Approximately 10,000 residents of Saint Martin's Island of Bangladesh are facing a severe shortage of food and essential supplies due to the island's closure over the past six days. The suspension of ferry services has left the island cut off from the mainland, exacerbating the crisis.

The shutdown comes in the wake of escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, which has seen increased conflict recently. Gunfire struck two Bangladeshi vessels on the Teknaf-Saint Martin’s route, leading to the halt of water transportation, as confirmed by Mohammad Adnan Chowdhury, the Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

While it remains unclear whether the gunfire originated from Myanmar border guards or rebel groups, the incident has paralyzed essential supply routes. Locals report that food stores are running low, and some traders are exploiting the situation by inflating prices.

“We are unable to bring essential food items from Teknaf,” said Mohammad Islam, a local grocer. “Rice is the only available food, and if this continues, starvation will be inevitable.”

Mujibur Rahman, chairman of Saint Martin's Union Parishad, warned of a potential major food crisis if the situation persists. The closure of the Teknaf-Saint Martin route due to cross-border shooting has prevented the transport of vital supplies to the island.

Abdur Rashid, president of Saint Martin's Boat Owners Association, noted that recent gunfire incidents have deterred people from traveling by boat. “There is no alternative route to Saint Martin’s except the one currently closed,” he said.

The crisis intensified on June 8, when a cargo trawler traveling from Teknaf to Saint Martin’s was shot at from the Myanmar border in the Naf River. Just days earlier, on June 5, a boat carrying election materials and officials returning from the island was similarly targeted, resulting in damage to the vessel.

Local authorities and residents are urging for swift action to resolve the transportation issues and restore the supply of essential goods to prevent a worsening food shortage on the island.

BOB Post