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Khulna Division

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Khulna Division is the second largest of the eight divisions in Bangladesh.

Khulna in Bangladesh
Khulna in Bangladesh

It is a vital region located within the Ganges River delta, also known as the Greater Bengal Delta. This geographic setting means the landscape is defined by a complex network of waterways. The division contains ten distinct districts, or zilas, which are further divided into 59 sub-districts called upazilas. Its headquarters and largest urban center is Khulna city, located in the Khulna District.

Khulna Division districts map
Khulna Division districts map

The division has a massive population, reaching 17,416,645 people according to the 2022 census.

The geography of the region is shaped by its proximity to the sea and major rivers. To the south, Khulna Division has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal. This area includes several islands located within the bay. The division is bordered by the Indian state of West Bengal to the west. To the north lies the Rajshahi Division. The Dhaka Division sits to the northeast, and the Barisal Division is to the southeast. Many important rivers flow through this land, including the Madhumati, the Bhairab, and the Kapotaksha Rivers.

A defining natural feature of the division is the Sundarbans. This is the world's largest mangrove forest, covering 140,000 hectares.

BD Khulna District locator map
BD Khulna District locator map

The forest is located in the southern part of the division, spreading across the districts of Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagerhat. It sits on the delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The Sundarbans is a complex system of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands. These islands are covered in salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The forest is a major site for biodiversity. It is home to 260 bird species, the Bengal tiger, the Indian python, and the estuarine crocodile.

The history of Khulna Division has undergone several major shifts due to political changes. During the British Raj, the area was part of the Presidential Division. This larger division once included districts like Calcutta, Murshidabad, and undivided Jessore and Nadia. In 1947, the Partition of India split this division into two parts. The districts of Khulna, part of Jessore, and Nadia became part of East Bengal. The remaining parts became part of West Bengal. In 1948, the Nadia district was reorganized to form the Kushtia district. The Khulna Division we recognize today was officially established in 1960. In 1993, the Barisal Division was created from parts of the Khulna division.

Economically, the division is a powerhouse for Bangladesh. Khulna's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $53 billion. This makes it the third-largest GDP in the country, following Dhaka and Chittagong. The region is well-connected through various transportation networks. The N7 national highway crosses the division, linking Dhaka to the Port of Mongla. Landports like Benapole, Darshana, Mujibnogor, and Bhomra connect the division to India by road. For air travel, Jashore Airport is currently functional. A second airport, the Khan Jahan Ali International Airport, is under construction. The region also relies on water transport through ports like Khulna, Kushtia, and Noapara.

Cultural and historical sites provide deep insight into the region's past. In Bagerhat, the Sixty Dome Mosque is a famous ancient monument. This city, once known as Khalifatabad, was founded by the Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the 15th century. The area is known for its early Islamic monuments built of brick. Another significant site is Shilaidaha Kuthibadi in the Kushtia District. This country house was built by Dwarkanath Tagore. The famous poet Rabindranath Tagore lived here and wrote memorable poems during his time in the house. Additionally, the 1971: Genocide-Torture Archive & Museum preserves the history of the Bangladesh War of Independence.

The division is also a major center for education and specialized industry. It hosts many public universities, such as Khulna University and Islamic University, Bangladesh. There are also many medical colleges and polytechnic institutes across the ten districts.

BD Jashore District locator map
BD Jashore District locator map

For example, Jashore hosts the Jashore University of Science and Technology. Industry is also present, such as the Mobarakganj Sugar Mills Limited in Jhenaidah. These institutions and businesses help support the large population and the growing economy of the division.

BD Satkhira District locator map
BD Satkhira District locator map
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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Khulna in Bangladesh.svg
Khulna in Bangladesh.svg
File:Khulna Division districts map.png
Khulna Division districts map.png
File:BD Jashore District locator map.svg
BD Jashore District locator map.svg
File:BD Khulna District locator map.svg
BD Khulna District locator map.svg
File:BD Kushtia District locator map.svg
BD Kushtia District locator map.svg
File:BD Satkhira District locator map.svg
BD Satkhira District locator map.svg
File:BD Jhenaidah District locator map.svg
BD Jhenaidah District locator map.svg
File:BD Bagerhat District locator map.svg
BD Bagerhat District locator map.svg
File:BD Chuadanga District locator map.svg
BD Chuadanga District locator map.svg
File:BD Magura District locator map.svg
BD Magura District locator map.svg
File:BD Narail District locator map.svg
BD Narail District locator map.svg
File:BD Meherpur District locator map.svg
BD Meherpur District locator map.svg
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