Photo : Collected

By Al-Amin Shahriar 
 
BHOLA, Oct 12, 2025 (BSS) – Once a century-old dark Manpura Island, separated from the mainland of Bhola Sadar, is set to be connected to the national power grid through a submarine cable, bringing round-the-clock electricity to around one lakh residents.

“The government is considering two technical routes to connect Manpura with round-the-clock power supply — one through a submarine cable from Tazumuddin Upazila to Char Kolatoli, and another directly under the riverbed from Char Fasson,” said Additional Secretary of the Power Division Nur Mohammad.

He made the announcement following a visit to Monpura on October 10.

Additional Secretary of Renewable Energy KM Ali Reza, who also visited Monpura as a member of the delegation, said they are planning to bring Manpura under a renewable energy system to ensure that the inhabitants of the island do not remain in darkness even during power cuts caused by natural disasters.

The delegation held a view-exchange meeting with local political leaders, civil society members, and journalists at the Manpura Upazila Council Auditorium, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fazle Rabbi in the chair.
 
The people living on the island now get electricity for only three hours each during the day and night. With Manpura’s connection to the national power grid, the residents will have access to electricity round the clock.

The connection of Manpura to the national grid will usher in a new era for the islanders.

It was learnt that 500 kilowatts of electricity are currently being produced per day from two private solar panels located at Ramnawaz Bazar and Bangla Bazar under Manpura Upazila. A total of 1,199 residents of the upazila have received power connections and pay Tk 35 per unit.

Once Manpura is connected to the national power grid, the price per unit of electricity will come down to Tk 6 or 7, enabling people to enjoy uninterrupted power at an affordable rate.

Manpura is an upazila comprising four unions situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and the River Meghna, covering an estimated area of 373.19 square kilometers and inhabited by 89,889 people.

It is located about 80 kilometers away from the mainland of Bhola district. Most of the people in Manpura depend on fishing and agriculture for their livelihoods.

Manpura has now emerged as a tourist hub for its sea beach, offering a tranquil escape with a serene landscape and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. It is a destination that draws a record number of tourists for its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
 
Deputy Commissioner of Bhola district Md Azad Jahan told BSS that the current interim government has taken multiple effective measures to transform Manpura Island into a tourist hub.   
 “If the projects are implemented, Manpura will be a safe haven for the tourists,” he said.