Barguna District

Infobox of BD districts
native_name = Barguna
skyline =
skyline_size =
skyline_caption =
locator_position = left
latd = 22.1508
longd = 90.1264
division_name = Barisal Division
area_total = 1831.31
temperature = 12.1°C - 33.3°C
population_as_of = 2007
population_total = 902465
population_density = 492
population_males = 49.88%
population_females = 50.12%
literacy_rate = 40.14%
literacy_rate_male = 45.15%
literacy_rate_female = 35.15%
leader_title = District Commissioner
leader_name = Qazi Obaidur Rahman
leader_title_2 = Members of the Parliament
leader_name_2 = Interim government
postal_code =
website = banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/B_0303.htm
website_caption = Banglapedia Article

Barguna ( _bn. বরগুনা "Borguna") is a district in South-western Bangladesh. It is a part of the Barisal Division.

History

A police station was set up at Barguna in the 18th century, under British rule. The area was a part of the greater Barisal District at that time. In 1969, towards the end of the Pakistani period, Barguna was elevated to a sub-division. In 1984, it was upgraded to a full district.

Geography

Barguna District has a total area of 1831.31 km². It is bounded on the north by the districts of Jhalkathi, Barisal, Pirojpur and Patuakhali. In the east, it borders Patuakhali District. On the south, Barguna is bounded by Patuakhali District, the Bay of Bengal. On the western side, it borders Pirojpur and Bagerhat districts. Important rivers of Barguna district include the Payra river, Bishkhali river and the Baleshwar river.

Administration

Barguna is divided into 5 upazilas:
#Amtali Upazila
#Bamna Upazila
#Barguna Sadar Upazila
#Betagi Upazila
#Patharghata Upazila

There are a total of 38 union parishads (union councils), 238 mouzas and 560 villages in these five upazilas. Barguna also has four municipalities containing 44 wards and 49 mahallas.

The largest city in the district is Barguna Town. It has a total area of 15.57 km² and is divided into 9 wards and 19 mohallas.

Economy

Barguna's economy is primarily dependent on agriculture. Principal crops include rice and pulses. Jute cultivation was once important, but the crop gradually lost popularity as a cash crop. Being a coastal district, Barguna has a thriving fishing industry. Produce of the district includes betel leaf, pulses, bananas, betel nut, molasses, marine fish, and shrimp. A small manufacturing industry comprises mostly rice mills, saw mill, soap factory, flour mill, ice factory and pen factory. Traditional cottage industries such as weaving, bamboo and cane art work, goldsmithing, blacksmithing, pottery, wood work, and tailoring also thrive in rural areas.

Demographics

As of 2007, Barguna District has an overall population of 902,465 with a population density of 492 persons/km². Females constitute a majority of the population with a percentage of 50.12% while males constitute 49.88%. 91.01% of the people are Muslim, 8.69% Hindu, 0.04% Christian, 0.24% Buddhist, and 0.02% other.

ee also

*Districts of Bangladesh
*Barisal Division
* [http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/B_0303.htm Banglapedia article on Barguna District]

External links

* [http://amardesh.com/zilla_barguna.php Barisal District at Amardesh]
* [http://amardesh.com/division_barishal.php Barisal Division at Amardesh]