Saint Martin’s Island is a small yet geopolitically significant coral island located in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. Covering an area of merely 3 square kilometers, it lies approximately 9 kilometers south of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula in Bangladesh and about 8 kilometers west of the Myanmar coast at the mouth of the Naf River.
This island is the southernmost part of Bangladesh, adjacent to Myanmar, and serves as a crucial fishing hub for its approximately 7,000 residents. It is often referred to by other names, including Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) and Daruchini Dwip (Cinnamon Island).
Historically, Saint Martin’s Island was part of the Teknaf peninsula. It became an independent landmass over time. The island was included within British India in 1900 and became part of Bangladesh following its independence in 1971. Its ownership was formally recognized as Bangladeshi territory in a 1974 agreement with Myanmar.
Saint Martin’s Island has been at the center of territorial disputes between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Due to its strategic location, tensions have arisen concerning the delimitation of maritime boundaries. In 2012, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) affirmed Bangladesh’s sovereignty over the island, granting the nation a 12-mile territorial sea around Saint Martin’s.
Strategically located near the Bay of Bengal, the island holds significant geopolitical importance for international powers, including the United States and China. There have been allegations regarding U.S. interest in establishing a military base on the island, although these claims have been officially denied.
Currently, Saint Martin’s Island remains a focal point in Bangladesh’s political landscape, particularly regarding its sovereignty and potential implications in regional power dynamics. Unplanned tourism and construction activities pose threats to the island’s biodiversity, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.
In conclusion, Saint Martin’s Island is not just a natural treasure but also a vital asset for Bangladesh, given its rich resources and strategic position in the Bay of Bengal.
Q1. What is the geographical significance of Saint Martin’s Island?
Answer: Saint Martin’s Island is strategically located at the northeastern Bay of Bengal, making it a crucial fishing hub and a point of territorial disputes between Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Q2. How did Saint Martin’s Island become part of Bangladesh?
Answer: The island was included as part of British India in 1900 and became part of Bangladesh after its independence in 1971, with formal recognition of its territory in a 1974 agreement with Myanmar.
Q3. What maritime disputes are associated with Saint Martin’s Island?
Answer: The island has faced territorial disputes between Bangladesh and Myanmar, particularly concerning maritime boundaries, which were affirmed in Bangladesh's favor by ITLOS in 2012.
Q4. Why is the island considered geopolitically important?
Answer: Its proximity to major powers in the region makes it strategically important, with interests from countries like the U.S. and China potentially influencing regional dynamics.
Q5. What are the recent challenges faced by Saint Martin’s Island?
Answer: The island faces challenges from unplanned tourism and construction, threatening its biodiversity and raising concerns about its environmental sustainability.
Question 1: What is the area of Saint Martin's Island?
A) 1 square kilometer
B) 3 square kilometers
C) 5 square kilometers
D) 10 square kilometers
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which tribunal affirmed Bangladesh's sovereignty over Saint Martin's Island in 2012?
A) ICJ
B) ITLOS
C) ICC
D) WTO
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the alternative name for Saint Martin's Island?
A) Coconut Island
B) Coral Island
C) Spice Island
D) Pearl Island
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: In which year did Saint Martin's Island officially become part of Bangladesh?
A) 1900
B) 1971
C) 1974
D) 1980
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Which country has shown interest in establishing a military presence on Saint Martin's Island?
A) India
B) China
C) United States
D) Japan
Correct Answer: C
Question 6: What significant environmental issue does Saint Martin's Island currently face?
A) Deforestation
B) Unplanned tourism
C) Urbanization
D) Overfishing
Correct Answer: B
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