The newly-emerged large shoal in the Bay of Bengal named Char Bijoy, located about 30km from the Kuakata sea beach in Patuakhali, has immense potential to attract tourists from home and abroad, industry insiders have said.
In the last few decades, several such islands have emerged on the south coast of Patuakhali.
Char Bijoy, a 10,000-acre island, is home to thousands of migratory birds and countless red crabs. When the crabs crawl out of the ground, the entire island seems from afar that it is covered in a red carpet. The flocking of so many birds on the island at the same time gives it a picturesque look.
The crabs run away when tourists try to have a closer look at them, creating another mesmerizing experience for the tourists on the island.
The island was located by authorities in December 2017. Since December is the month of victory (Bijoy) in Bangladesh, the island was soon named Char Bijoy by enthusiastic tourists coming to witness the beauty of its beaches and some local businessmen.
One of the tourists, Hasan Sourav, said this island is full of birds and red crabs. “If you come to Kuakata and do not go to Char Bijoy, then the tour will be incomplete,” he said.
Anwar Hossain Anu, the former president of Kuakata Press Club, said tourists coming to Kuakata now also go to Char Bijoy. “The island will see a huge crowd if the government takes some special initiatives to promote tourism.”
Imran Hossain, a local tour operator in Kuakata, said that private investors also need to pay attention to developing these islands apart from the government.
He said there could be a thriving business if cruise ships or smaller vessels were arranged for the tourists to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding areas of Char Bijoy.
He said that, with proper planning, Char Bijoy could be another St Martin's Island.
Kalapara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shankar Chandra Boidya said: “Char Bijoy is currently under the jurisdiction of the Tourism Board. Although the island is not yet habitable, speedboats are already available for travel. Besides, tourists use trawlers to visit the island.
