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Habiganj (হবিগঞ্জ Hobigônj) is a district in Northern Bangladesh. It is a part of the Sylhet Division.

Habiganj was established as a Thana in 1790, when it was part of Dhaka district (1779-1793). Until 1896, Habiganj's administrative centre was in Court Andar, Laksarpur. In 1893, it was moved to Habiganj Sadar. On 12th September 1874 under Sylhet district (part of Assam), Habiganj was established as a subdivision. In 1911, Habiganj was rejoined with East-Bengal (now Bangladesh) in 1911. In 1984, Habiganj was turned into a District; at the moment it consists of 4 municipality, 36 wards, 124 mahallas, 8 upazilas, 77 union parishads, 1241 mouzas and 2093 villages.

Contents 1 Climate 2 Geography 3 People and Population 4 History 5 Members of Parlament 6 Education 7 Literature and Cultural 8 Literature and People 9 Subdivisions 9.1 Ajmiriganj Upazila 9.2 Baniachang Upazila 9.3 Bahubal Upazila 9.4 Chunarughat Upazila 9.5 Habiganj Sadar Upazila 9.6 Lakhai Upazila 9.7 Madhabpur Upazila 9.8 Nabiganj Upazila 10 Economy 11 Archaeological Heritage 12 See also

Habiganj has a tropical monsoon climate with six distinct seasons. 1) The summer season (mid-April to mid-June) when rain also occurs including heavy thunderstorms. 2) The rainy season (mid-June to mid-August) when 80% of the annual precipitation occurs in heavy and frequent downpours. Although the rainy season is cooler than the summer season it is still warm and humid. 3) The Autumn season (mid-August to mid-October) is cooler than rainy session and less rain occurs. 4) Pre-winter season (mid-October to mid-December) which is mostly dry and cool. 5) Winter season (mid-December to mid-February) which is dry and very cool. 6) Spring season (mid-February to mid-April) which is hot and dry.

The average annual precipitation is 3334 mm. Three types of storms occurs depending on the season, and they are 1) cyclonic storms; 2) thunderstorms; and 3) tornadoes. Average temperature ranges are from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius in January to 25 to 33 degrees Celsius in June.

Habiganj has an area of 2636.58 sq km. It is bounded by Sunamganj district to the north, Tripura and Moulvibazar to the east, Balaganj (part of Sylhet district) to the north-east, Brahmanbaria and Kishoreganj districts to the west.

This part of Bangladesh is characterised by alluvial plains which are dissected by various connecting rivers as well as streams, lakes; and it is vulnerable to both flood and drought. The land is devoted mainly to agriculture due to its fertile alluvial soils.

Land Use: agricultural-cultivated 25299.3 hectares (51.6% single-crop, 38.7% double-crop and 9.7% triple-crop); fallow 520.53 hectares. There are also 22 tea-gardens and 2 rubber-plantation. Rivers: Barak, Bheramahana, Gopala, Kalni, Kalishiri, Khowai, Korangi, Kushiyara, Meghna (lower), Ratona, Shwasanali, Sutang, Tentulia and Yojnal.

Over 98% of the population are Bengalis while the remainder are Biharis, Khasia, Manipuri and Tripuri people. The total population is 17,57,331 (49.94% male and 50.06% female), which can be further breakdown as 80.23% Muslim, 19.12% Hindu, 0.05% Buddhist, 0.13% Christian and 0.47% others. Sex Distribution: 49.94% male, 50.06% female. Life Expectancy: 56 years male, 56 years female. Age Breakdown: 42% (under 15); 26% (15-29); 16% (30-44); 9% (45-59); 5% (60 and 60+); and 2% (not known). Birth Rate: 33.0 per 1,000. Death Rate: 11.4 per 1,000. Increase Rate: 21.6 per 1,000. Infant Mortality Rate: 98.0 per 1,000 live births.

The Tripuri people (Tipra or Tipperah) are the original inhabitants of the state of Tripura. The Royal family of the Debbarma's ruled the state of Tripura for more than 2000 years till the kingdom was joined with the India in 1949.

The Manipuri's original homeland is Manipur, once a sovereign state and now the north-eastern state of India. In the early days, Manipur had different names such as Kyangleipak, Kyangkleipang, Kyanglei, Meitrabak, and Mekhali and the Manipuri were known as Meitei. During the reign of Maharaj Garibniwaz (1709-1748), Manipuris arrived here.

The Khasia (or Khasi) is a Mongolite ethnic group. The Khasia's descended to the Khasia hills and Jaintia hills from Cherapunji and Shilong regions. They migrated to Habiganj from Assam where they came about five hundred years ago, presumably from Tibet, and now they form one of the ethnic minority communities in Habiganj.

Chaklapunji

All the reported prehistoric records of Bangladesh are associated with the Lalmai hills and the higher areas of Sylhet, Habiganj, and Chittagong and Madhupur Tract. The prehistoric site of Chaklapunji tea garden, near Chandirmazar of Chunarughat, Habiganj, has also revealed a significant number of prehistoric tools from the bed of a small ephemeral stream (water remains here only for a few hours after rainfall) known as Balu nadi. Angularity and freshness of the fossil wood artefacts suggest that they did not come from a great distance and probably came from nearby hillocks. Typologically, technologically, and morphometrically, the artefacts are more or less the same as those found in the Lalmai area. The Fossil wood assemblages of Lalmai and Chaklapunji can be classified into two groups: 1) Pre-neolithic assemblages without polished tools (hand axes, cleavers, scrapers, chopping tools, points etc); and 2) Neolithic assemblages (hand adzes, polished celts, awls etc).

Battle of Bara Bhuiyans and Mughal

In Baniachang a battle occurred between Anwar Khan (the Zamindar of Sylhet) and Hussain Khan (Bara Bhuiyans of Baniachang) with the Mughal army in the 17th century, which can be found in the Bahrastan-i-Gayebi.

Fort of Putijuri

Khwaja Osman (Afghan king) left Bukai Nagar Fort and established a shelter at Putijuri on the foot of the Giripal. He also established a fort at Putijuri, which was extremely important for defence. The Mughal army took the advantage when Khwaja Osman's brother was absent from the fort, and finally defeated the Khwaja Osman's army at the village called Dhalamvapur (Maulvibazar district).

Teliapara Tea Garden

On 4 April, the senior officers of the liberation army assembled at the headquarters of 2nd East Bengal at Teliapara, a semi hilly area covered by tea gardens where Colonel MAG Osmany, Lieutenant Colonel Abdur Rob, Lieutenant Colonel Salahuddin Mohammad Reja, Major Kazi Nuruzzaman, Major khaled mosharraf, Major Nurul Islam, Major Shafat Jamil, Major Mainul Hossain Chowdhury and others were present. In this meeting four senior commanders were entrusted with the responsibility of operational areas. Sylhet-Brahmanbaria area was placed under the command of Major Shafiullah. Comilla-Noakhali area was given to Major Khaled Mosharraf while Chittagong-Chittagong Hill Tracts was given to Major Ziaur Rahman. Kushtia-Jessore area was placed under command of Major Abu Osman Chowdhury. In the meeting the organisational concept of the freedom fighter forces and the command structure were chalked out. Colonel MAG Osmany was to command the liberation forces, later named as mukti bahini.

War of Liberation in Ajmiriganj

During the War of Liberation in 1971 a 18 hours direct encounter between the freedom-fighters and the Pakistani-army was held on 16th November 1971, in which freedom-fighter Jagatyoti and 11 villagers were killed by the Pakistani-army.

Indian National Congress

In the second session of the Congress held in Calcutta in 1886, the Indian National Congress was able to attract representatives from Habiganj, they are Joy Gobinda Shome and Kamini Kumar Chanda of Habiganj People's Association.

• Habiganj 1: Dewan Farid Gazi (2001-2006), (1996-2001), Khalilur Rahman (1991-1996)
• Habiganj 2: Nazmul Hasan Jahed (2001-2006), Sharif Uddin Ahmed (1996-?), Sharif Uddin Ahmed (1991-1996)
• Habiganj 3: Late Shah A. M. S. Kibria (2001-2005), Abu Laice Md. Mubin Chowdhury (2005-2006), (1996-2001), (1991-1996)
• Habiganj 4: Enamul Haq (2001-2006), (1996-2001), (1991-1996)

Literacy rate: 22.51% (27.86% male and 17.01% female). Educational institutions: 1 (Honours) College; 1 Polytechnic institute; 13 (further education) Colleges, 8 (state) and 87 (non-government) High Schools; 14 Junior Schools; 1411 (state) and 233 (non-government) Primary Schools; 96 Madras; and 6 Satellite (temporary) Schools. Religious institutions: 1385 mosques; 176 temples; 2 churches; 46 tombs.

Folk Literature: Mahuya Sundari and Dhupar Path.

Cultural organisations: 131 clubs, 10 public libraries; 5 private libraries; 12 theatre groups; 6 literary societies; 7 Women's Societies; 13 cinema halls; and 13 theatres.

Local Newspapers: Daily Pravakar, Pratidener Bani, weekly Swadhikar, Swadeshbarta, Drishtikon, Khoai, Hobiganj Samachar, Janatar Dalil, Parikrama, fortnightly Prayas and Mritika.

Extinct Local Newspapers: monthly Moitri (1909), weekly Projapati (1909), Sree Sree Sonar Gauranga (1329 BS), Palli Bani (1940), weekly Shahid (1948), weekly Jagaran (1955), monthly Avijatrik (1966).

• Shree Shree Ramkrishna Gushamee (~983-1059 bangla) was born in Richi, Habiganj Sadar, and was a spirituality leader.

• Syed Sultan (c 1550-1648) a poet of medieval bangla literature, was born in Laksarpur. He lived in Chittagong for some time. The name of his pir was Syed Hasan. The poet himself later reached the status of a pir and had a disciple called Maktul Hussain, author of the poetical work. He wrote several books, including nabi bangsha (Family of the Prophet), Jnanpradip (Light of knowledge), Jnanchautisha, and Jaikum Rajar Ladai (Battle of King Jaikum).

• Narayan Deb (16th century) was born in Jalshuka, who wrote the poetical work called Padma-Puran, Kabi-ballabh, Kalika-Puran.

• Magan Thakur (1600-1660) was born in a village called Dinarpur, near Nabiganj. He is one of the poet of medieval bangla literature, who wrote the poetical work called Chandravati.

• Syed Shanur (1730-1854), written Raagnur, Nureer bagan, Monihar etc.

• Bipin Chandra Pal was born on November 7, 1858 in Habiganj. His father was Ramchandra Pal. He was a teacher, journalist, orator, writer and librarian who started the journal Bande Mataram. He was one of the trilogy of the three Extremist patriots of the Indian National Congress who had fought and gave his life during Indian independence movement in the first half of the twentieth century. The other two were Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Together they were known as Lal-Bal-Pal. Bipin Chandra Pal started the Bangla weekly Paridarshak in Sylhet (1886). He worked as Assistant Editor of the Bengali Public Opinion (1882) and served the Lahore Tribune for a short time (1887). For sometime he was the editor of The Democrat and The Independent. He published a biography (in Bangla) of Queen Victoria in 1887. Among his other books Indian Nationalism, Nationality and Empire, Swaraj and the Present Situation, The Basis of Social Reform, The Soul of India, The New Spirit and Studies in Hinduism are prominent.

• Shekh Bhano (1256-1326), who wrote the poetical work called Ashararul Eshk.

• Shah Kismat Ali (1286-1351 bangla) was born in Bamkandi, Habiganj Sadar, who wrote the poetical work called Kimate Dilfana.

• Kalamdar Fakir (1294-1369 bangla) was born in Parashundar. He has written more than 100 songs.

• Dinaheen (? - 1327 bangla) was born in Shanghat, Bhahubal. He has written 500 songs.

• Swami Swahananda was born in a village near Habiganj. He was initiated in 1937 by Swami Vijnanananda, one of Sri Ramakrishna's direct disciples. Swami Swahananda is the author of many books and articles on religious life and spirituality including: Meditation and Other Spiritual Disciplines; Hindu Symbology and Other Essays, and Service and Spirituality.

• Ramnath Biswas who traveled the whole globe with a bicycle in 1936-37, blind lyric poet Faizul Kabir, Swadeshi movement activists Hem Sen and Sushil Sen, a hero of the war of liberation (1971) Major General M. Abdur Rab Bir-Uttam were born in Baniachang.

modern writers and poets

• Anandamay Brahmacharee (1863-1940, essayist)
• Shitanath Datta (1856-?, religious studies)
• Yagendra Chandra Deb (1880-?, writer)
• Swami Ashakananda (1891-1969, religious studies )
• Hemanga Bhiswash (1892-1986, song writer)
• Debendra Kumar Pal Choudhury (1916-?, poet)
• Dewan Gulam Murtuja (poet)
• Afzal Choudhury (1942-?, poet)
• Abdur Rouf Choudhury (1929-1996, novelist and essayist)

In 1907 Abidabaad became Ajmiriganj thana under Assam government. In 1983 Ajmiriganj thana was turned into an upazila. Name was derived from Aijadam > Ajmardan > Aijmadam > Abidabaad > Ajmiriganj.

Ajmiriganj Upazila has an area of 223.98 sq km, which is bounded by Sallah and Itna upazila to the north-west, Baniachang upazila to the east, Mithamain upazila to the south. It consists of 5 union parishads, 68 mouzas and 79 villages. The population is 86,810 (51.11% male, 48.89% female), with the literacy rate of 22.4% (28.2% male, 16.2% female). It needs to be mentioned that Jalsukh Krishna Govinda Public High School was established in 1876.

Ajmiriganj Bazar (main town), on the other hand, consists of 2 mouzas, with an area of 5.73 sq km. The total population is 13,829 (52.85% male, 47.15% female), with the literacy rate of 22.4%. The town has one Dak-Banglow. Town also have a number of buildings, which are from as early as 1800 and structurally beautiful, some of these were financed by Moharaja of Tripura.

Ajmiriganj Upazila has 3 main rivers, they are Kalni, Kushiyara and Bheramahana.

Main exports of Ajmiriganj Upazila are Shrimp, Frog-legs, and Dry-fish.

The Baniachang is the largest village of Asia, once upon a time the Baniachang Bazar (main town) was the capital of the ancient Loud Kingdom of Sylhet.

In 1790 Baniachang thana was established and In 1983 Ajmiriganj thana was turned into an upazila. Baniachang Upazila has an area of 482.25 sq km, which is bounded by Sallah and Derai upazilas to the north, Habiganj Sadar and Lakhai upazilas to the south, Habiganj Sadar and Nabiganj upazilas to the east, Ajmiriganj, Mithamain and Austagram upazilas to the west. It consists of 15 union parishads, 237 mouzas and 337 villages. The total population is 2,35,855 (50.84% male, 49.16% female), with the literacy rate of 20.8% (25.5% male, 12.6% female). It needs to be mentioned that LR Government High School was established in 1896.

Baniachang Bazar (main town), on the other hand, consists of 7 mouzas, with an area of 3.06 sq km. The population is 21,111 (50.75% male, 49.25% female), with the literacy rate of 25.3%. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

Baniachang Upazila has 3 main rivers, they are Kushiyara, Kalai and Barak.

Bahubal was part of Raja Achak Narayan's Zamindari, but under Tripura. During Raja Achak Narayan's time (~1300-1360) the administrative centre was in Bishgawa. Than it was merged with Laksarpur, after Syed Nasiruddin taken over the power from Raja Achak Narayan.

In 1921 Bahubal thana was established, and 1983 it was turned into an upazila. Bahubal Upazila has an area of 250.66 sq km, and is bounded by Nabiganj upazila to the north, Chunarughat upazila to the south, Sreemangal upazila to the east and Habiganj Sadar upazila to the west. The total population is 1,37,402 (50.58% male, 49.42% female), with the literacy rate of 23% (28.8% male, 17.1% female). It needs to be mentioned that Dina Nath Institute was established in 1937.

Bahbal Bazar (main town), on the other hand, consists of 2 mouzas with an area of 2.12 sq. km. The town has a population of 2560 (53.09% male, 46.91% female), with the literacy rate of 48.3%. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

Bahubal Upazila has 4 main rivers, they are Korangi, Shwasanali, Yojnal, Kalishiri.

Chunarughat thana was established in 1922, and 1983 turned into an upazila. Chunarughat Upazila has an area of 495.52 sq km, and is bounded by Habiganj Sadar and Bahubal upazilas to the north, Tripura to the south, Sreemangal upazila and Tripura to the east, Madhabpur upazila to the west. It consists of 10 union parishads, 165 mouzas and 377 villages. The total population of 2,33,752 (50.20% male, 49.80% female), with the literacy rate of 24.2% (31.4% male, 16.9% female). It needs to be mentioned that Dakkhinacharan Pilot High School, Gabtala Dakhil Madrasa and Agrani High School were established in 1928, 1933 and 1969 respectively.

Chunarughat Bazar (main town) consists of 3 mouzas, with an area of 3.53 sq km. The population is 6,631 (53.10% male, 46.9% female), with the literacy rate of 46.5%. The town is well known as a business centre. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

Chunarughat Upazila has 3 main rivers, they are Khowai, Sutang, Karangi.

Habiganj Sadar Upazilla has an area of 253.74 sq km, and bounded by Baniachang and Nabiganj upazilas to the north, Chunarughat and Madhabpur upazilas to the south, Bahubal upazila to the east, Lakhai upazila to the west.

Habiganj Municipality is consists of 9 wards and 64 mahallas. It has an area of 20.60 sq km with a population of 54178 (52.59% male and 47.41% female). The literacy rate is 59.9%. It needs to be mentioned that Laskarpur Primary School, Mirjapur Government Primary School, Fakirabad Government High School, Habiganj Government High School, Shaestaganj High School and Nizampur Dakhil Madrasa were established in 1818, 1885, 1890, 1883, 1918 and 1935 respectively. The Brindaban College was also established in 1935. In 1881, Habiganj Town Committee was established, and in 1913 it was turned into a municipality. During the British period an embankment was constructed along the Khoai river to protect the town. The main business centres are Chowdhury Bazar, Commercial Road and Hospital Road.

Habiganj Sadar Upazilla has 3 main rivers, they are Barak, Khowai and Sutung.

In 1922, Lakhai thana was established, and in 1983 turned into an upazila. Lakhai Upazila has an area of 196.56 sq km, and bounded by Austagram and Baniachang upazilas to the north, Nasirnagar upazila to the south, Habiganj Sadar, Madhabpur and Nasirnagar upazilas to the east, Austagram upazila to the west. It consists of 6 unions, 70 mouzas and 63 villages. The population is 1,10,219 (49.20% male, 50.80% female), with the literacy rate of 21.6% (27.8% male, 15.6% female). It needs to be mentioned that Lakhai ACRC High School, Barishal Karar High School and Bamoi High School were established in 1945, 1947 and 1961 respectively.

Lakhai Bazar (main town) consists of 2 mouzas, with an area of 7.81 sq km. The population is 6,775 (48.53% male, 51.47% female) and the literacy rate is 49.5%. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

Lakhai Upazila has 2 main rivers, they are Tentulia and Meghna (lower).

Madhabpur Upazila has an area of 294.27 sq km, and bounded by Lakhai and Habiganj Sadar upazilas to the north, Tripura to the south, Chunarughat upazila and Tripura to the east, Brahmanbaria Sadar and Nasirnagar upazilas to the west. It is consists of one municipality, 11 union parishads, 180 mouzas and 288 villages. The population is 2,50,069 (50.72% male, 49.28% female), with the literacy rate of 23.9% (30.8% male, 16.8% female).

Madhabpur Bazar (main town) consists of 9 wards and 15 mahallas. It has an area of 2.45 sq km, with the population of 17961 (51.77% male, 48.23% female), and the literacy rate of 57.5%. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

In 1839, Nabiganj thana was established, and in 1983 it was turned into an upazila. It has an area of 439.6 sq km, and bounded by Derai and Jagannathpur upazilas to the north, Habiganj Sadar and Bahubal upazilas to the south, Sreemangal, maulvi bazar Sadar and Balaganj upazilas to the east, Baniachang upazila to the west. It consists of one municipality, 13 union parishads, 218 mouzas and 359 villages. The population is 2,46,933 (50.27% male, 49.73% female), with the literacy rate of 26.4% (30.3% male, 22.5% female). It needs to mentioned that Nabiganj JK High School, Dinarpur High School and Pithuya Girls School were established in 1916, 1921 and 1943 respectively.

Nabiganj Bazar (main town) consists of 9 wards and 20 mahallas. It has an area of 2.93 sq km, with a population of 19,243 (51.36% male, 48.64% female). The literacy rate of 26.4%. The town has one Dak-Banglow.

Nabiganj Upazila's main rivers, they are Kushiyara and Barak.

Work-Force

Agriculture 42.26%, agricultural labourer 20.55%, wage labourer 6.45%, commerce 8.2%, service 4.69%, industry 1.7%, fishing 2.73% and others 13.42%.

Economical Resources

• Main crops: paddy, tea, wheat, potato, jute, ground nut, betel leaf and oil seed.
• Main fruits: mango, jackfruit, banana, litchi, coconut, lemon, pineapple and black berry.
• Fisheries and dairies: poultries Dairy 148, poultry 739 and fishery 638.
• Communication facilities: Roads (321 km pucca, 205 km semi-pucca and 1592 km muddy); Railways 107 km.
• Traditional transport: palanquin, gaina boat and bullock cart.
• Factories: Textile mill, umbrella factory, flour mill, rice mill, ice factory, soap factory, dryfish processing centre, biscuit factory.
• Cottage industries: weaving, bamboo work, goldsmith, blacksmith, potteries, tailoring and welding.
• Mineral resources: natural gas and oil.
• Hats, bazaars and fairs: 126 (hats and bazaars) and 23 (fairs).

Exports

Main exports are:

• Paddy, Fish, Shrimp, Frog-legs, Dry-fish
• Tea, Betel-leaf, Dates, Molasses
• Rubber, Bamboo
• Natural gas and oil
• Textile

• Ancient Rajbari (1737-38) at Puranbagh, Baniachang
• Bagala Matar Mandir, Habiganj
• Bibir Dargah Mosque, Baniachang
• Bikhangal Akhra, Baniachang
• Jami Mosque, Bahubal
• Kuri-tila, Black-stone and an Ancient Rajbari, Dinarpur, Nabiganj
• Mashulia Akhra, Habiganj Sadar
• Mosque of Uchail, built by Mojlishe Amin, Lakhai
• Murarbandar Dargah Sharif, Chunarughat
• Putijuri Jami Mosque, Bahubal
• Sham-baoul Akhra and Doulotpur Akhra, Baniachang

Others

• Baniachong village (the biggest village in Asia)
• Dorga-tila, Mira-tila and Tangee-tila, Nabiganj
• Foltoli-tila and water fountain, Nabiganj
• Kalibari, Habiganj Sadar
• Monument for the freedom-fighters, Teliapara tea garden
• Rashidpur Tea Garden, Bahubal Upozila
• Ramakrishna Ashram, Habiganj Sadar
• Shagor Dighi, Baniachong
• Shajeerbazar, Chunarughat
• Tea gardens in the vallies
• War of Liberation Mass Grave, Nabiganj
• War of Liberation Memorial Monument, Nabiganj

• Districts of Bangladesh
• Sylhet Division

v • d • e Divisions and districts of Bangladesh
Barisal Division	Barguna · Barisal · Bhola · Jhalkathi · Patuakhali · Pirojpur
Chittagong Division	Bandarban · Brahmanbaria · Chandpur · Chittagong · Comilla · Cox's Bazar · Feni · Khagrachari · Lakshmipur · Noakhali · Rangamati
Dhaka Division	Dhaka · Faridpur · Gazipur · Gopalganj · Jamalpur · Kishoreganj · Madaripur · Manikganj · Munshiganj · Mymensingh · Narayanganj · Narsingdi · Netrakona · Rajbari · Shariatpur · Sherpur · Tangail
Khulna Division	Bagerhat · Chuadanga · Jessore · Jhenaidah · Khulna · Kushtia · Magura · Meherpur · Narail · Satkhira
Rajshahi Division	Bogra · Dinajpur · Gaibandha · Jaipurhat · Kurigram · Lalmonirhat · Naogaon · Natore · Nawabganj · Nilphamari · Pabna · Panchagarh · Rajshahi · Rangpur · Sirajganj · Thakurgaon
Sylhet Division	Habiganj · Moulvibazar · Sunamganj · Sylhet

Coordinates: 24°26′N 91°25′E