Nestled in the Kutubjom Union of Maheshkhali Upazila in Cox’s Bazar, Sonadia Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty yet remains underappreciated.
Its unpolluted beaches, dunes, sea turtle breeding grounds, and sanctuary for migratory birds make it a rare gem for tourists. However, the island’s immense potential for tourism commerce remains largely unrealized.
Spanning an area of approximately 4,928 hectares, Sonadia offers vast opportunities for tourism development. Despite its natural allure, the lack of infrastructure, educational facilities, transportation, and modern amenities has hindered its growth as a tourist hotspot.
While the island is home to stunning sights like its red crab colonies and serene dunes, its residents rely mainly on fishing, dried fish production, salt farming, shrimp cultivation, and paddy farming for their livelihoods.
Moreover, they often face financial strain when traveling to Cox’s Bazar or Maheshkhali for basic supplies.
Sonadia’s potential to become a key tourist destination is undeniable. However, achieving this requires significant investment in infrastructure, education, transportation, and administrative support.
A properly planned transformation of the island into a vibrant tourism hub could revolutionize Cox’s Bazar’s tourism industry while uplifting the lives of the island’s residents.
Government intervention and focused attention on developing the tourism sector are critical. If harnessed effectively, Sonadia could enhance Cox’s Bazar’s appeal and emerge as a landmark destination for the entire nation, bridging the gap between nature and prosperity.
By Rajin Saleh
Photo: Rajin Saleh
