In 1999, the forest department had declared St Martin's Island, the country's only coral reef island, as an ecologically important area (ECA) to prevent sale of land and haphazard erection of structures, as well as to protect its biodiversity. The environment ministry on January 4, 2021 declared an area of 1,743 sq km adjoining St Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal as a marine protected area under the Wildlife (Protection and Protection) Act.
In this regard, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Teknaf Upazila Syed Shaffat Ali said that a gazette was issued by the Prime Minister's Office on the mega scheme of Cox's Bazar. Since then, permission of the district administration is required to sell and buy land in eight mauzas including St. Martin Island of Teknaf Upazila. However, he is not aware whether any permission was taken before Benazir Ahmed bought the land.
Prothom Alo could not contact Benazir Ahmed or her family members for comment. They were also not available on phone and questions sent via mobile phone, WhatsApp and email went unanswered.