Recent discussions surrounding the potential establishment of a US military base on Saint Martin’s Island have sparked debates both within Bangladesh and on the international stage.
However, no official statement or credible source has confirmed these claims.
Situated in the northeastern Bay of Bengal, Saint Martin’s Island is Bangladesh’s only coral island, spanning approximately 8 square kilometres.
Located about 9 kilometres south of Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, and fragile coral reef ecosystem.
The island serves as a critical habitat for endangered marine species, including sea turtles, diverse fish populations, and seabirds.
Its approximately 7,000 residents rely primarily on fishing and tourism for their livelihoods.
As an environmentally fragile region, Saint Martin’s Island is already facing threats from climate change, overfishing, and unregulated tourism.
The island’s coral reefs, which serve as a natural defense against coastal erosion and storm surges, are under increasing stress.
The introduction of large-scale infrastructure projects, such as a military base, could further amplify these threats, leading to irreversible ecological damage.
Environmental and climate risks
If a US military base were to be established on Saint Martin’s Island, it would pose significant environmental risks.
Construction activities, dredging, and underwater infrastructure development could severely damage the coral reefs, leading to habitat loss for marine species.
Pollution from oil spills, heavy metals, and chemical waste from naval operations would degrade water quality and disrupt the food chain.
Increased naval traffic and sonar technology could interfere with marine mammals’ migration patterns, while noise pollution could disorient dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.
Military bases have high energy consumption, relying on fossil fuels and producing significant carbon emissions.
These factors could increase the island’s carbon footprint, exacerbating global warming and sea-level rise.
Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to the island’s low-lying landscape.
The construction of airstrips, barracks, and ports would require clearing coastal vegetation and reducing natural defences against erosion and storm surges.
Water contamination from fuel leakage and hazardous waste disposal could also create a severe freshwater crisis for residents.
The impact of climate change on small islands like Saint Martin’s is already alarming.
The combination of rising temperatures and increased frequency of extreme weather events could accelerate coral bleaching.
Furthermore, ocean acidification, driven by increased carbon dioxide absorption, weakens coral skeletons, making them more susceptible to damage.
A military base’s operations would likely accelerate these environmental threats, intensifying the loss of biodiversity.
Socio-economic consequences
Saint Martin’s Island’s economy is heavily dependent on fishing and tourism.
A military base could disrupt these industries by restricting access to fishing areas, imposing security zones, and limiting tourism activities.
Many local businesses, including small hotels, restaurants, and boat services, could face financial losses.
Additionally, the displacement of local communities due to land acquisition or environmental degradation could lead to socio-economic instability.
Fishermen rely on unhindered access to the sea for their livelihood.
Any restrictions due to security concerns could force them to venture further into deeper waters, increasing operational costs and risks.
Moreover, fish populations may decline due to disruptions in their habitat, further impacting local incomes.
With declining fish stocks and tourism revenues, the island’s economy would suffer, forcing many residents to migrate to the mainland in search of alternative employment.
Tourism is another key economic driver, with thousands visiting Saint Martin’s Island each year to experience its natural beauty.
However, a military base presence could lead to reduced tourist activity due to heightened security measures and potential environmental degradation.
The loss of tourism revenue would not only impact local businesses but also reduce government income from tourism-related activities, leading to economic downturns in the region.
The island is highly vulnerable to cyclones and rising sea levels.
Heavy military infrastructure could disrupt natural drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding and environmental contamination.
Environmental case studies from other military bases
Environmental concerns remain one of the most pressing risks.
Looking at global case studies, similar islands that have hosted military bases have suffered irreversible damage.
Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean saw the forced displacement of its indigenous population, severe marine pollution, and ecosystem degradation due to military activities.
In Guam and Okinawa, deforestation, habitat destruction, and water contamination have had long-term consequences.
Saint Martin’s, being an ecologically fragile coral island, would be highly vulnerable to similar impacts.
The construction of military infrastructure could accelerate coral bleaching, disrupt marine life, and increase pollution, affecting both biodiversity and the livelihoods of the island’s 7,000 residents.
The risks of oil spills, heavy metal contamination, and sonar technology interference with marine mammals further highlight the ecological threats.
Bangladesh’s military and strategic considerations
Bangladesh’s existing military and strategic framework makes foreign bases unnecessary.
Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard have steadily expanded their capabilities under Forces Goal 2030, acquiring modern vessels and enhancing maritime surveillance.
Strengthening these indigenous capacities would be a more sustainable approach to securing the Bay of Bengal rather than relying on foreign military installations.
Enhanced regional cooperation, joint exercises, and improved naval monitoring could effectively address security concerns without compromising sovereignty.
Alternative development models
Rather than pursuing militarisation, a more viable development strategy for Saint Martin’s Island would focus on sustainable conservation efforts.
Many ecologically sensitive regions worldwide have benefited from eco-tourism and marine conservation initiatives rather than industrial or military development.
Restricting mass tourism and implementing high-value, low-impact models could help protect the island’s fragile ecosystem while maintaining economic benefits for local communities.
Establishing a marine protected area, akin to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia, could regulate fishing and human activities, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Additionally, community-based fisheries management could provide alternative livelihoods for residents, reducing pressure on marine resources while maintaining economic stability.
Need cautious approach
Though reports of a US base remain unverified, the potential risks are significant.
Given Saint Martin’s ecological fragility, large-scale development could prove disastrous.
Bangladesh must prioritise environmental sustainability, community welfare, and regional stability in its security strategies, ensuring that defence measures align with long-term national interests.
Protecting Saint Martin’s from environmental destruction should remain a top priority.
The writer is a journalist
