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Chittagong

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Chittagong is a very important city in Bangladesh.

Chittagong port 1960
Chittagong port 1960

It is the second-largest city in the whole country. It sits on the banks of the Karnaphuli River. The city is located between the Bay of Bengal and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It serves as the business capital for the nation. The city is also the main seat for its own local government division. Many people visit because it is a major hub for trade and industry.

The city works as a gateway for goods moving in and out of the country. Its port is the busiest in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal.

Straddle carrier from Port of Chittagong (01)
Straddle carrier from Port of Chittagong (01)

Ships carry many different items through this port. These items include tea, jute, and petroleum products. The port is one of the busiest in all of South Asia. This busy activity helps the economy of Bangladesh grow every year. It is a key place where many large local businesses operate.

Chittagong has a history that goes back a very long time.

Eastern Lower Bengal and Chittagong with Arakan
Eastern Lower Bengal and Chittagong with Arakan

It was even shown on ancient Greek and Roman maps. In the 9th century, merchants from the Abbasid Caliphate set up a trading post there. Later, the Mughal Empire took control of the area in 1666. In 1793, the port was given to the British East India Company. During World War II, the city served as a base for Allied Forces. It was also the place where the declaration of independence happened in 1971.

There are many impressive numbers connected to this city.

In 2022, the population of the city area was more than 5.6 million people. The larger district had about 9.2 million people living in it. The city is a huge part of the national economy. It accounts for 12% of the GDP of Bangladesh. It also handles 80% of all international trade for the country. This makes it a vital place for money and jobs.

Today, the city is a diverse and modern place to live.

Side View of Chittagong Court Building
Side View of Chittagong Court Building

Most people are Muslim, but there are also Hindus and Christians. You can also find groups like the Chakmas and Marmas living there. The city has many different ways to travel around. There is an international airport for flights. There is even the Karnaphuli Tunnel, which is a road tunnel under the water.

Jamuna Bhaban (01)
Jamuna Bhaban (01)

This tunnel is the first and only one of its kind in South Asia.

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🖼️ Images & Media (33)
File:Eastern Lower Bengal and Chittagong with Arakan.jpg
Eastern Lower Bengal and Chittagong with...
File:Dutch VOC ships in Chittagong or Arakan.jpg
Dutch VOC ships in Chittagong or Arakan.jpg
File:James George - Chittagong, Figures washing (1822) 13083.jpg
James George - Chittagong, Figures...
File:James George - View at Chittagong, 1819–1820.jpg
James George - View at Chittagong, 1819–1820.jpg
File:Moored boats from Arakan or Chittagong.jpg
Moored boats from Arakan or Chittagong.jpg
File:Barkentine Linnet off Hong Kong.jpg
Barkentine Linnet off Hong Kong.jpg
File:Side View of Chittagong Court Building.jpg
Side View of Chittagong Court Building.jpg
File:Thunderbolt Is 135 Sqn RAF at Chittagong c1944.jpg
Thunderbolt Is 135 Sqn RAF at Chittagong c1944.jpg
File:Jamuna Bhaban (01).jpg
Jamuna Bhaban (01).jpg
File:Chittagong port 1960.jpg
Chittagong port 1960.jpg
File:Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury Road from CRB hill (03).jpg
Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury Road from CRB...
File:Panorama of Colonial-Era Court Building - Chittagong - Bangladesh (13080727805).jpg
Panorama of Colonial-Era Court Building -...

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