Monpura Island

Monpura is an isolated Island of Bhola district of Bangladesh, the area is the largest island in the country. The island is surrounded by Meghna River. The vast river, fencing paddy fields, and a lot of mangrove plants, this is the picture of the beautiful island. Monpura Upazila is also exciting and spectacular places to the people of the country as well as foreigners.

A famous Bengali movie Monpura released in 2009 by the direction of Giasuddin Selim and it was one of the highest grossing Bangladeshi films. The movie won 5 national awards in that year.

On the island, the morning sun laughing like the yolk is seen to emerge, as well as in the afternoon, spreading the red curtain on the sky stairs hide the face in the western sky.

Location: Monpura is 80 kilometers south-east of Bhola district and close to the Bay of Bengal and as well as the Meghna River. It has 4 union and more than 1 Lac people lives here. Once upon a time, the Portuguese lived on this island. It is seen as a sign of a long-haired dog. Mangrove gardens are the main attraction of the island. The Green Revolution has been formed in the efforts of the forest department in a small-big 10 Chars (Small Island).

Green trees made the island more attractive. In the winter season, thousands of birds come for a get together in Chartajammul, Char Patalia, Char Pial, Char Nijam, Char Shamsuddin, Lal Char, Dal Char etc. Monpura Fisheries Ltd has developed two kilometers north-east from Upazila Sadar. The farmhouse developed in about 6 kilometers long and 210 acres of land can be developed as a tourist center.

Special foods: Here are some special foods to be noticed. Winter duck, buffalo curd, fresh Hilsha, big Gangetic Koi, walking catfish, helicopter catfish, coral and lobster shrimp. Taste of Hilsha caught from Meghna River Meghna and raw milk are truly different. Historian Albert J. Beveridge writes about the name of Monpura, a man named Mongazi who leased the land from the zamindar of the era in the eighteenth century. Then the name of this island was named after him.

According to the local people, the mind of the people was filled after drinking pure milk and observing the natural beauty. That's why the name of the island is Monpura.

It is believed that settlement was developed in the island in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese pirates. Later in the 1800 AD people began to settle down in here.

Monpura at a glance: In 1833 it was given a permanent settlement under Bhola district. The island was upgraded to the Upazila in 1983. Its total area is 373.19 square kilometers. A total number of the union is 4. Total villages are 38. Total population: 125000 (according to the census report of 2011). There are 37 primary schools, 8 high schools, 10 Madrashas, 2 colleges and 4 duck bungalows.

Main attractions: 

North Sakucia Union Crossdem area: 5 kilometers south of the Upazila headquarters. The North Sakuchia Union in the south. Crossdem area at the beginning of this union. Here you will see a team of deer's and lovely scene of sunset. You can go there with a motorcycle.

4 no. South Sakuchia Union mangrove forest: 20-kilometer south from the Upazila headquarters. On the south side of the Meghna River, there are various species of trees found in the two Char named Char Pial and Char Pataliya. If you go around in the afternoon, you can see the deer. In a word, it is a free land for the deer.

Monpura Landing Station

Monpura Landing Station: Walking from Hajirhat Sadar to the landing station in just 5 minutes. The station, built around 5 crores of Taka on the bank of the river Meghna, is about five hundred yards west of Monpura's main city. By the end of 2005, Rupali Builders of Barisal started to build the landing Station. Hundreds of visitors visit the place every day as entertainment centers. They enjoy the epic view of the sunset with their family and friends.

Chowdhury Project: It is just 7km away from the Upazila headquarters. It is possible to go there by rickshaw or motorcycle. In winter its scenic view is more attractive. On the arrival of guest's birds from Siberia, the new life wakes up in the grassland. About 650 species of migratory birds come to Bangladesh in the winter season. Among them, almost 60% stay in Bhola. Then Monpura, the daughter of the sea became a habitation of guest birds.

Best time to visit: No doubt, winter is the best time to go there. From October to mid of April you can visit. Another option is after the rainy season.

Which vehicle to use? It will be good to hire a motorcycle. The driver will turn you around. It will cost 1500 Taka for a whole day trip. 

How to go from Dhaka: The only way is the waterway. A launch on every 5:30 pm from Sadarghat goes to Hatiya. It will take you to the island in the next morning at 7 am. The names of the launches are Farhan 3 and Farhan 4. Mobile number of MV Farhan 3- 01781354201, MV Farhan 4 - 01785630368. Fare: Deck 300 Taka, Cabin 1200 Taka Single, 2200 Taka Double. Newly launched MV Tipu 5 and MV Panama are also available. 

Camping facilities: Monpura is an ideal place for camping. Tents can be hanged on the whole island. There is no fear of wild animals, no thief, and no robbery. Set a tent to choose a better place. The best place is at the side of the landing station beside the Hajirhat market.

Hotels for night stay: 

Those who do not have tents, they can stay in the hotel/bungalow (general standard). Hotel Dip: 0171-3965106, Press Club Guest House: 0191-3927706 - Hotel Island: Sadar Road, Hazarhat, 01711701286- Karitas Hotel: located on the southern side of the market and close to the Model Secondary School field, mobile number: 01923376365. Water Development Board duck bungalow: located on the southern side of Hajirhat Bazar. District Council guest house: 01934175369. You can also stay at Chowdhury's guest house. 

DO's and Don'ts: 

• Take a life jacket.
• Take Odomos lotion; it will save you from Mosquito bite.
• For camping, take permission from Upazila administration.
• Don't forget to take a power bank as electricity is not available for 24 hours.
• Take a good camera or smartphone for capturing the wonderful moments.
• Don't through dirt here and there, especially in the water. 
• Don't try to harm any deer and don't even try to eat their meat.
• Try to make a good relationship with the local people and enjoy your stay at Monpura Island.