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NIJHUM DWIP
Nijhum Dwip ( 'Silent Island') is a small island
under Hatiya upazila. It is situated in Noakhali District in
Bangladesh. Once it was called Char Osmani,Baluar Char,
Golden Island .
B RIEF
Initially Nijhum Dwip or Nijhum Island was known as Char Osman,
after the name of a brave settler Osman who established the first
settlement with his buffalo & cattle. Later the government’s high
officials have changed that name. But still in documents, the island
is known as Char Osman. This island is an ideal place for tourists,
especially during the winter.
A cluster of islands (mainly, Ballar Char, Kamlar Char, Char Osman
and Char Muri) emerged in the early 1950s as an alluvium in the
shallow estuary of the Bay of Bengal on the south of Noakhali.
These new sandbanks first drew the notice of a group of fishermen,
who named it Baular Char (literally, the alluvium of sand) later
transformed into Ballar Char. Occupying an area of 14,050 acres
the island situated between 21 0 1 / to 22 0 6 /north latitude and 90
0 3 / to 91 0 4 / east longitude.
U NDERSTAND Understand
This island was brought under settlement during 1969 and subsequently the forest
department under took massive drive for aforestation by mangrove species. Now this
island has been declared as the unique eco-touristic spot for its ideal natural setup with
the rich biodiversification factors and the perennial mangrove forest with wild animals
like spotted deer, wild boar and rhesus macaque and for the ideal habitat for fish
resources. Since south coast is open to the mouth of great span of Bay of Bengal, the
appearance of whale sometimes occurred. There are more than eight (8) thousand
inhabitants found their permanent settlement in the island and their occupation are
mainly cultivation and fishing. There are some NGO like Red Crescent, Proshika, Human
Development centre and JAICA are involved with their development projects on this
island. Due to its rich natural and biodiversical factors, the touristic potentiality have
enormously enhanced. In spite of difficult access and lack of good residential facilities, a
few thousand enthusiastic local tourists visit this island during winter every year.
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A Cowboy named Osman first build his house on this island. From that time, it was known as
Char Osman. A Member of Parliament of Bangladesh changed this island‘s name from Char
Osman to Nijhum Dweep later. After 1970 people started to set up their houses on this island.
GET IN
You can go to this Island either from Dhaka or from Chittagong.From Chittagong first you will
to go Hatia Island by Motor boat or Ship and from there you can go to Nijhum Island by local
motor boat. From Dhaka you can go Tomzuddion by launch from Sadarghat launch terminal.
From there you can go to Nijhum Island by local motorboat.
Since there is no regular river transport or passenger route from Dhaka to Nijhum Dwip, it is
difficult to organize direct tour program from Dhaka to Nijhum Dwip and Kuakata beach
through coastal water ways. The main problem is that there is no navigation light and lusider,
there are hundreds of submerged islands due to the constant deposition of silt through the Megna
estuary.
It is mentioned earlier that Nijhum Dwip is encircled with the Bay of Bengal and Meghna
Channel. It is two kilometers south-east from the Hatia upazilla and 120 kilometers south of
Maijdee bazaar, Noakhali. Which According to the Google, Nijhum Dwip map Longitude and
latitude are 21°35′0″N and 92°01′0″E respectively? This is 4-5 meter high from the sea level
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At high tide a significant potion of the island becomes covered in water, apart from the cultivated,
inhabited areas. In addition to the mangrove forest, the island has huge inter-tidal mudflats and sand-flats,
which are of utmost importance to resident and migratory water-fowl, and serves as the southern most
stop-over for close to 100 species of migratory birds, around a dozen of which are considered to be
globally critically endangered. Birding enthusiasts can look out for various species of Heron, Egret,
Cormorant and Ibis, as well as Spotted Green Shank, Spotted Red Shank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and
Indian Skimmer.
The inhabited part of the island is cultivated and watered by a number of fresh water streams running
across it. The people living on Nijhum Dweep make a living from fishing, and are self-sustaining to an
extent through the produce they grow and there are a few markets on the island, selling all types of
general necessities.
Those who have visited the Nijhum Dweep National Park will tell you that getting there is an adventure in
itself, with the last leg of the journey on a local motorboat or ―water-taxi‖. But the general consensus is
that the Nijhum Dweep National Park is a fascinating place to explore when visiting Bangladesh, and
becoming acquainted with the people who live on the island is an unforgettable experience.
NIJHUM BEACH
It is an offshore island with forest and deep blue water of the Bay of Bengal. The Island
Nijhum is exactly situated between Noakhali and Bhola under Hatiya Upazila in Noakhali
district. It covers a total area of 16,352 hectares. The island has 20 km long sandy and
grassy beach.
Nijhum beach
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The journey from Dhaka to Nijhum Dwip was a highlight in and of itself! Here‘s how to reach
Nijhum Dwip from Dhaka… the fun way.
Since I was traveling solo, I opted to take a motorbike taxi to the ferry ghat at the southern tip of
Hatiya island. I paid 350 Tk for the journey, which was a bit longer than an hour. If you‘re with
several people—or don‘t like the idea of sitting on a motorbike traveling on crappy roads with
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backpacks on for an hour—opt for an auto. The drivers were quoting me 1,000 Tk for the
journey, which means it should probably be around 6-800 Tk.
The motorbike driver will take you to Moktaria ghat, where you can find wooden ferries to cross
the final stretch of water. The ferries leave when full, and don‘t worry about waiting long—
you‘d be surprised how many people want to cross! You‘ll need to pay a 3 Tk fee to go onto the
dock, and 20 Tk for the actual crossing.
After a pleasant 15 minute boat ride across the water, it‘s time to hop on your last motorbike or
rickshaw. There are a few hotels scattered along the island road, such as Sheraton Hotel (not
actually affiliated with Sheraton) and Nijhum Dreamland, but I decided to go all the way to the
island‘s southern side. The motorbike ride took about 20 minutes, and dropped me in the
town,where I was basically claimed on sight by a hotel owner.
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If you speak a bit of Bangla, you can also try asking around to see if any fishing trawlers are
heading to Nijhum Dwip. The journey will take a couple of hours, but it‘ll be much more budget
friendly than a speed boat.
Shaheena lives in Madina Gram (village) in Nijhum Dwip Union of Hatiya Upazila and getting
to the nearest health facility in Jahajmara takes at least 2-3 hours‘ journey that can be rough and
expensive. For about 30,000 people who call Nijhum Dwip their home, ‗delivery at home‘ had
therefore been the only choice.
Not anymore.,On November 1, the remote island union got its first health centre equipped with a
range of basic healthcare provisions including normal delivery services. Six weeks later, the
Nijhum Dwip UH&FWC started providing 24/7 delivery services. Now the people of Nijhum
Dwip, one of the hardest-to-reach areas in Bangladesh, have the option to avail safe and free
delivery services by trained service providers round-the-clock.Dr. Md Sharif, Director, Maternal
and Child Health, DGFP, inaugurated the 24/7 delivery service in presence of Dr. Jahangir Alam
Sarkar, Line Director, Maternal and Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH), DGHS,
Dr. Sukumar Sarker, Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, OPHNE, USAID and Joby George,
Chief of Party, MaMoni HSS Project.
The establishment of Nijhum Dwip UH&FWC represents a novel initiative undertaken by the
District Family Planning and Local Ggovernment Departments with MaMoni Health Systems
Strengthening (MaMoni HSS) Project playing the facilitation role. Instead of constructing a new
building, they converted part of a shelter center to house this health facility.
MaMoni HSS Project has strived to engage the local government institutions as a means to step
up for strengthening the union health facilities, and establishment of Nijhum Dwip UH&FWC
has been part of that initiative. The project has actively motivated and advocated for the
Union/Upazila Parishads to play an oversight role to ensure accountability of the health service
providers besides mobilizing resources for strengthening of the facilities. In Hatiya, local
government authorities had supported to establish six 24/7 delivery centers, contributing to
significant increase of deliveries conducted by Skilled Birth Attendants.
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Komolar Dwip
Chowdhorir Khal & Kobirajer Chor
Choakhali Sea Beach
Mangrove Forest
Namar Bazar Sea Beach
Domar Chor
Virgin Sea Beach (South part of Domar Chor)
CHOWDHURY CANAL AND KAVIRAJ CHAR - Before going to the evening this afternoon,
Chowdhury's canals can be seen in the woods with the haren flock in the forest. Take a trawler
reserve for 10-15 groups of group, give them 1000-1200 rupees, and do not forget to watch
sunset and thousands of buffalo flocks in the evening of Kaviraj.
ORANGE ISLAND - There are many Hilsa fish available in orange canals in the area and nearby
islands are beautiful.
MANGROVE FOREST - It is the Nijhum Island Forestry Project. The small boys working on the
Nijhum Island are guides, along with them to enter the forest in the morning. The deer can see.
It takes 10 minutes to walk from Nama Bazaar Sea Beach - Market. From here you will see sun
rising and sunset, here you can enjoy barbecue.
DWARAM'S CHAR AND VIRGIN / VIRGIN SEA BE ACH - There is a new sea beach on the southern
side of Dama Cher, which is called the Virgin Islands. Here many names do not know the bird
will be seen if you go in the morning. This place is still unknown to many tourists. The trawler
rental is 3000-3500 taka.
CHOYKHALI AND CHOYAK HALI SEA BEAC h - In Hoyan, it is very early in the morning when it
comes to Chawakhali. Keep the motor cycle wallet in the very morning you will bring the deer to
the hotel. If fortune is good, then wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning and brush it from the
verandah of Nijhoom Resort.
** If you take the time you can take the trellis reserve with Bhola mudra, chari kukri - Muqri can
come from.
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THINGS TO DO
Admittedly, the island isn‘t happening with hotspots and top things to do. My best advice
is to just relax, enjoy the peace and quiet, and see where the road takes you.
I was quoted 2,000 Tk for a three hour sunset boat ride—time subject to the high tide—but
eventually was charged 1,000 Tk since I was alone. Though I wasn‘t so impressed by the forest
walk, the boat ride itself was lovely and worth the expense.
If you don‘t want to shell out for a boat, Soakali is a pretty area where the main road runs
through the National Park, about 10 minutes‘ cycling from the main town. I cycled through there
in the early morning, and saw a herd of deer running across the road. Deer also occasionally
wander through town in the early morning.
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NIJHUM BEACH
A sandy area close to the town where most of the hotels are, it‘s pleasantly white and clean
compared to other South Asian beaches. Don‘t expect aquamarine waters (the water was brown
and uncomfortably warm when I visited in late March), but it‘s pretty and a good place to watch
the sun set.
CYCLING OR WALKING
Simple, but my favorite pastime. I sourced a bicycle for 200 Tk per day (could probably be
cheaper), and traversed the island‘s few roads and paths. Though I could go further on a bike,
you‘d be fine just walking on the myriad paths through villages and on the beaches. The people
in the villages are incredibly sweet and curious—and numerous—and I had too many invitations
to people‘s homes to say yes to them all.
Enjoy this one of the most beautiful and popular island in our country.
EATING FACILITIES
There are several low facilitated restaurants available at the island for villagers.
You can have your dinner and lunch there if you want. Otherwise you have to cook
yourself.
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TRAVEL TIPS
Do not leave any trace that you were there. Just return back silently, without disturbing
the nature and the inhabitants of the island.
Rivers around that part of the country have immense tide. So think again before having a
swim on river.
Act politely with locals. Do not get irritated by their continuum queries. Because it‘s you
who went there, not they.
My Grameenphone sim had full H or H+ in my hotel/in the town. I was also told that Robi
Axiata and Airtel have coverage on the island. However, Banglalink has yet to cover the island,
so prepare to disconnect if they‘re your carrier.
He came in to check up on me in the evenings, and actually posted two policemen in the room
across from mine for extra security in the night. I‘m not sure if this was because I was traveling
as a solo female (a point of great distress to him) or because I was a foreigner.
It wasn‘t a big issue in the end; he was mostly interested in making sure I didn‘t stray far at
night. His English was decent, and I ended up going into the mangrove forest with him and some
of his colleagues.
1. Create governance structures at local and national levels and assign responsibilities for
designating and managing the MPA in Nijhum Dwip;
2. Improve the ecosystem integrity of the Nijhum Dwip MPA;
3. Promote activities for improving the socio-economic conditions and resilience of dependent
local people; and
4. Introduce a participatory monitoring mechanism and research facilities for maintaining the
ecological integrity, resilience and wise use of Nijhum Dwip's resources.
Nijhum Dwip is a remote island with a lot of tourism potential. Tourism can support remote
communities, but it can also destroy them… and their environment. When you visit Nijhum
Dwip, do your part to maintain its natural beauty and good relations between tourists and local
people.
Here are some simple ways you can be a responsible tourist on Nijhum Dwip:
DISPOSE OF YOUR TRASH PROPERLY . The most important! Do NOT throw your wrappers and
other waste on the ground or in the ocean—carry them with you and throw them away in a bin
when you return to your hotel.
BE QUIET IN NATURAL AREAS. Humans and animals should be able to coexist peacefully. The deer
don‘t want to hear groups of people screaming and shouting and playing music. Neither do I.
DON’T GIVE PENS, SWE ETS, OR MONEY TO LOCAL CHILDREN . It encourages begging.
TALK WITH THE LOCAL PEOPLE. They are not simple animals to be ignored or used as
tools;everyone on the island has their own story that we visitors can learn from.