Khulna

Khulna is a major urban center located in southwestern Bangladesh. It serves as the third-largest city in the nation, following Dhaka and Chittagong. The city acts as the administrative heart of the Khulna Division and the Khulna District. It is a vital hub for ten different districts within that division. Geographically, Khulna sits upon the Rupsha and Bhairab Rivers. These waterways are essential for the city's identity and its many industrial activities.

The city is a critical part of the Ganges Delta. This delta is the largest river delta on Earth. Khulna is positioned south of the Jessore and Narail districts. It lies east of Satkhira and west of Bagerhat. To the north, the city faces the Bay of Bengal. The southern part of this delta contains the Sundarbans. This is the world's largest mangrove forest and a home for the Bengal tiger. The area near the city also features tidal-flat ecosystems. The Mayur River forms the western boundary of the metropolitan area.

Khulna's economy is the third-largest in Bangladesh. It relies heavily on marine industries and sea ports. The Port of Mongla is the second-largest seaport in the country. This port significantly affects the local economy. There is also a river port located within the city called the Port of Khulna. Major industrial sectors include jute, chemicals, and food processing. Other important industries are sugar milling, power generation, and shipbuilding. The city hosts many large companies, such as the Khulna Shipyard. An Export Processing Zone also helps attract foreign investment to the region.

The history of Khulna spans many ancient kingdoms. It was once part of Vanga, Gangaridai, and Samatata. During the 12th century, the Sena dynasty ruled the area. In the 14th century, Shamsuddin Firoz Shah became the first Muslim ruler. Later, a Muslim saint named Khan Jahan Ali acquired a large fiefdom. He renamed the region Jahanabad during the 15th century. He ruled until his death in 1459. In 1611, the Mughal general Raja Man Singh I defeated Vikramaditya. The British East India Company took control of the city in 1793. Khulna eventually became the headquarters of the Khulna District in 1882.

Climate in Khulna is classified as tropical wet and dry. The city experiences hot and humid summers. Winters are usually pleasantly warm. The South Asian Monsoon has a major impact on the weather. Khulna receives less rainfall than other parts of Bangladesh. This is due to its location and the Sundarbans. About 87 percent of the annual rainfall occurs between May and October. The city also faces heavy rain from cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. Average temperatures range from 21°C on January mornings to 35°C in April.

Demographics show a diverse and growing population. According to the 2022 census, the city had 719,557 people. This population lived in 188,579 households. The literacy rate was 88.07 percent for those aged seven and older. Most residents are Bengali, and native residents are called Khulnaiya. Islam is the primary religion, practiced by 89.06 percent of the people. Hinduism is practiced by 9.86 percent, and Christianity by 1.04 percent. An Urdu-speaking population lives in the Khalishpur area. These residents are descendants of Muslims from Bihar who moved in 1947.

Transport in Khulna involves many different systems. Rickshaws are the most popular way for short trips. Auto rickshaws and motorcycles are also very common. The N7 highway connects Khulna to the rest of Bangladesh. For long distances, the Khulna Railway Station is the main hub. Six intercity trains operate from this station. One train, the Bandhan Express, even runs to Kolkata. Travelers can also use buses from the Sonadanga Bus Terminal. Nearby, Jashore Airport provides flights to Dhaka.

Education and administration are highly organized in the city. The Khulna City Corporation is a self-governing body. It is led by an elected mayor who governs 31 wards. The Khulna Development Authority coordinates the growth of the city. Higher education is provided by institutions like the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology. This university is a major center for engineering studies.

The city also has a strong military presence. It is one of two principal naval command centers for the Bangladesh Navy. The BNS Titumir naval base is located here.