Habiganj District
Encyclopedia
Habiganj is a district in the north-eastern part of Bangladesh
. It is under Sylhet Division
.
Habiganj is the historical place where the Mukti Bahini started their first guerrilla movement against aggressor Pakistani Army. It is also the place full of memory of Syed Nasir Uddin(R), an associate of Hazrath Shah Jalal (R) the great saint of Bengal. Historically, Habibganj was a bazaar or ganj beside the river Khowai established by Syed Habib Ullah, the son of Syed Hadaiet Ullah. With the passage of time, Habibganj turned into Habiganj. During the British Raj
, Habiganj was established as a Thana (police precinct
) in 1790, under Dhaka
district (1779–1793). Until 1896, Habiganj's administrative center was in Court Andar, Laskarpur. On 12 September 1874 it came under Sylhet
district (part of Assam
). Habiganj was declared as subdivision in 1867. On 7 April 1893, according to the Notification no. 273 of Assam Provincial Government, Habiganj Thana (Administrative unit) was established. Habiganj was rejoined with East-Bengal (now Bangladesh
) in 1911. Then the Office of the Circle Officer (Development) was established in 1960. Finally on 1 March 1984 Habiganj was established as a District.
At present Habiganj consists of 8 upazilas, 6 municipalities, 36 wards, 77 union parishads, 124 mahalla
s, 1241 mouza
s and 2093 villages.
). They are:
and Sayestaganj Thana under Habiganj Sadar Upazila.
, 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 (river). Angularity and freshness of the fossil wood artifacts suggest that they did not come from a great distance and probably came from nearby hillocks. Typologically, technologically, and morphometrically, the artifacts 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:
s of Baniachang with the Mughal
army in the 17th century, which can be found in the Bahrastan-i-Gayebi.
was able to attract representatives from Habiganj District. They are Joy Gobinda Shome and Kamini Kumar Chanda of Habiganj People's Association.
the senior army officers assembled at the headquarters of 2nd East Bengal at Teliapara
, a semi hilly area covered by tea gardens where General MAG Osmani
, 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
and Kushtia-Jessore area was placed under command of Major Abu Osman Chowdhury. In the meeting the organization concept of the freedom fighter forces and the command structure were chalked out under the command of General MAG Osmani
.
to the north, Tripura
of India and Maulvibazar District to the east, Balaganj Upazila
of Sylhet
to the north-east, Brahmanbaria
and Kishoreganj
districts to the west.
This part of Bangladesh
is characterized 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.
, Ratna, Shwasanali, shutki, sonai, Korangi, Shutang, Tentulia, Jhingri, Bizna and Yojnal.api
, 19.12% Hindu
, 0.05% Buddhist, 0.13% Christian
and 0.47% others. Life Expectancy: 56 years both male and 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. Population growth rate: 21.6 per 1,000. Infant Mortality Rate: 98.0 per 1,000 live births.
Over 98% of the population are Bengali
s while the remainder are Bihari
s, Khasia, Manipuri and Tripuri people.
The Tipra or Tipperah are the original inhabitants of the state of Tripura. The Royal family of the Debbarma
ruled the state of Tripura for more than 2,000 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 is a Mongolite ethnic group. The Khasi descended to the Khasia hills and Jaintia hills from Cherapunji and Shilong regions. They migrated to Habiganj from Assam
where they came about 500 years ago, presumably from Tibet
, and now they form one of the ethnic minority communities in Habiganj.
Rashidpur gas field (1960), Bibiana gas field (1998) and Habiganj gas field (1963. The approximate stock of these gas fields is 5.5 Trillion Cubic Feet. Habiganj gas field lies in Madhabpur Upazila
. This field was also discovered by Pakistan Shell Oil Company in 1963. The structure measures 12x5 square km with a vertical closure of 300 m which has a roughly sub-meridian axis tilted slightly eastward at the northern end. Total recoverable gas reserve of this field re-estimated by Hydrocarbon Unit is 3852.3 Gcuft. Commercial gas production from this field was commenced in 1968 and till 31 August 2006 total 1364.474 Gcuft or 35.42 percent of reserves has been recovered.
Cultural organizations: 131 clubs, 10 public libraries; 5 private libraries; 12 theater groups; 6 literary societies; 7 Woman's Societies; 13 cinema halls; and 13 theaters.
Religious institutions: 1385 masjid; 176 temples; 2 churches; 46 tombs.
Local newspapers: Daily Pravakar, Pratidener Bani, weekly Swadhikar, Swadeshbarta, Drishtikon, Daily Khowai, Habiganj Samachar, Janatar Dalil, Parikrama, fortnightly Prayas, The Daily Habiganjer Ayna and Mritika.
Defunct 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).
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
. It is under Sylhet Division
Sylhet Division
Sylhet Division , also known as Greater Sylhet or Sylhet region, is the northeastern division of Bangladesh, named after its main city, Sylhet...
.
Habiganj is the historical place where the Mukti Bahini started their first guerrilla movement against aggressor Pakistani Army. It is also the place full of memory of Syed Nasir Uddin(R), an associate of Hazrath Shah Jalal (R) the great saint of Bengal. Historically, Habibganj was a bazaar or ganj beside the river Khowai established by Syed Habib Ullah, the son of Syed Hadaiet Ullah. With the passage of time, Habibganj turned into Habiganj. During the British Raj
British Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
, Habiganj was established as a Thana (police precinct
Police precinct
Police precinct is a form of division of a geographical area patrolled by a police force.Police forces using this format include:* New York Police Department* Boston Police Department* Portland Police Bureau* Seattle Police Department-See also:...
) in 1790, under Dhaka
Dhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
district (1779–1793). Until 1896, Habiganj's administrative center was in Court Andar, Laskarpur. On 12 September 1874 it came under Sylhet
Sylhet
Sylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
district (part of Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
). Habiganj was declared as subdivision in 1867. On 7 April 1893, according to the Notification no. 273 of Assam Provincial Government, Habiganj Thana (Administrative unit) was established. Habiganj was rejoined with East-Bengal (now Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
) in 1911. Then the Office of the Circle Officer (Development) was established in 1960. Finally on 1 March 1984 Habiganj was established as a District.
At present Habiganj consists of 8 upazilas, 6 municipalities, 36 wards, 77 union parishads, 124 mahalla
Mahalla
A mahalla is an urban division in Uzbekistan. Historically, mahallas were autonomous social institutions built around familial ties and Islamic rituals. Before the establishment of the Soviet rule in Uzbekistan, Mahallas fulfilled local self-government functions connecting private sphere with...
s, 1241 mouza
Mouza
In Bangladesh, a mouza is a type of administrative district, corresponding to a specific land area within which there may be one or more settlements. Before the 20th century, the term referred to a revenue collection unit in a pargana or revenue district. As populations increased and villages...
s and 2093 villages.
Upazila
Habiganj District comprises eight Upazilas (sub-districts) and one thana (Police stationPolice station
A police station or station house is a building which serves to accommodate police officers and other members of staff. These buildings often contain offices and accommodation for personnel and vehicles, along with locker rooms, temporary holding cells and interview/interrogation rooms.- Facilities...
). They are:
- AjmiriganjAjmiriganj UpazilaAjmiriganj is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Ajmiriganj is located at . It has 14713 units of house hold and total area 223.98 km².-Demographics:...
- BaniachangBaniachang UpazilaBaniachong is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Baniachong is located at . It has 39816 units of house hold and total area 482.25 km².-Demographics:...
- BahubalBahubal UpazilaBahubal is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Bahubal is located at . It has 25208 units of house hold and total area 250.66 km².-Demographics:...
- ChunarughatChunarughat UpazilaChunarughat is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Chunarughat is located at . It has 43660 units of house hold and total area 495.52 km².-Demographics:...
- Habiganj SadarHabiganj Sadar UpazilaHabiganj Sadar is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Habiganj Sadar is located at . It has 38977 units of house hold and total area 253.74 km².-Demographics:...
- LakhaiLakhai UpazilaLakhai is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Lakhai is located at . It has 19465 units of house hold and total area 196.56 km². Lakhai is the connecting point of 3 administrative divisions Sylhet, Dhaka & Chittagong of Bangladesh...
- MadhabpurMadhabpur UpazilaMadhabpur is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Madhabpur is located at . It has 44053 units of house hold and total area .-Demographics:...
- NabiganjNabiganj UpazilaNabiganj is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Nabiganj is located at . It has 41358 units of house hold and total area 439.6 km².-Demographics:...
- Shaistagonj Upazila... On the way
and Sayestaganj Thana under Habiganj Sadar Upazila.
Chaklapunji
All the reported prehistoric records of Bangladesh are associated with the Lalmai hills and the higher areas of SylhetSylhet
Sylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
, Habiganj, and Chittagong
Chittagong
Chittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
and Madhupur tract
Madhupur tract
Madhupur tract a large upland area of 4,244 km² in north central of Bangladesh, stretching from east of Jamalpur in the north, to Fatullah and Narayanganj, in the south. The tract is mostly one large tract, unlike the Barind Tract. It is approximately one to ten metres above the nearby...
. The prehistoric site of Chaklapunji tea garden, near Chandirmazar of Chunarughat
Chunarughat Upazila
Chunarughat is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Chunarughat is located at . It has 43660 units of house hold and total area 495.52 km².-Demographics:...
. 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 (river). Angularity and freshness of the fossil wood artifacts suggest that they did not come from a great distance and probably came from nearby hillocks. Typologically, technologically, and morphometrically, the artifacts 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:
- Pre-neolithic assemblages without polished tools (hand axes, cleavers, scrapers, chopping tools, points etc.);
- 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 (Baro-BhuyanBaro-Bhuyan
The Baro-Bhuyans were warrior chiefs and landlords of medieval Assam and Bengal who maintained a loose independent confederacy. In times of aggression by external powers, they generally cooperated in defending and expelling the aggressor. In times of peace, they maintained their respective...
s of Baniachang with the Mughal
Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire , or Mogul Empire in traditional English usage, was an imperial power from the Indian Subcontinent. The Mughal emperors were descendants of the Timurids...
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 defense. 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, Maulvi Bazar District.Indian National Congress
In the second session of the Congress held in Calcutta in 1886, the Indian National CongressIndian National Congress
The Indian National Congress is one of the two major political parties in India, the other being the Bharatiya Janata Party. It is the largest and one of the oldest democratic political parties in the world. The party's modern liberal platform is largely considered center-left in the Indian...
was able to attract representatives from Habiganj District. They are Joy Gobinda Shome and Kamini Kumar Chanda of Habiganj People's Association.
War at Teliapara Tea Garden
On 4 April 1971, during Bangladesh Liberation WarBangladesh Liberation War
The Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh....
the senior army officers assembled at the headquarters of 2nd East Bengal at Teliapara
Madhabpur Upazila
Madhabpur is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Madhabpur is located at . It has 44053 units of house hold and total area .-Demographics:...
, a semi hilly area covered by tea gardens where General MAG Osmani
M. A. G. Osmani
General Muhammad Ataul Ghani Osmany, popularly referred to as Bangabir General M.A.G. Osmany was the Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971...
, 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
Ziaur Rahman
President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, was a Bangladeshi politician and general, who read the declaration of Independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971 on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He later became the seventh President of Bangladesh from 1977 until 1981...
and Kushtia-Jessore area was placed under command of Major Abu Osman Chowdhury. In the meeting the organization concept of the freedom fighter forces and the command structure were chalked out under the command of General MAG Osmani
M. A. G. Osmani
General Muhammad Ataul Ghani Osmany, popularly referred to as Bangabir General M.A.G. Osmany was the Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971...
.
War at Ajmiriganj
During the War of Liberation in 1971 a 18 hours direct encounter between the freedom-fighters and the Pakistani-army was held on 16 November 1971, in which freedom-fighter Jagatyoti and 11 villagers were killed by the Pakistani-army.Geography
Habiganj is located at 24.3750°N 91.4167°E. Its area is 2,636.58 km² and bounded by Sunamganj DistrictSunamganj District
The district of Sunamganj consists 3562 mosques, 560 temples and 61 churches.-History:The name Sunamganj is derived from its founder, Sipahi Sunamuddin, who established a bazaar on the bank of the river Surma. In the ancient period, Sunamganj was part of the Rarh Kingdom that included Sylhet,...
to the north, Tripura
Tripura
Tripura is a state in North-East India, with an area of . It is the third smallest state of India, according to area. Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on the north, south, and west. The Indian states of Assam and Mizoram lie to the east. The capital is Agartala and the main languages spoken are...
of India and Maulvibazar District to the east, Balaganj Upazila
Balaganj Upazila
Balaganj is an upazila of Sylhet District in the division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-History:Balaganj the home of Osmany, Mohammad Ataul Ghani commander-in-chief of the Liberation Forces and of the Bangladesh Armed Forces...
of Sylhet
Sylhet
Sylhet , is a major city in north-eastern Bangladesh. It is the main city of Sylhet Division and Sylhet District, and was granted metropolitan city status in March 2009. Sylhet is located on the banks of the Surma Valley and is surrounded by the Jaintia, Khasi and Tripura hills...
to the north-east, Brahmanbaria
Brahmanbaria District
Brahmanbaria is a district in east-central Bangladesh. It is a part of the Chittagong Division. It was part of greater Comilla District until 1984. Before 1830 the Sarail Pargana was a part of Mymensingh district...
and Kishoreganj
Kishoreganj District
-Place of Interest:Kishorganj is a place of the creed of respectively Sanatana and Loukik Islam. Both Meghna and Brahmaputra river have contributed to its existence. Many traditional rituals are observed every year in Kishoreganj. Among them Kurikhai Mela is one of the most celebrated fair. It is a...
districts to the west.
This part of Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
is characterized 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
Cultivated agricultural land: 1,54,953 hectare (60.22% of the total agricultural land). Forestland 95 11,644 hectare (4.53% of the total land). For crops 51.6% single-crop, 38.7% double-crop and 9.7% triple-crop; fallow 521 hectares. Its rivers include Barak, Bheramahana, Gopala, Kalni, Kalishiri, Khowai, Korangi, Kushiara, Meghna River(lower)Meghna River
The Meghna River is an important river in Bangladesh, one of the three that forms the Ganges Delta, the largest on earth fanning out to the Bay of Bengal. Being a part of the Surma-Meghna River System, Meghna is formed inside Bangladesh by the joining of different rivers originaing from the hilly...
, Ratna, Shwasanali, shutki, sonai, Korangi, Shutang, Tentulia, Jhingri, Bizna and Yojnal.api
People and population
As per district administration report the total population is 1,830,554 of 926,531 male and 904,022 female (50.6% male and 49.4% female). Category by religion 80.23% MuslimMuslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
, 19.12% Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
, 0.05% Buddhist, 0.13% Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
and 0.47% others. Life Expectancy: 56 years both male and 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. Population growth rate: 21.6 per 1,000. Infant Mortality Rate: 98.0 per 1,000 live births.
Over 98% of the population are Bengali
Bengali people
The Bengali people are an ethnic community native to the historic region of Bengal in South Asia. They speak Bengali , which is an Indo-Aryan language of the eastern Indian subcontinent, evolved from the Magadhi Prakrit and Sanskrit languages. In their native language, they are referred to as বাঙালী...
s while the remainder are Bihari
Bihari people
The Biharis are an ethnic group originating from the present state of Bihar with a history going back three millennia...
s, Khasia, Manipuri and Tripuri people.
The Tipra or Tipperah are the original inhabitants of the state of Tripura. The Royal family of the Debbarma
Debbarma
Debbarma is the surname or the title generally used by the Borok people, indigenous people of Tripura, a state in India. The mother tongue of this ethnic group is Kokborok.and Bengali-Variations:...
ruled the state of Tripura for more than 2,000 years till the kingdom was joined with the India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
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 is a Mongolite ethnic group. The Khasi descended to the Khasia hills and Jaintia hills from Cherapunji and Shilong regions. They migrated to Habiganj from Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
where they came about 500 years ago, presumably from Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
, and now they form one of the ethnic minority communities in Habiganj.
Work force
Agriculture 42.26%, agricultural laborer 20.55%, wage laborer 6.45%, commerce 8.2%, service 4.69%, industry 1.7%, fishing 2.73% and others 13.42%.Economic resources
- Main crops: Paddy, Tea, Wheat, Potato, Jute, Ground nut, Betel leaf and Oil seed.
- Tea Gardens: 24 covering total area 15,703.24 hectare.
- Rubber gardens: 3 Rupaichhara-Bahubal (1981). Half of this garden is situated in Habiganj and the rests are in ShreemangalSreemangal UpazilaSrimangal is an Upazila of Maulvibazar District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Sreemangal is located at . It has 43,952 units of house hold and total area 450.74 km²....
, total area 2000 acres (8.1 km²). Shahjibazar-Chunarughat(1978) area 2004 acres (8.1 km²), Shatgaon Rubber garden (1971) area 200 acre (0.809372 km²). - Main fruits: Mango, Jack fruit, Banana, Litchi, Coconut, Lemon, Pineapple and Black berry.
- Fisheries and dairies: 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, Dry fish processing center, biscuit factory.
- Cottage industries: Weaving, Bamboo work, Goldsmith, Blacksmith, Potteries, Tailoring and Welding.
- Mineral resources: Natural gas, Silica sand, Mineral sand, 3 Gas fields are:
Rashidpur gas field (1960), Bibiana gas field (1998) and Habiganj gas field (1963. The approximate stock of these gas fields is 5.5 Trillion Cubic Feet. Habiganj gas field lies in Madhabpur Upazila
Madhabpur Upazila
Madhabpur is an Upazila of Habiganj District in the Division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.-Geography:Madhabpur is located at . It has 44053 units of house hold and total area .-Demographics:...
. This field was also discovered by Pakistan Shell Oil Company in 1963. The structure measures 12x5 square km with a vertical closure of 300 m which has a roughly sub-meridian axis tilted slightly eastward at the northern end. Total recoverable gas reserve of this field re-estimated by Hydrocarbon Unit is 3852.3 Gcuft. Commercial gas production from this field was commenced in 1968 and till 31 August 2006 total 1364.474 Gcuft or 35.42 percent of reserves has been recovered.
- 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, oil and Textile.Education
Literacy rate of Habiganj is 45%. There are total 16 Colleges of which 1 (Honors) College, 3 Government colleges, 1 Polytechnic institute; 13 (further education) Colleges, 6 (government) and 99 (non-government) High Schools; 14 Junior Schools; 732 (government) and 711 (non-government) Primary Schools; 96 Madrasah; and 6 Satellite (temporary) Schools in this district.Literature and culture
Habigang is famous for folk Literature: Mahuya Sundari and Dhupar Path.Cultural organizations: 131 clubs, 10 public libraries; 5 private libraries; 12 theater groups; 6 literary societies; 7 Woman's Societies; 13 cinema halls; and 13 theaters.
Religious institutions: 1385 masjid; 176 temples; 2 churches; 46 tombs.
Local newspapers: Daily Pravakar, Pratidener Bani, weekly Swadhikar, Swadeshbarta, Drishtikon, Daily Khowai, Habiganj Samachar, Janatar Dalil, Parikrama, fortnightly Prayas, The Daily Habiganjer Ayna and Mritika.
Defunct 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).
Historical figures
- Sheikh Bhanu :Sheik Bhanu is one of the most renowned mystic poet of Bangladesh. His spiritual songs like Nishite Jaiyo Fulo Bone is a famous one. He born at Bhadikara under Lakhai Upazila.
- Shah Syed Nasiruddin (13th century) Saint and Islamic preacher, was born in Baghdad. After Halaku Khan destroyed Baghdad, he left the city in search of livelihood and ultimately reached Delhi. Later, he participated in the sylhet expedition with commander Sikandar Khan and Hazrat shah jalal (R)and nominated Sipah Salar (armed forces chief) to lead the war.Syed Nasiruddin was a follower of the suhrawardia tariqa (order). There are many legends about his supernatural powers. At Shah Jalal's direction, accompanied by twelve saints, he attacked and defeated king Achak Narayan of Taraf and became administrator there & established capital at Lakserpur. His shrine is at Murabandh Taraf in habiganj.
- Syed Sultan (1550-1648)- Poet of medieval Bangla literature, was born in Lakserpur. 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), Gyanprodip (Light of knowledge), Jnanchautisha, and Jaikum Rajar Ladai (Battle of King Jaikum).
- Bipin Chandra PalBipin Chandra PalBipin Chandra Pal was an Indian nationalist. He was among the triumvirate of Lal Bal Pal.-Early life and background:...
was born on 7 November 1858. He was one of the trinity of the three Extremist patriots of the Indian National Congress who had fought and sacrificed their lives during Indian independence movement in the first half of the twentieth century. Pal started the Bangla weekly Paridarshak in Sylhet (1886), 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.
Other notable figures
- Justice Syed A B Mahmud Husain - Justice Syed A B Mahmud Husain was the first chief justice of Bangladesh from Sylhet division born in a muslim zaminder family at village Lashkerpur.
- Shah A M S Kibria, a renowned economistEconomistAn economist is a professional in the social science discipline of economics. The individual may also study, develop, and apply theories and concepts from economics and write about economic policy...
, diplomatDiplomatA diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
and politicianPoliticianA politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
born in Habiganj. Finance Minister of Bangladesh in 1996-2001, elected Member of Parliament in 2001. Has served as the Executive Secretary of ESCAP in 1981-1992.
- Mahbubur Rob Sadi - Bir ProtikBir ProtikBir Protik is the fourth highest gallantry award in Bangladesh .-Recipients:This award was declared on 15 December 1973...
. Commander (sub-sector Jalalpur, sector-4), Bangladesh Liberation WarBangladesh Liberation WarThe Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh....
(1971). Member of the Parliament (1979). Executive Director, Delta Life Insurance Company Ltd (until 2002).
- Justice Syed J R Mudassir HusainJustice Syed J R Mudassir HusainSyed J R Mudassir Husain is a former Chief Justice of Bangladesh....
- Justice Syed J. R. Mudassir Husain.
Members of Parliament
- Habiganj 1: Sheikh Sujat Miah(2011-) Dewan Farid Gazi(2008–2010) (2001–2006), (1996–2001), Khalilur Rahman Chowdhury (1991–1996), Md Abdul Mosabbir (1988), Mahbubur Rob Sadi (1979).
- Habiganj 2: Abdul Majid Khan (2009-)Nazmul Hasan Jahed (2001–2006), Sharif Uddin Ahmed (1996-1997), Sharif Uddin Ahmed (1991–1996), Sirajul Hossain Khan in 1986, 1988, Janab Ali (1979).
- Habiganj 3: Abu Zahir (2009), Abu Laice Md. Mubin Chowdhury (2005–2006), (1996–2001), (1991–1996), Shah A M S Kibria (2001–2005), M A Muttalib (1979), Md Mustafa Ali (1970-1974).
- Habiganj 4: Enamul Haq Mustafa Shahid (2001–2006), (1996–2001), (1991–1996), Syed Muhibul Hasan (1979), Syed Mohammed Qaiser in 1986 and 1988.
- Habiganj-5: Syed Mohammed Qaiser (1979 - Then there were 5 constituencies in Habiganj Sub-Division), Maulana Asad Ali in 1970 and 1973.
Archaeological heritage
- Ancient Rajbari(1737–38) at Puranbagh, Baniachang
- Bagala Matar Mandir, Habiganj
- Baniachong village (the biggest village in Asia)
- Bibir Dargah Mosque, Baniachang
- Bikhangal Akhra, Baniachang
- Dorga-tila, Mira-tila and Tangee-tila, Nabiganj
- Foltoli-tila and water fountain, Nabiganj
- Jami Mosque, Bahubal
- Kalibari, Habiganj Sadar
- Kuri-tila, Black-stone and an Ancient Rajbari, Dinarpur, Nabiganj
- Mashulia Akhra, Habiganj Sadar
- Monument for the freedom-fighters, Teliapara tea garden
- Mosque of Uchail, built by Mojlishe Amin,habiganj by azaz
- Murarbandar Dargah Sharif, Chunarughat
- Putijuri Jami Mosque, Bahubal
- Ramakrishna Ashram, Habiganj Sadar
- Rashidpur Tea Garden, Bahubal Upazila
- Shagor Dighi, Baniachong
- Shajeerbazar, Chunarughat
- Sham-baoul Akhra and Doulotpur Akhra, Baniachang
- Tea gardens in the valleys
- War of Liberation Mass Grave, Nabiganj
- War of Liberation Memorial Monument, Nabiganj