Moheshkhali, the country’s only hilly island, has taken a significant step forward in connectivity and tourism. The island is also home to another remote islet—Sonadia, a 10,000-acre paradise where travelers can enjoy breathtaking views that combine the beauty of the Sundarbans with the sea.
While Maheshkhali has long been known for producing betel leaves, shrimp, salt, and dried fish, its name is now emerging on the global economic map thanks to the development of a deep-sea port.
However, despite its immense potential, the island has struggled for years with a lack of safe and reliable transportation.
That gap has now been bridged—at least temporarily—with the launch of a new Seatruck service.
On Thursday, retired Brigadier General M Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, officially inaugurated the service after traveling on the newly deployed vessel from the Nuniyarchhara BIWTA terminal in Cox’s Bazar to Moheshkhali.
Residents say that during the monsoon season, they had no choice but to travel in risky wooden boats, iron-made launches, or high-priced speedboats. With the introduction of the sea-truck, they hope that tourism will get a much-needed boost, as travelers can now reach the island more safely and comfortably.
According to BIWTA Assistant Director Md. Khairuzzaman, the fare has been set at Tk 35 per person from Moheshkhali to Cox’s Bazar’s Ghat No. 6, and Tk 30 to Nuniarchhara terminal. The vessel can carry up to 250 passengers at a time and will operate three trips a day.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
File Photo
