Bhola and Monpura: two Island [ভোলা ও মনপুরা]

Bhola and Monpura: two Island [ভোলা ও মনপুরা]

Monpura is a well known name in Bangladesh after releasing a movie as same name directed by Gias uddin selim. Actually, Monpura is one of the beautiful islands in Bangladesh.

Bhola is the biggest island in Bangladesh. It's situated the most south parts in Bangladesh. The 20 charlands in the 350-square kilometre island on the Meghna near the Bay of Bengal are now green spots surrounded by sea, presenting a rare beauty not seen in any other southern region of the country. The main land of Bhola is created by the river Meghna's poli. The interesting thing is a journey in the Island; Varieties of wild life with green forests are an enchanting scene never to be forgotten.

The past name of Bhola was shahbazpur. Bhola have a small island also what name is monpura under charfashion thana it's totally full of forest under forestry. The main attractions of monpura are chitra Horin [Deer], Monkey, python & lots of various types of Birds. The greens created  by the Forest Department  about a decade ago and the natural beauty has turned coastal Monpura inland in Bhola into an attractive tourist spot. Animals were also released at same period. During winter, thousands of migratory birds visit the islands. The significantly exclusive feature of Island is one can see both sunrise and sunset from some of its locations. 

This Island has different historical importance from colonial period. About six hundred years ago, Portuguese pirates used to take shelter in the island. When they left, people from Bhola, Laxmipur and Noakhali started settling there. But the area is still not overpopulated.

This island is also play role in British India. In 1800, the rebellious salt-producers attacked the head office of the Greek businessman Demotirus in South Shahbajpur and killed his employee Paliolgas. A total of 314 salt-producers were captured at the order of District Magistrate Middleton. Being unable to resist the oppression of British salt-agents, 350 salt-producers of Monpura Island went elsewhere in 1818.

The panorama of this island can not be utilised due to lack of any government programme and assistance. There are great prospects to build tourists spots in the area. It’s 70,000 islanders are poor, struggling for existence. Though ignored by the government a tourist spot has been created under a private initiative. One Baschu Chowdhry has developed a farmhouse cum tourist resort on 161 acres of land in planned way.

Spotted deer, several hundred cows in a dairy farm, fishes in several ponds, gardens and orchards and rows of coconut trees there will attract anybody's attention. The resort has all modern facilities.

How to go: The distance of Bhola from Dhaka by water 193 miles & by road 325 miles. Single Steamer service is available from Dhaka to Bhola. It’s about 16 hour journey from 5.00 pm to 9.ooam. 

Accommodation is very limited for the tourists in this Island. But fresh foods are good attraction for tourist. You can enjoy the taste of various kinds of fresh sea food and milk made food.

Information and Photo courtesy: Banglapedia, Daily Amar Desh, The daily star, Google search, Facebook.