After the allegations leveled by Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina against the US over the St. Martin Island, a landmass of just 3 kilometres surrounded by the sea has become a topic of discussion in the world. People want to know why this small island is so important, that refusing to give it away forced a powerful country like the US to cause political upheaval in Bangladesh.
very important waterway
St. Martin’s Island is easily accessible from any sea route in the world. From a strategic point of view, the Bay of Bengal and the entire surrounding sea area can be easily monitored from this island. The Bay of Bengal acts as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. This region is very convenient in establishing relations with countries around the world through trade routes.
center of balance of power
St. Martin Island is a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. In case of a sudden war in the Asian continent, it will be easy to establish contact with this region. This island is also very close to India and China. America will be able to keep an eye on two big economic powers like India and China through this island. It will also be able to control trade in this entire region. It will also be able to stop China’s expansionist policy from here.
– America wants to build an air base on this island, which will enable it to establish its dominance in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
The island is important for many reasons including biodiversity, environment, tourism.
History of the Island of Saint Martin
St. Martin’s Island is a small island in the northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal. It is about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf Peninsula. It is the southernmost tip of Bangladesh. Thousands of years ago, this island was part of the Teknaf Peninsula. Due to some parts of the Teknaf Peninsula being submerged, its southernmost part got separated from the mainland of Bangladesh and became an island.
– This island was first settled by Arab traders in the 18th century. They named it ‘Jazeera’.
-During British rule the island was named St. Martin’s Island after the then Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong.
– Local people call this island ‘Narikel Jinjira’ in Bengali language, which means ‘Coconut Island’ in English.
– This is the only coral island of Bangladesh.
what did sheikh hasina say
In a letter published on Sunday, Hasina accused the US of plotting to remove her after she refused to give up sovereignty of the strategic island of St Martin. “If I had surrendered the sovereignty of the island of St Martin and allowed the US to dominate the Bay of Bengal, I could have remained in power,” the letter, accessed by The Economic Times, reads.
