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Division Profile

Khulna

Khulna Division is Bangladesh’s southwestern division and the gateway to the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest. It covers about 22,284 km² and had a population of about 17.4 million in the 2022 census. Its capital and largest city is Khulna, an important industrial, river-port, education, and coastal gateway city.

Current Weather

Mainly clear

Temperature26.2°C
Wind Speed5.3 km/h
Updated03:30

Prayer Times

Fajr04:31
Sunrise05:36
Dhuhr12:07
Asr15:32
Maghrib18:38
Isha19:44

Geographic Overview

Coordinates: about 22°49′N, 89°33′E around Khulna City

Location: Southwestern Bangladesh, within the Ganges delta and along the Bay of Bengal coast.

Boundaries

  • North: Rajshahi Division
  • South: Bay of Bengal and the Sundarbans coast
  • East: Dhaka and Barishal divisions
  • West: West Bengal (India)

Major Rivers: Rupsha, Bhairab, Madhumati, Kapotaksha, Gorai, Kumar, Nabaganga, Ichamati, Pasur

Notable Natural Features: Sundarbans mangrove forest, Hiron Point, coastal islands, tidal rivers, shrimp and fish farming zones

Administrative Structure

Established: 1960

Capital: Khulna City

Subdivisions: 10 districts, 59 upazilas, 571 unions

Demographics

Population (2022): about 17.4 million

Urban: about 4.31 million

Rural: about 13.10 million

Religion

  • Muslims: about 88.21%
  • Hindus: about 11.53%
  • Christians: about 0.24%
  • Others: about 0.02%

Languages

  • Official: Bengali
  • Regional: Southwestern Bengali dialects, including Khulna-Jashore speech varieties
  • Minority and community languages are present in coastal, urban, and forest-adjacent communities.

Education & Institutions

Khulna Division is a major education and research center for southwestern Bangladesh, with strengths in engineering, agriculture, medicine, coastal studies, and environmental research.

Universities

  • Khulna University
  • Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET)
  • Khulna Agricultural University
  • Khulna Medical University
  • Jashore University of Science and Technology
  • Islamic University, Bangladesh
  • Rabindra University, Bangladesh

Colleges: Government B.L. College, Jashore Government Michael Madhusudan College, Kushtia Government College, Satkhira Government College, Magura Government College

Specialized Institutes: Khulna Medical College, Sheikh Hasina Medical University Khulna, Mongla maritime and port-related training institutions, Sundarbans and coastal environment research initiatives

Economy & Culture

Nickname: Gateway to the Sundarbans

Agriculture & Fisheries: Rice, jute, vegetables, fish, shrimp, crab, honey, and coastal aquaculture.

Industry: Jute mills, shrimp processing, shipbuilding and repair, port logistics, fisheries, textiles, food processing, and forest-related products.

Cultural Heritage Sites

  • Sundarbans
  • Sixty Dome Mosque (Bagerhat)
  • Khan Jahan Ali Mazar
  • Shilaidaha Kuthibari
  • Mujibnagar Memorial
  • Mongla Port
  • Karamjal Wildlife Center
  • Michael Madhusudan Dutt memorial sites in Jashore