Dhaka, March 4 -- Saint Martin's Island, now free of tourists, is witnessing the revival of its natural beauty. Large marine leeches are appearing on the beaches, the number of shells and snails is increasing, and coastal mangrove trees and screw pines are thriving. Birds are flying near the shore, red crabs are seen scuttling around, and the seawater has turned crystal-clear blue.

According to reports, since the government imposed a ban on tourist visits starting February 1, only island residents remain on Saint Martin's. This has allowed the natural ecosystem to flourish-mangroves and screw pines are sprouting around the beach, snails and shells are scattered across the sandy shores, and red crabs have returned.

Large marine leeches h...