Barishal

Barishal Division is Bangladesh’s south-central riverine division, known for its vast delta waterways, coastal landscapes, floating markets, and access to Kuakata. It covers about 13,225 km² and had a population of about 9.33 million in the 2022 census, making it the country’s least populous division. Its capital and largest city is Barishal, an important river-port, education, and regional trade center.

Districts 6

Listed Places 21

Coordinates 22.7010000, 90.3535000

Current Weather

Partly cloudy

Temperature27.1°C

Wind Speed5.6 km/h

Updated01:30

Prayer Times

Fajr04:28

Sunrise05:33

Dhuhr12:04

Asr15:28

Maghrib18:34

Isha19:40

Geographic Overview

Coordinates: about 22°42′N, 90°22′E around Barishal City

Location: South-central Bangladesh in the lower Ganges-Meghna delta, shaped by rivers, estuaries, islands, and the northern Bay of Bengal coast.

Boundaries

North: Dhaka Division
South: Bay of Bengal
East: Chattogram Division and the lower Meghna estuary
West: Khulna Division

Major Rivers: Arial Khan, Kirtankhola, Meghna, Tetulia, Baleshwar, Bishkhali, Payra, Gabkhan channel system

Notable Natural Features: Kuakata sea beach, floating guava markets, coastal islands, deltaic river networks, wetlands and estuarine landscapes

Administrative Structure

Established: 1993

Capital: Barishal City

Subdivisions: 6 districts, 42 upazilas, 353 unions

Demographics

Population (2022): 9,325,820

Urban: about 2.51 million

Rural: about 6.81 million

Religion

Muslims: about 88.12%
Hindus: about 11.53%
Christians: about 0.23%
Others: about 0.12%

Languages

Official: Bengali
Regional: Barishali and south-central Bengali speech varieties
Minority and community languages are present in island, fishing, and riverine communities.

Education & Institutions

Barishal Division is an important education hub for south-central Bangladesh, especially in general higher education, agriculture, medicine, and riverine regional studies.

Universities

University of Barishal
Patuakhali Science and Technology University
Pirojpur Science and Technology University

Colleges: Brojomohun College, Government Syed Hatem Ali College, Barishal Government Women's College, Patuakhali Government College, Bhola Government College

Specialized Institutes: Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barishal Engineering College, marine, fisheries, and coastal agriculture institutions across Patuakhali and Bhola