes it a point of interest for various actors. The island's potential vulnerability, coupled with its strategic location, has led to concerns about its role in regional power dynamics.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
  • Strategic Location:
    The island is situated in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, roughly 9 km south of Teknaf, Bangladesh, and 8 km west of Myanmar. This location provides a commanding view of the Bay and its surrounding areas, making it a valuable asset for surveillance and potential naval operations.

  • Great Power Competition:
    The Bay of Bengal is experiencing increased attention from major powers, particularly China, due to its strategic importance for maritime trade and security. China's growing influence in the region, through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, has raised concerns among other nations, including India and the United States.

  • Security Concerns:
    The island's vulnerability to external influence, coupled with its proximity to Myanmar, has raised concerns about potential security threats. There have been claims that the US is interested in bringing Bangladesh and St. Martin's Island into the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).

  • Regional Stability:
    St. Martin's Island's potential as a site for power projection and its susceptibility to external influences could destabilize the region. The island's future hinges on how Bangladesh navigates the complex geopolitical landscape and manages its relationships with various regional and global actors.
 

St. Martin’s Island: A strategic jewel in the Bay of Bengal – Explained
The Bay of Bengal is increasingly becoming a strategic hotspot due to the rising influence of China in the region.

Written by Huma Siddiqui
August 12, 2024 15:10 IST

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The island is only 3 km square in area, in the northeastern part of Bay of Bengal. It located about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Tankaf pensinsula. (Representational Image/AP)

St. Martin’s Island, located at the southeastern tip of Bangladesh, is a small coral island that plays a significant role in the geopolitics of South Asia. Despite its modest size of about 8 square kilometers, the island’s strategic importance has made it a point of interest for regional and global powers, particularly in the context of the broader competition in the Indian Ocean.

Geographical and Strategic Significance

St. Martin’s Island is situated in the Bay of Bengal, close to the border between Bangladesh and Myanmar. The island’s location makes it a vital outpost for controlling maritime traffic and monitoring activities in the Bay of Bengal. This region is critical for several reasons: it lies near vital sea lanes that are essential for global trade, it is rich in natural resources, and it serves as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, making it a key area for naval operations and strategic dominance.

The Bay of Bengal is increasingly becoming a strategic hotspot due to the rising influence of China in the region. As China expands its naval presence in the Indian Ocean, other powers, including the United States and India, are keen to monitor and counterbalance this influence. Control over St. Martin’s Island would provide any nation with a significant advantage in maintaining surveillance over the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indian Ocean region.

Historical Context

St. Martin’s Island has been a subject of geopolitical interest for decades. During the 1960s, when Bangladesh was still East Pakistan, the island was leased to the United States by the then-military dictator, General Ayub Khan, for the construction of a military base aimed at countering Indian influence in the region. This plan, however, was shelved after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971.

In the 1980s, the island again became a topic of contention when the Bangladeshi government firmly declared that no foreign military bases would be allowed on its territory, including St. Martin’s Island. This stance reflected the island’s perceived importance in maintaining national sovereignty and regional security.

Modern Geopolitical Dynamics

In recent years, St. Martin’s Island has resurfaced as a strategic asset in the geopolitics of the region. The United States, keen on countering China’s growing influence, sees the island as a potential site for establishing a military presence in the Bay of Bengal. Such a move would enable the US to monitor Chinese naval activities closely and assert its influence in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.

This has led to increased tensions, with various stakeholders, including Bangladesh’s political leadership, being drawn into the broader strategic competition between global powers. The island’s strategic location means that it is likely to remain a focal point in the regional power dynamics for the foreseeable future.

Bottomline

St. Martin’s Island, though small in size, holds immense strategic value in the Bay of Bengal. Its location at the intersection of key maritime routes and near resource-rich waters makes it a critical asset in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. As global powers like the United States and China continue to vie for influence in the Indian Ocean, St. Martin’s Island will likely remain a significant point.​
 

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Geostrategic Importance of St Martin's Island amid Bangladesh crisis

Harshad ShahHarshad Shah
Harshad Shah
Chartered Accountant
Published Aug 13, 2024

Geography: St. Martin's Island, located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, holds significant geostrategic importance for Bangladesh, particularly amid the country's ongoing political and regional challenges. As Bangladesh's only coral island, St. Martin's is not just a natural treasure but also a critical asset in the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

Geographical and Strategic Significance: St. Martin’s Island is strategically situated close to the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar, making it a vital outpost for controlling and monitoring activities in the Bay of Bengal. The island's proximity to crucial sea lanes essential for global trade, coupled with its location near resource-rich waters, enhances its importance. The Bay of Bengal serves as a gateway to the Indian Ocean, an area of growing strategic interest due to the increasing influence of China and other global powers.

Modern Geopolitical Dynamics: St. Martin’s Island

In recent years, St. Martin’s Island has emerged as a significant strategic asset in regional geopolitics. The United States, in its efforts to counter China's expanding influence in the Indian Ocean, reportedly views the island as a potential location for establishing a military presence. Control over St. Martin’s Island would grant any nation the ability to maintain surveillance over the Bay of Bengal and the broader Indian Ocean, offering a strategic advantage in the region.

This potential interest from the US has led to heightened tensions within Bangladesh, particularly amidst ongoing political unrest and accusations that the US is pressuring Bangladesh's leadership to allow military access to the island. These concerns were further exacerbated by statements from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who suggested that there were attempts to undermine Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island.

The US, China, and Regional Power Dynamics: St. Martin's Island's geostrategic significance is further highlighted by the broader regional power dynamics, especially the rivalry between the US and China. As China seeks to expand its influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, the US is eager to counterbalance this through strategic partnerships and potential military installations in key locations like St. Martin’s Island. This situation places Bangladesh in a delicate position, requiring it to carefully navigate its relationships with both superpowers while maintaining its sovereignty.

What Could the US Gain from Acquiring St. Martin's Island?

The United States’ interest in St. Martin’s Island is perceived by some as part of a broader strategy to counter China’s influence in South Asia. The US has reportedly suggested that Bangladesh join the Quad alliance, and there have been unconfirmed reports that Washington proposed leasing the island for a military base.

However, these claims have been met with skepticism, with the US State Department repeatedly denying any intentions to acquire the island. “We value our partnership with Bangladesh,” a State Department spokesperson emphasized, adding that the US remains committed to supporting democracy and free elections in the country.

The potential acquisition of St. Martin’s Island by the US has also raised concerns among Bangladesh’s neighbors, particularly India and China. A US military presence on the island could serve as a counterbalance to Chinese ambitions in the region, especially given China’s ongoing investments in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through Bangladesh and Myanmar.

St. Martin’s Island holds significant strategic value, primarily due to its location near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. A military base on the island would provide any country with unparalleled oversight of the Bay of Bengal, including surveillance of Chinese investments and activities around the Strait of Malacca.

The island’s location also allows for potential monitoring of trade and military activities in the region, making it a highly coveted asset for global powers like the United States.

While the United States has denied any plans to acquire the island, the geopolitical significance of St. Martin’s cannot be understated.

Conclusion: St. Martin’s Island is not merely a small coral island; it is a strategic jewel in the Bay of Bengal with significant implications for regional and global geopolitics. As Bangladesh continues to face internal and external pressures, the island's geostrategic importance will likely keep it at the center of political and diplomatic discussions. Its location, coupled with the interests of major powers like the US and China, ensures that St. Martin’s Island will remain a focal point in the geopolitics of South Asia for the foreseeable future.​
 

Saint Martin’s Island: A Strategic Gem in the Bay Of Bengal
by Air Marshal Anil Khosla April 14, 2025

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Nestled in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, Saint Martin’s Island, known locally as Narikel Jinjira or Daruchini Dwip, is a small coral island spanning just three square kilometers. This unassuming landmass holds outsized geopolitical significance, located approximately nine kilometers south of Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula and eight kilometers west of Myanmar’s northwest coast. Despite its modest size and population of around 3,700, the island’s strategic location near critical maritime routes and its proximity to the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime border have drawn the attention of regional and global powers, including the United States, China, India, and others.

Historical Context and Sovereignty

Saint Martin’s Island has a rich history intertwined with regional geopolitics. Millennia ago, it was an extension of the Teknaf peninsula, but rising sea levels submerged parts of the land, creating the island as it exists today. Named after Saint Martin by British colonial authorities in the 19th century, it was previously called Jazira by Arabian merchants who settled there in the 18th century. The island became part of British India in 1900, Pakistan after the 1947 partition, and Bangladesh following its independence in 1971. A 1974 agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar, later affirmed by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in 2012, solidified Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island, despite occasional tensions with Myanmar over maritime boundaries.

The island’s economy is modest, primarily driven by fishing, rice cultivation, coconut farming, and seaweed harvesting. Tourism is gaining traction due to its pristine beaches and coral reefs. However, its strategic value far outweighs its economic contributions, making it a focal point in South Asian geopolitics.

Strategic Location in the Bay of Bengal

Saint Martin’s Island’s location is its most defining asset. Situated near the mouth of the Naf River and close to the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar, it lies at the crossroads of vital sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal. The bay is a critical maritime zone connecting the Indian Ocean with Southeast Asia and serving as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific. It hosts some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, including those passing through the Strait of Malacca, a chokepoint for global trade, particularly for energy supplies. Control over Saint Martin’s Island offers a vantage point for monitoring maritime traffic, conducting surveillance, and projecting naval power in this strategically significant region.

The island’s proximity to the Matarbari Deepsea Port, currently under development in Bangladesh with Japanese investment, further amplifies its importance. The port is set to enhance Bangladesh’s role in regional trade, and Saint Martin’s Island could serve as a complementary outpost for securing maritime routes. Additionally, the island falls within Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), granting access to marine resources like fish, oil, and gas, which adds an economic dimension to its strategic value.

Environmental and Economic Significance

Beyond its geopolitical role, Saint Martin’s Island is an ecologically sensitive area. As Bangladesh’s only coral island, it supports diverse marine life, including coral reefs, sea turtles, and various fish species. However, environmental degradation poses a threat—studies estimate that 70% of its coral reefs were lost between 1980 and 2018 due to anthropogenic factors like overfishing and pollution. Conservation efforts are critical to preserving this biodiversity, which also underpins the island’s tourism potential and fishing-based economy.

Tourism is a growing sector, with the island attracting visitors for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. However, a nine-month tourist restriction starting February 1, 2025, has been imposed to address environmental concerns and regional tensions, particularly with Myanmar. The island’s isolation during the rainy season, when rough seas cut off access to the mainland, underscores its vulnerability and strategic significance as a self-contained outpost.

Interests of World Powers

The Bay of Bengal has emerged as a theater of great power competition, and Saint Martin’s Island is a pawn in this geopolitical chessboard. The interests of major powers—particularly the United States, China, and India—stem from the region’s growing importance in global trade and security.

United States. The United States views the Bay of Bengal as a critical component of its Indo-Pacific Strategy, aimed at countering China’s growing influence. Allegations by former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 suggested that the U.S. sought control over Saint Martin’s Island to establish a military base or airbase, a claim denied by Washington. Such a presence would allow the U.S. to monitor Chinese naval activities, secure shipping lanes, and strengthen its strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. The island’s proximity to the Strait of Malacca makes it an ideal site for surveillance and power projection. While the U.S. has officially dismissed these claims, the island’s strategic value aligns with its broader objectives, including partnerships like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) with India, Japan, and Australia.

China. China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, driven by its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has heightened its interest in the Bay of Bengal. Beijing has invested heavily in regional infrastructure, including Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar port and a submarine base near Dhaka. Saint Martin’s Island could be a strategic foothold for China to monitor maritime routes and counter U.S. and Indian influence. Reports of Chinese intelligence facilities on Myanmar’s Coco Island, near the Strait of Malacca, underscore Beijing’s ambitions in the region. Control over Saint Martin’s Island would enhance China’s ability to project power and secure its energy imports, which rely heavily on these sea lanes.

India. As a regional power, India is vested in maintaining influence over the Bay of Bengal, which it considers part of its strategic backyard. Saint Martin’s Island’s proximity to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a key military outpost, makes it a concern. India is wary of foreign powers—particularly China or the U.S.—establishing a presence on the island, which could undermine its regional dominance. New Delhi has supported Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island and provided economic and military assistance to counterbalance Chinese influence. Any foreign control over Saint Martin’s Island could serve as a “checkpoint” for India’s maritime activities, heightening tensions.

Other Actors. Myanmar’s proximity to Saint Martin’s Island has led to occasional tensions, including cross-border firing and disputes over maritime boundaries. The ongoing conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, involving the Arakan Army, has spilled over into the island’s waters, raising security concerns for Bangladesh. Japan’s investment in the Matarbari port also reflects its interest in the region’s economic potential, which is indirectly tied to the island’s strategic location.

Geopolitical Tensions and Allegations. Saint Martin’s Island has been at the center of political controversies in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 claims that her ouster was linked to U.S. pressure over the island sparked widespread debate. She alleged that foreign powers sought to lease or control the island, a narrative her son later disputed. These accusations reflect the island’s role as a lightning rod for sovereignty, foreign influence, and regional security discussions.

Conclusion

Saint Martin’s Island may be small, but its strategic location in the Bay of Bengal makes it a coveted prize for world powers. Its proximity to vital maritime routes, economic potential, and environmental significance amplify its importance in a region of great power competition. The United States, China, and India, among others, recognise the island’s value as a potential outpost for surveillance, power projection, and securing trade routes. For Bangladesh, maintaining sovereignty over Saint Martin’s Island is a matter of national pride and a strategic necessity. As geopolitical tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, this tiny coral gem will likely remain a focal point of intrigue and contestation, underscoring the complex interplay of power, sovereignty, and strategy in the modern world.

References:-

Online Research Foundation (ORF), Article: “St. Martin’s Island: A new flashpoint in the Bay of Bengal?” August 21, 2024.


The Financial Express, “St. Martin’s Island: A strategic jewel in the Bay of Bengal – Explained”, August 12, 2024.


India Today, “All about St Martin’s Island, its geopolitical importance amid Bangladesh crisis”, August 11, 2024.


Business Today, “The island that toppled a government: Was Sheikh Hasina ousted over this tiny coral gem in the Bay of Bengal?” August 12, 2024.


ETV Bharat, “Explained | Hasina And The Geostrategic Importance Of St Martin Island In Bangladesh”, August 11, 2024.


Firstpost, “Bangladesh crisis: What could the US gain from acquiring St. Martin’s Island?” August 11, 2024.


The Indian Express, “What is Bangladesh’s St Martin’s Island, under spotlight after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation?”, August 15, 2024.


Moneycontrol, “St Martin’s in Bangladesh: Did this island lead to Sheikh Hasina’s downfall?” August 11, 2024
ABP Live, “St Martin’s Island: Why This Tiny Island In Bangladesh Is Under Spotlight After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster”, August 11, 2024.


The Business Standard, “Bangladesh strategically vital in Indo-Pacific”, February 28, 2022


Eurasia Review, “Bangladesh’s Balancing Politics with Big Powers in Strategic Bay Of Bengal – OpEd”, December 28, 2021


War on the Rocks, “The Bay of Bengal Could Be the Key to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, June 17, 2022​
 

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