US plans to build ‘resorts’ on St Martin Island, Bangladesh

President of the United States Donald Trump and Chief Advisor of the Government of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus

New York (US) – The US is planning to build a resort on Bangladesh’s St. Martin Island. Recently Bangladesh’s Interim Government’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunnus visited New York and met US President Donald Trump.  In this meeting they discussed St. Martin Island. Yunus also met Trump’s special advisor for Asian affairs, Sergio Gor. During that meeting, too, they discussed developing the island into a resort project for the United States. It is being said that Bangladesh will through an agreement give US St. Martin Island on lease for 99 years.

St. Martin Island which is about 9 sq km, is about 8 km from mainland Bangladesh. It has a population of 3,500. The Malacca Strait is to the south of the island. All cargo ships going to South Asia and China go through the Malacca Strait. About 30% of the world cargo movement goes through the Malacca Strait. Trump plans to increase American presence there by building a resort on St. Martin Island.

Editorial Perspective

For the past few years the US has had a tactical eye on Bangladesh’s ‘St Martin’ island. Sheikh Hasina had refused to hand over the island to the US, it is certain now that her government was removed as it foiled the US plans. It should not be surprising if increase in the US Army presence is seen here under the guise of ‘Resorts’.