Altaf Parvez
St. Martin’s Island, also known locally as Jazeera, is a remote island belonging to Bangladesh but situated at a significant distance from both Bangladesh and Myanmar’s mainland. Concerns have recently surfaced about the safety and sovereignty of this island. Addressing such concerns requires careful investigation and responsibility, but few have shown patience for this, leading to misinformation and misplaced anxieties on social media.
There are two maritime routes from Cox’s Bazar to St. Martin’s Island. One is rough and perilous, facing large waves, while the other is relatively calm, passing through the Naf River. The latter is the preferred route; however, it has faced navigability issues for a long time. As a result, Bangladeshi vessels have been navigating through approximately three kilometers of Myanmar’s waters. Despite repeatedly informing the authorities responsible for maintaining the river’s navigability, the issue remains unresolved, and no buoys have been present for months.
Meanwhile, the civil war in Rakhine has intensified and reached the Naf River, with sporadic bombing and clashes extending to the river. Both the Tatmadaw’s warships and the Arakan Army’s speedboats have been involved in these conflicts. As a result, the Tatmadaw or Arakan Army targets Bangladeshi vessels as they approach the Myanmar border, mistaking them for enemy vessels.
This situation has been ongoing for some time, escalating notably after the last election. Solutions could include addressing the navigability crisis and collaborating with both the Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army to stop the gunfire. Bangladesh has recently received nearly seven hundred defected Tatmadaw soldiers, providing leverage for negotiations. There are also opportunities to negotiate with the Arakan Army using various methods.
The question is whether Bangladesh will take these initiatives, and who will accept responsibility. Sovereignty implies responsibility, and the safety of St. Martin’s Island falls under this purview.
Even if the gunfire stops, the ultimate solution lies in addressing the navigability of the Naf River. We should install buoys and other measures to enhance vessel safety. Otherwise, the longer and more expensive route to St. Martin’s will force vessel operators to increase transportation costs for passengers and goods.
Therefore, before criticizing the Rakhine or Burmese, St. Martin’s Island’s “owners” must understand their responsibilities and act accordingly.
Altaf Parvez- Bangladeshi Researcher
