<h4>Recent Controversy and Geopolitical Context</h4><p>Recently, <strong>St. Martin’s Island</strong> garnered significant attention following the resignation of former <strong>Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina</strong>. A controversy arose concerning the potential <strong>lease of the island to another nation</strong>, highlighting its geopolitical sensitivity.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>UPSC often asks about geographically significant locations and their geopolitical implications. Understanding such controversies is crucial for <strong>GS Paper II (International Relations)</strong>.</p></div><h4>Geographical Location</h4><p><strong>St. Martin’s Island</strong> is strategically situated in the <strong>northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal</strong>. Its location is notably close to the maritime border shared by <strong>Bangladesh</strong> and <strong>Myanmar</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Distance from Mainland:</strong> Approximately <strong>nine kilometres</strong> (about 5.6 miles) from the southern tip of Bangladesh’s <strong>Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf peninsula</strong>.</li><li><strong>Coordinates:</strong> Positioned at a critical juncture in the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong>.</li></ul></div><h4>Physical Characteristics</h4><p>The island possesses distinct physical features that contribute to its unique environment and vulnerability.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Length:</strong> The island stretches approximately <strong>7.3 kilometres</strong> (about 4.5 miles).</li><li><strong>Elevation:</strong> It stands at an average elevation of <strong>3.6 metres</strong> (about 11.8 feet) above the mean sea level, making it susceptible to rising sea levels.</li></ul></div><h4>Ecological Importance</h4><p>Beyond its geographical position, <strong>St. Martin’s Island</strong> holds immense ecological value, making it a vital natural heritage site for Bangladesh.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>It is uniquely recognized as <strong>Bangladesh’s only coral island</strong>. This distinction underscores its ecological fragility and biodiversity.</p></div><p>The island also serves as a crucial natural habitat and a significant <strong>breeding ground for sea turtles</strong>. This highlights its role in marine biodiversity conservation.</p>