The businesses of St Martin's Island have urged the government to extend the permission for tourists travelling to and night spending on the island until February.

Under the banner, "Saint Martin's Island Environment and Tourism Protection-Development Alliance", the businesses made the demand at a press conference organised at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium at Paltan today.

They said although tourists have been able to visit the island since December, many are facing various obstacles with travel passes.

The month of Ramadan will begin in March and hence, February is the best time to travel.

If tourists are barred during this time, the businesses will suffer great losses, they said.

Chairman of the platform Shiblul Azam Qureshi, said, "Despite strong objections from students, locals, daily wage earners, fishermen, young entrepreneurs, tourism businessmen, transport businessmen, hotel and resort owners, the government has taken the 'suicidal decision' to ban travel to St Martin's and limit overnight stays."

As a result, thousands of people have already become unemployed, he said.

"Residents are worried about their lives and livelihoods. There is financial crisis and job shortage" he added.

St Martin's cruise ship owners, Atlantic Ship Managing Director Nazrul Islam, owner of Tilottama Eco Resort and local environmentalist Javed Rahman, representative of Keary Sindabad Ship Sarwar Hossain, among others, spoke at the press conference.