Valuables of artist Kalidas stolen at St Martin's island
Thieves early yesterday looted valuables from the country's renowned artist Kalidas Karmakar at St Martin's Island here.
Kalidas arrived at the island on Thursday to select site for an art camp to be organised by Gallery Cosmos. He was staying inside a tent at a private complex at Dakkhinpara. While Kalidas was asleep, the thieves sneaked into his tent at about 2:00am and took away his camera, mobile phone set, telescope and ipod.
Being informed, St Martin police outpost in-charge Sub-Inspector (SI) Amirul visited the spot.
Contacted, Cox's Bazar superintendent of police (SP) M Sakhawat Hossain said he has directed police to take immediate action.
About 2,500 local and foreign tourists visit the lone coral island of the country daily to enjoy its panoramic beauty and pristine marine life.
Most often they fall victims of snatching and theft for lack of adequate security measures thereby tarnishing the image of the county and hampering the emerging eco-tourism sector.
Because of lack of adequate manpower, police, Navy and coastguard personnel are unable to ensure the safety and security of the tourists.
Although a decision was taken to deploy tourist police at St Martin's Island to ensure safety and security of tourists and protect the tourism sites, it is yet to be materialised.
Contacted, Cox's Bazar SP said, a total of 77 police personnel were supposed to serve as tourist police in the district under command of an assistant superintendent of police (ASP). But, only 28 tourist police started functioning at Saikat police outpost in the district. Remaining tourist police personnel will be deployed at St Martin's Island and Sonadia Island in phases, he said.
Sources in tourist industry suggested for immediate introduction of tourist police or beach guard at St Martin's Island and motivation among locals for boosting country's tourism sector.
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