Sonadia Island: Neglected in the Middle of the Sea, A Struggle for Survival in Nature’s Paradise

Nestled along the coast of the Bay of Bengal, to the west of Maheshkhali upazila in Cox’s Bazar district, lies the small island known as Sonadia, which falls under Kutubjom Union. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and tranquil environment, Sonadia is often described as a paradise of nature. Surrounded by vast sandy beaches, mangrove forests, flocks of migratory birds, and the soothing waves of the sea, the island attracts nature lovers and travelers alike. However, behind the island’s stunning natural landscape lies a story of long-standing deprivation, hardship, and uncertainty faced by the people who live there.

According to local sources, approximately 3,500 people live on Sonadia Island, including nearly 1,000 registered voters and around 400 families who have been residing there for generations. Most of the inhabitants are fishermen, salt farmers, and workers involved in dried fish (shutki) production. Their primary livelihoods depend on fishing in the Bay of Bengal, drying fish to produce shutki, and seasonal salt cultivation. Many laborers also come to the island temporarily during the fishing and drying seasons and return to the mainland afterward.

Despite the island’s enchanting beauty, life for its residents is extremely challenging and uncertain. Most families live in temporary houses made of tin, bamboo, or wood. These fragile homes are highly vulnerable to cyclones, tidal surges, and other natural disasters. Due to the absence of permanent infrastructure or reliable shelters, residents face constant fear and anxiety whenever storms approach the coastal region.

Local Union Parishad member Akram Hossain said, “The eastern and western parts of this village feel like two isolated pieces of Bangladesh. People here do not receive basic rights or services. The government has largely neglected this area. I have repeatedly raised the issue of development at the Union Parishad. We have managed to build only a small earthen road—nothing more. Even during childbirth, it is extremely difficult to get access to a doctor or medical care. There is only one school here, and even there classes are irregular because teachers often do not show up.”

Education, healthcare, and other essential public services are almost nonexistent on Sonadia Island. Residents complain that there is no proper education system in place. Although there is one small primary school initiative, it operates poorly and struggles to survive. Three teachers are officially assigned to the school, but locals allege that they rarely attend classes due to transportation difficulties. As a result, many children do not attend school regularly and grow up without proper education.

Healthcare facilities are also virtually absent. In the event of a serious illness or emergency, patients must be transported by boat to Maheshkhali or Cox’s Bazar, which can be both dangerous and time-consuming, particularly during bad weather.

Local residents also complain that political representatives only visit the island during election periods, promising development and better facilities. Once elections are over, however, those promises often disappear along with the politicians. According to residents, government development initiatives rarely reach this remote island.

There is no permanent marketplace or business center on the island either. Residents must travel by boat to Maheshkhali or Cox’s Bazar to purchase daily necessities. There are no dedicated healthcare services for women, no maternity care facilities, and no family planning services. As a result, many families have multiple children, and malnutrition among children is a common problem.

Transportation remains one of the biggest challenges for the island’s residents. The only means of communication with the mainland is through engine-powered boats operating from Ghoti Bhanga Ghat in Maheshkhali. Locals claim that a small group of individuals informally controls the ghat and sets boat fares and regulations according to their own interests, often causing hardship for the island’s residents.

Some locals allege that a few individuals operate the ghat under the name of a mosque committee and maintain dominance over transportation services. Only three engine-powered boats operate during the dry season, and when weather conditions deteriorate, even those become unavailable. Residents demand that the administration take control of the ghat management system, ensure fair fares, and introduce reliable boats for regular transportation.

Kutubjom Union Parishad Secretary Mohammad Rashed said, “Sonadia Island has long remained isolated from the mainland. Previously, it was under the control of the Forest Department. During the tenure of the previous government, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) planned to develop it as an eco-tourism park and economic zone. However, no projects were initiated for the local residents, and the plan was eventually canceled following a High Court ruling. Now we have started working on development initiatives for the island and have applied for several projects aimed at improving the living standards of its residents.”

From an environmental perspective, Sonadia Island is considered one of Bangladesh’s most important biodiversity zones. The island is home to numerous species of birds, marine life, and mangrove forests. Occasionally, sea turtles also come ashore here to lay eggs. Environmentalists emphasize that the ecological importance of Sonadia is extremely high and that preserving its fragile ecosystem is essential.

At the same time, due to its strategic location and natural potential, Sonadia has attracted the attention of large companies and investors over the years. Many residents fear that certain corporations may attempt to remove local inhabitants to develop the island for commercial purposes. This concern has created anxiety and uncertainty among many families about their future.

The people of Sonadia are therefore urging the government to take urgent steps to improve their quality of life. They demand the establishment of a permanent educational institution, a primary healthcare center, safe drinking water facilities, and reliable transportation services. They have also called for the construction of a small marketplace and a safe, well-managed jetty.

Maheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imran Mahmud Dalim told Daily Info Bangla that the upazila administration is planning several initiatives to improve the lives of Sonadia residents. “We are prioritizing improvements in water transportation to reduce the island’s isolation. Plans include registering local fishermen, distributing climate-resilient boats and fishing nets, and providing training with support from the Department of Fisheries. We are also working with relevant departments to ensure regular teaching activities in schools and healthcare services through community clinics. Since Sonadia is an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), coordinated efforts involving the Department of Environment, Forest Department, Department of Fisheries, Water Development Board, and Coast Guard will be launched to remove illegal encroachments and restore mangrove forests. Environmental protection and community welfare are closely linked here. Additionally, we are coordinating with the Disaster Management Department to renovate cyclone shelters and strengthen early warning systems. Restoring the rights and resources of the local people remains the core goal of this comprehensive plan.”

Despite its natural beauty, tourism potential, and ecological significance, Sonadia Island remains largely disconnected from the country’s mainstream development. Experts believe that with proper initiatives to improve living standards while preserving the environment, Sonadia could one day become one of Bangladesh’s most important destinations for sustainable tourism and ecological conservation.