Monpura Needs to Be Developed into a Tourist Island

The breathtaking Monpura Island has already been included as an important tourist destination in the development list of the Bangladesh government. The island has already started luring many tourists, especially the nature lovers and river cruisers.  The movie ‘Monpura’ has also made an imprint in people’s minds about the beauty of this island and helped it to come to the forefront as an important tourist destination in the country. The very name 'Monpura' itself denotes romanticism. This island possesses a mesmerising land-scape. It is located in the northern Bay of Bengal, which borders the exit of the mighty Meghna River. This 373-square-kilometre island is located in the Bhola district and is surrounded by the two largest islands of Bangladesh named ‘Bhola’ and ‘Hatia’.

The history of Monpura Island varies according to sources. Owing to its geographical location, the island always witnessed a booming population. Accounts of the island can be traced to the 15th century, when travellers chose it for their business and settlement. Historians believe the abundance of natural resources may have prompted the island’s name, ‘Monpura’. The findings by the historians prove human settlements on this island date back to the early period of Mughal rule in the subcontinent.

There are many tourist attractions on the island, which include Dokhina Hawa Sea-beach, New Chara Bagan and Mangrove Forest, Deer Sanctuary, Monpura Landing Station, and Chowdhury Project, as well as the beauty of countless migratory birds.  Dokhina Hawa sea beach is the largest one on the island. The beach mostly looks like Kuakata and Cox’s Bazar sea beaches. The perfect time to visit the sea beach is during the sunrise and sunset, as tourists will have an unobstructed, breathtaking view to enjoy. The beach abounds with all sorts of amenities, such as deckchairs, hammocks, swings and small treehouses, etc. The landing station and its connecting bridge offer a breathtaking view of the sea as well as both the rising and setting of the crimson sun. The bridge is surrounded by the sea and soothing strong winds.

Another important attraction on Monpura Island is the deer sanctuary, which is a preserved area for wild deer. Tourists can enjoy the movement of deer hither and thither in the sanctuary. During the high tide, deer move in herds from one end to the other in the sanctuary. Sometimes, the crossing of deer halts the traffic of the roads near the sanctuary. Monkeys and pythons can also be seen in the sanctuary. The Chowdhury Project also appears as an important attraction, as it offers some spaces to have a view of the vastness of the sea and sky. It is a suitable place to spend some quality time with friends and family members.

Monpura can be visited any day of the year; however, winter is the best time to visit the island. Migratory birds flock to the island during winter, adding to its charm. In summer, sometimes heat and torrential rain may inconvenience tourists.  The common transports on the tiny island are motorbikes, auto rickshaws and easy bikes.

Tourists can hire a motorbike or e-bike for an entire day at a reasonable cost. There are several options to stay overnight in Monpura. The island has several budget hotels near Hazir Hat, Ramnewaj Bazar and Chowdhury Bazar; it also has three Daak Bungalows for accommodations. Among the three Daak Bungalows, one belongs to the government, the second one is the Press Club Guest House, and the third one is a private bungalow named Chowdhury Shaheen Daak Bungalows.

There is delicious cuisine on the island that tourists may enjoy. Chaler Roti (rice-flour cake), duck curries, buffalo milk and yoghurt made of buffalo milk, fish curries and boiled traditional rice are popular here. Among the famous fishes are Hilsha, Vetki, Boal, etc., with lobster also being popular.

The only means of travelling to Monpura Island is by waterway, and launches are the best mode of transportation. Two launches named MV Farhan and MV Tashrif regularly ply from Sadarghat of Dhaka directly to Monpura. The launches leave Sadarghat at 5-6 pm in the afternoon and reach Monpura at 7 am the next day after plying the whole night. Each ticket costs Tk 500-600 for a deck seat. There are also cabins in these launches. Tourists are advised to avail cabins for a comfortable journey. Tourists are also advised to travel carefully amidst the stormy weather and carry drinking water with them.

Littering in the islands is strongly discouraged.  

The government may undertake a short- and mid-term plan which focuses on the development of the island as one of the most important island-based destinations for international tourists.  For this, several steps should be taken, such as ensuring uninterrupted all-weather river connectivity, enhancing accommodation and dining facilities, establishing information and interpretation centres for visitors, and promoting ecotourism and sustainable development.

Furthermore, locals should be given tourism- and hospitality-related training such as tour guiding, cooking, souvenir and handicraft making, ICT, flower gardening, etc. Tourism can create many alternative jobs for the local educated youth and thus reduce the unemployment on this island.

_______________________________
The writer is General Manager  (Planning), Bangladesh  Parjatan Corporation