Project that keeps Sonadia Island in darkness

A project by the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) has become the primary reason for Sonadia Island's lack of development.

While the rest of Bangladesh enjoys 100% electrification, the island under Maheshkhali Upazila in Cox’s Bazar remains trapped in darkness, narrating a tale of neglect.

The residents of this island have never experienced the glow of electricity or the relief of cold water during the sweltering heat.

“A project initiated by the previous government has taken away all our rights. Even though all arrangements for rural electrification were made, BEZA stopped the installation of power lines,” lamented Mohammad Jamal Majhi, a boatman who has served the island for over three decades.

He added, “The Rural Electrification Board (REB) even completed the installation of electricity meters. We paid the necessary fees for the meters, but we were never informed why the lines were not activated.”

In 2018, just as the residents were beginning to dream of electricity, BEZA imposed restrictions.

The government leased Sonadia Island to BEZA at a nominal price for the establishment of an eco-tourism park. To facilitate the eviction of the local population, BEZA deprived the islanders of all basic amenities, including education and healthcare, explained Mohammad Sheikh Kamal, the chairman of Kutubjum Union Parishad.

“REB had made all arrangements to provide electricity to Sonadia’s eastern side, but the BEZA-imposed restrictions prevented the entire island from accessing the benefits,” he stated.

Why were the locals denied electricity? Due to BEZA's lease, not only electricity but also healthcare, education, and budget allocations for the island’s residents were withheld. No government or private projects have been implemented to improve their living standards.

Expressing his frustration, Sheikh Kamal remarked, “Why should this happen? If the government plans to evict the people, that’s a different issue. But as citizens who vote, they deserve their rightful access to basic facilities.”

BEZA’s restrictions have left over 2,000 people on the island without electricity or other basic amenities, ensuring easier future eviction.

Nazmul Hasan, Deputy General Manager of the Maheshkhali Rural Electrification Board, stated that under the World Bank’s 100% electrification project, REB started work on Sonadia in 2018. However, BEZA forced them to halt the work halfway through, despite the completion of 100 electricity meter installations on the island’s eastern side.

“Since Sonadia was under BEZA’s acquisition, they didn’t want the locals to access electricity, as it would make eviction more challenging,” Hasan explained.

He further mentioned that the people of Sonadia have never experienced electricity. However, there is a transmission line supplying power to an Ansar camp on the island. If BEZA lifts its restrictions, REB could provide electricity to the locals, as all necessary infrastructure is already in place.

Environmental activist S.M. Rubel from Maheshkhali highlighted that Sonadia Island is an environmentally critical area. Leasing it to BEZA was a mistake.

The court has now suspended BEZA’s lease, and Rubel believes the government must restore the basic rights and civic amenities of Sonadia’s residents.