About the Island of Bhola

Where is it?

In Bangladesh two of the mightiest rivers in the world – the Ganges (2,500 km) and the Brahmaputra (2,900 km) – merge and divide forming the Ganges Delta. Both rivers change their names several times over their courses. From where the main streams of both rivers merge the combined river is called the Padma. Then when it is joined by the Meghna (the second stream of the Brahmaputra) it acquires that name as it flows past the island of Bhola and empties into the Bay of Bengal. [Map]

Access to Bhola is by ferry boat. The crossing from the city of Barisal, west of Bhola, is relatively short but Barisal is the wrong side of the Ganges/Padma for travel to or from the capital Dhaka which is to the north or the second city Chittagong in the east. With the river channels constantly shifting the only bridge over the Ganges in Bangladesh is in the northwest, so ferries are the most direct means of getting to most places. The twice daily ferry between Bhola and Dhaka takes 12 hours (so a significant part of the journey is at night).

Ferry journeys in Bangladesh can be perilous. Overcrowding, poor maintenance and disregard of safety standards add to the risks of river waters which are particularly dangerous when swollen by the annual monsoon. In 2002 the MV Nasruddin sank near Chandpur north of Bhola killing some 450 followed by the MV Nasrin in 2003 with the loss of 400 lives.

Where is it?