Nature’s unpredictability, missed ships, Cyclone “Bulbul,” and enduring camaraderie shape our memorable journey to Char Kukri Mukri. Zeaul Haque portrait the story of the journey.

Char Kukri Mukri is a wildlife sanctuary located at the mouth of the Meghna River in Bangladesh. It is formed by the accumulation of silt caused by the overflowing Meghna. The island is also known as the dream island.

Our Nonggor Travel Express Group embarked on a long-awaited camping trip to Char Kukri Mukri with members Tareq Bhai, Russell, and Sifat. Raj, Himel, Anik Bhai from Nikunja, and Suez Bhai from Tangail also joined. After a train breakdown, we reached Kamalapur and then Sadarghat. Despite delays, we finally reached the Sadarghat launch terminal around 9 pm due to a political meeting and traffic.

Ganer Ashor on Ship’s Deck

We missed the Bhola ship, so we chose the luxurious Ship Manami in Barisal as per Himel’s suggestion. Moonlit music by Russell and Himel on board captivated us. Rain disrupted sleep. We arrived at Barisal launch ghat the next morning.

From Launch Ghat, a speedboat took us to Bhola. We proceeded to Kacchapiya Ghat via bus and auto-rickshaw. After lunch, a scenic speedboat journey led us through mangroves to Char Kukri Mukri Bazar, then to Narikel Bagan. Rain accompanied our walk, guided by Tareq Bhai and Sifat. A local guide helped us near the sea, as Cyclone “Bulbul” surprised us amidst the rain.

Beauty of Fishery Ghat

Our guide arranged a stay at a charming wooden house by the ghat. We eagerly awaited a meal cooked by our guide and later ventured out to eat. Back at the house, we enjoyed the rainy night from the balcony, watching Hilsa trawlers.

Amid deviations from our plan, the captivating rainy atmosphere enthralled us. Anik Bhai, somewhat anxious, monitored the weather as the storm intensified. The Meteorological Department’s danger signal rose unexpectedly, alarming us.

As the storm grew stronger, the wooden floor shook, and the emergency signal reached its peak. Amid this, we occasionally heard Nupur’s sound from downstairs – a dancer’s rhythm. The mystery baffled us.

Deciding to leave for Dhaka the next morning, we discovered the truth behind the mysterious Nupur. Throughout the night, a frightened goat ran around due to the storm, inadvertently creating the sound we mistook for Nupur’s dance. This revelation amused and surprised us, ending the enigma.

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 We are at Char Kukri Mukri Fishery Ghat

Our guide arranged a Speedboat, but rough waves forced us to return to Char Kukri Mukri. A Trawler took us to Kacchapiya Ghat amidst heavy rain.

Himel’s suggestion led us to his grandfather’s hospitable house in Bhola for the night. Next day, we journeyed back to Dhaka from Ilisha Ghat in Bhola, spending a night in the city.

After exploring Bhola, we crossed the river via Launch from Elisha Ghat, concluding our thrilling Char Kukri Mukri tour, an unforgettable memory that still excites us.

>Zeaul Haque, writer and Admin, Nonggor Travel Express