Noakhali District
Encyclopedia
Noakhali is a district in South-eastern Bangladesh
. It is located in the Chittagong Division.
. It has a land area of 3600.99 km2, and is bounded by the Comilla
district in the north, the Meghna
estuary and the Bay of Bengal
in the south, Feni
and Chittagong
districts in the east, Lakshmipur
and the Bhola
districts in the west. The district's annual average temperature ranges from a maximum of 34.3 °C to a minimum of 14.4 °C; its annual rainfall is 3302 mm. Its main rivers are the Bamni and Meghna.
flowing from the Tripura
hills. To salvage the situation, a canal was dug in 1660 that ran from the Dakatia through Ramganj, Sonaimuri and Chaumuhani to divert water flow to the junction of the rivers Meghna and Feni
. After excavating this long canal, Bhulua was renamed "Noakhali" after "Noa" (new) and "khal" (canal) in 1668. The Noakhali district was created in 1821.
Since 1790, Noakhali district was seriously affected many times by natural disasters including high tidal bores, tornadoes, flooding, and cyclones. In 1970, a devastating tornado and tidal bore took the lives of about 3 lakh
people of the district. During the War of Liberation many direct and guerilla encounters took place between the Pakistani Armed Forces and the independence fighters. About 70 independence fighters were killed in a direct encounter with the Pakistan army on 15 June 1971, in front of the Sonapur Ahmadia School. Noakhali was liberated on 7 December 1971.
The swift currents that course down from the Himalayas, does not only bring river erosion but also opportunity: a rich bath of fertile silt that, when it reaches the Bay of Bengal, settles along the coast, gradually forming new land called "chars." The district of Noakhali has actually gained more than 28 square miles (72.5 km²) of land in the past 50 years.
The Bangladeshi government is finishing up the largest phase of a decades-long effort to develop nearby chars as well as building a new dam to speed up the process of creating new land for settlers.
The district of Noakhali consists 3741 mosques, 528 temples, 63 churches and five Buddhist temples.
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 located in the Chittagong Division.
Geography
Noakhali District located in Chittagong Division, BangladeshBangladesh
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 has a land area of 3600.99 km2, and is bounded by the Comilla
Comilla District
The district of Comilla consists 4543 mosques, 379 temples, 98 churches, 34 Buddhist temples and six tombs.-Places of interest:Important landmarks include Kotbari, a cantonment, or military installation and Kandirpar, considered the heart of the Comilla district...
district in the north, the Meghna
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...
estuary and the Bay of Bengal
Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal , the largest bay in the world, forms the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It resembles a triangle in shape, and is bordered mostly by the Eastern Coast of India, southern coast of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the west and Burma and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the...
in the south, Feni
Feni District
Feni is a small southern district of Bangladesh, bordering Tripura in India, Chittagong district, the Bay of Bengal, Noakhali district and Comilla district...
and Chittagong
Chittagong District
Chittagong District is a district located in the south-eastern region of Bangladesh. It is a part of the Chittagong Division. The port city of Chittagong, second largest city in Bangladesh, is located in this district.-History:...
districts in the east, Lakshmipur
Lakshmipur District
The district of Lakshmipur consists 3784 mosques, 489 temples, six churches and three Buddhist temples.-Places of interest:Upozila sader Mosque Bagbari, Archaeological heritage Tita Khan Jami Mosque, Mita Khan Mosque, Majupur Matka Mosque, Madhu Banu Mosque, Dayem Shah Mosque,Lawrance Bazar Baitul...
and the Bhola
Bhola District
Bhola is a district in south-western Bangladesh. It is located in the Barisal Division. It is also the largest offshore island region in Bangladesh, with an area of 3403.48 km²...
districts in the west. The district's annual average temperature ranges from a maximum of 34.3 °C to a minimum of 14.4 °C; its annual rainfall is 3302 mm. Its main rivers are the Bamni and Meghna.
History
The ancient name of Noakhali is Bhulua. In the 1660s, the agricultural activities of the north-eastern region of Bhulua were seriously affected by floodwater of the Dakatia RiverDakatia River
-Early History:The first tributary that the Meghna receives after enteringNoakhali is the Dakatia river. "It is the combination ofseveral hill streams via Sonaichari, Pagli Boaljar and Kakri, etc.,originating from Tippera Hills. After traversIng a distance...
flowing from the 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...
hills. To salvage the situation, a canal was dug in 1660 that ran from the Dakatia through Ramganj, Sonaimuri and Chaumuhani to divert water flow to the junction of the rivers Meghna and Feni
Feni River
Feni River is a river in the Indian state of Tripura and southeastern Bangladesh. It is a trans-boundary river with an on-going dispute.But recently India, Bangladesh finalised deal on Teesta, Feni river waters...
. After excavating this long canal, Bhulua was renamed "Noakhali" after "Noa" (new) and "khal" (canal) in 1668. The Noakhali district was created in 1821.
Since 1790, Noakhali district was seriously affected many times by natural disasters including high tidal bores, tornadoes, flooding, and cyclones. In 1970, a devastating tornado and tidal bore took the lives of about 3 lakh
Lakh
A lakh is a unit in the Indian numbering system equal to one hundred thousand . It is widely used both in official and other contexts in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and is often used in Indian English.-Usage:...
people of the district. During the War of Liberation many direct and guerilla encounters took place between the Pakistani Armed Forces and the independence fighters. About 70 independence fighters were killed in a direct encounter with the Pakistan army on 15 June 1971, in front of the Sonapur Ahmadia School. Noakhali was liberated on 7 December 1971.
The swift currents that course down from the Himalayas, does not only bring river erosion but also opportunity: a rich bath of fertile silt that, when it reaches the Bay of Bengal, settles along the coast, gradually forming new land called "chars." The district of Noakhali has actually gained more than 28 square miles (72.5 km²) of land in the past 50 years.
The Bangladeshi government is finishing up the largest phase of a decades-long effort to develop nearby chars as well as building a new dam to speed up the process of creating new land for settlers.
Language
The people of Noakhali speak in an informal Bangla which is known by Noakhailla(Bengali) dialect with its own distinctive accent. The same dialect is also widely used in Feni, Laksmipur and some parts of Chandpur, Comilla, Chittagong and Bilonia of Tripara(India).Notable People
- Raja Laksmanmanikya King of the kingdom of Bhulua
- Muzaffar Ahmed Founder Member of All India Communist Party and later Secretary General of All India Communist Party. Also a co-founder of CPM(India).
- Abdul Malek UkilAbdul Malek UkilAbdul Malek Ukil was a Bangladeshi lawyer and politician. He was one of the founding members of East Bengal Muslim Students League and was associated with a leading political party, Awami League.-Early life:...
Former home Minister, Speaker of parliament and President of Bangladesh Awami League - Abdur Rashid, only Bengali Muslim member of Indian Civil Service pre-1947, Government Secretary (Pakistan).
- Abdul Latif BA, BL, former General Secretary of SM Hall Students Union, Dhaka University (1930)
- Nurul Haque - Former Member of Pakistan National Assembly, Bangladesh Jatio Sangshad and central Awami League leader. He was also nominated as Governor of Noakhali.
- Sergeant Zohurul Haque - He was a co-accused in the Agartala Conspiracy CaseAgartala Conspiracy CaseAgartala Conspiracy Case was a sedition case in Pakistan, brought forward by the Government of Pakistan against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, leader of the Awami League and East Pakistan, and 34 other persons.-The Case:...
and brutally killed while in military custody. - Barrister Moudud AhmedMoudud AhmedBarrister Moudud Ahmed is a Bangladeshi politician. He is a current member of Jatiyo Sangshad and a member of standing committee of Bangladesh Nationalist Party ....
Ex Vice President, former Prime Minister and a standing committee member of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). - Nurul IslamNurul IslamNurul Islam was successively Professor of Economics, Dhaka University, Director of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics , Deputy Chairman of the first Planning Commission of Bangladesh. From 1975 onwards he was a Fellow at St...
Ex. President of Bangladesh Ganatontri party. - Ali Ahmed, Founder President of Noakhali District Chatra League and first elected General Secretary of Chowmohani(Govt S A) College Students Union.
- Mr. Jainal Abedin Faruk. Chief Whip of the Opposition in Parlament and senior leader of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He was also General Secretary of the Chowmohani(Govt S A) College Students Union
- Barrister Abul Mansur
- Major General Abul Manzur, freedom fighter (Bir Uttom)
- General Moeen U AhmedMoeen U AhmedGeneral Moeen Uddin Ahmed ndc psc was Chief of Army Staff of the Bangladesh Army from 15 June 2005 to 15 June 2009. Previously, he worked as in diplomatic mission in Pakistan as a Defence Attaché, prior to that he served as a UN Peacekeeper in United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda.General...
(Former Army Chief) - Kamrul Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Singapore (Sonaimuri, Noakhali).
Important Personalities in the areas of Art, Culture and Education
- Abdul Hakim 17th century poet
- Professor Munir Chowdhury - Leading intellectual and a pioneer in modern theatre in Bangladesh. He was killed on 14 December 1971 by the Pakistani Army and their collaborators Razakar and Al Badar Bahini .
- Professor Kabir Chowdhury - Taught in Dhaka University. Leading intellectual and writer.
- Bosh Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury - An outstanding Professor of Physics who later became Vice Chancellor of the Dhaka University .
- Azim - A leading romantic actor in Bangla movies of the sixty's and seventy's. He also produced and directed movies.
- Rosy Samad Noted Film Actress who dominated Bangla movie world in the 60's, 70's and 80's.
- Ramendu Majumder - Leading Intellectual in the areas of art, culture and drama
- Ferdousy Majumder - Leading actress in Theatre and TV drama. A pioneer in the Bangla TV drama.
- Professor Ehtashem Haider Chowdhury - Leading intellectual who was killed on 14 December 1971
- A T M Samsuzzaman - Leading Film and TV actor for nearly four decades. In films he sets up his own unique acting style
Freedom Fighters
- Bir Shreshtho Shahid Mohammad Ruhul Amin
- Shafiq Ullah ( Sub Sector Commander) Home: Dhitpur, 4# Alaiarpur, Begumgonj Noakhali.
- Shahid Abdul Odud
- Shahid Salauddin Ahmed
- Shahid Abdur Rob
- Abdul Malek UkilAbdul Malek UkilAbdul Malek Ukil was a Bangladeshi lawyer and politician. He was one of the founding members of East Bengal Muslim Students League and was associated with a leading political party, Awami League.-Early life:...
(Former Speaker) Razapur, Bander Hat, Sudharum, Noakhali. - Serajul Alam Khan Founder of BLF and Swadhin Bangla Nucleus.
- A S M Abdur Rob (BLF)
- Fazlul Haque Badal (BLF)
- Fazle Elahi (BLF)
- Late Abdur Rahman EX MP,Former President Bangladesh Jatio Sramik League,
- Mustafizur Rahman (BLF) EX MP
- Obaidul Qader, MP (BLF)Former State Minister Sports & Cultural Affairs
- Nittya Gopal Debnath, (Advocate High Court)
- Himangshu Bhusan Banik,
- Abu Sayeed (BLF) Ex-Chairman Sirajpur UP.
- Robiul Hossain Kochi (BLF), Ex-Chairman, Noakhali Municipality
- Shahiduddin Iskandar Kochi, Ex-Chairman, Noakhali Municipality
- Mahmumudur Rahman Belayet (BLF) Deputy Commander Attack (BLF)
- Mostafizur Rahman (Lutu) Deputy Commander and Goanda Prodhan (BLF)
- Gazi Masihur Rahman
- Khaled Mohammed Ali (BLF)
- Mumin Ullah BSc(BLF)now advocate
- Shahid Shah Alam (Beer Uttam)
- Mohammad Tabarak Hossain (FF)
- Mir Mofijur Rahman (FF)
- Principal Irshadullah. Teature of Bangabandhu Sheikh Muzibur Rahman at Kolkata Islamia College. He is principal of Jogonnath College at 1967 to 1970.
- Harunur Rsahid (FF)
- Kamrul Ahasan (FF)
- Sikandar Hossain (FF)
- Mohammad Sultan Ahammad (FF)
- Mohammad Ibrahim Khalil (BLF)
- Khijir Hayat (BLF)
- Kefayet Ullah, Died
- Shahid Ullah
- Mohammed Mostafa, Died
- Abu Naser
- Abdul Baten Miah(BLF)died. Chaprashir Hat.
- Master Abu Daud FF
- Shahid Sirazul Islam
- Mizanur Rahman
- Ali Ahmed Patwary (Commander, Sector # C), Bander Hat, Sudharum, Noakhali.
- Sofi Dewan, Noannai, Bander Hat, Sudharum, Noakhali.
- Major General Abul Manzur, freedom fighter (Beer Uttom)
- Tarubala Pal, Singer, Assodia, Noakhali
- Barrister Abul Mansur
- Lt. Colonel Mahbubur Rahman (Bir Uttom)
- Md. Nurul Huq, Training Commander, Freedom Fighter.
- Shahid Sirazul Islam
- Golam Sarwar,Freedom Fighter, General Secretary, Noakhali District Chatra League (1970–72). Vice President (1972–74) and Acting President(1975) of Bangladesh Chatra League
- Delwar Hossain Sawpon
- Mukbul Ahmed, Lautali, Noakhali.
- Mostafa Bhuyan (Bataya)
- Dorji Obaidul Hoque, Chaprashir Hat
- Obaidul Hoque, Upoddi Lamchi, Chaprashir Hat.
- Sharif Ullah, Narasingha Pur, Chaprashir Hat.
- Abdul Hoque, Narasingha Pur, Chaprashir Hat.
- Nizam Uddin Faruque, BLF Noruttam pur.
- Abul Hossain (BLF)Sahjir Hat
- Nur Uddin (FF) Sahjir Hat
- Mabul Houque (FF)
- Gias Uddin Chowdhury - Malana, Chaprashir Hat
- Abdul Malek commissioner (FF)- Sreepur, Sonapur, Noakhali.
Religion
The Noakhali population was about 80% Muslim and 19% Hindu till 1946 Noakhali genocide in which the Hindus were either converted to Islam, fled or were killed.The district of Noakhali consists 3741 mosques, 528 temples, 63 churches and five Buddhist temples.
Places of interest
- Nijhum Dweep - Nijhum Dweep is in the Southeast Side of Noakhali.
- Bazra Shahi Mosque - Bazra.
- Queen Lurther's Church - Sonapur.
- Gandhi AshramGandhi Ashram TrustThe Gandhi Ashram Trust , is a philanthropic and development organization working in Noakhali since 1946 with Gandhian philosophy of rural development....
- Joyag, Sonaimuri. - Samadhi of Ram ThakurRam ThakurTo save and salvage human beings from the unending and unbearable pains and misery, injustice and corruption of the materialistic world, the Almighty God comes in human form to this world from time to time. The Saviour shows the right path to set them free from their predicament...
at Chaumohani
Prominent Educational Institutions in Noakhali
- Noakhali University of Science and Technology
- Noakhali Medical College: It is a government medical college. It was established in 2008. It is temporaryly running in Noakhali General Hospital. It admits 50 students per year and offers MBBS degree.
- Begumgonj Textile Engineering College, NoakhaliBegumgonj Textile Engineering College, NoakhaliBegumgonj Textile Engineering College, Noakhali is an engineering educational institute in Bangladesh and operates under the University of Chittagong. It plays an important role in textile education in Bangladesh...
Leading Colleges,Polytechnics and Vocational Institutes
- Chaumuhani Govt S.A. College
- Noakhali Government University College
- Khalilur Rahaman Degree College. Amisha Para.
- Noakhali Government CollegeNoakhali Government College-History:Noakhali Government College was founded in 1963 as a small private institution in Maizdee town with the aim to educate the students of this area. Success came within five years of its inception, as the government nationalized the college in 1968. This is due to the strong administrative...
- Noakhali Government Girls' College
- Chatkhil Pachgoan Government College
- Medical Assistant Training Institute, Maijdee, Noakhali
- Agriculture Training Institute (ATI), Begumganj
- Noakhali Law College
- Noakhali Homiopathic Medical College
- Govt.Mujib College, Companiganj
- Sonaimuri Degree College, Sonaimuri ( The college was founded in 1969-1970 by Mr. Abdul Latif, Mr Ali Ahmed, Mr Shamsul Haque and Mr Eshaque Miah)
Development Organization
- Kolpok Foundation
- Fair Inspirit for Development (FAID)
- Theater Reacharch Foundation of Bangladesh (TRFB)
- Noakhali Rural Development Society
- Participatory Research & Action Network- PRAN
- Gandhi Ashram Trust
- Student Welfare Association of Chatkhil Upozilla
- Munshi Atar Ali Welfare Society - MAAWS, Senbag, Noakhali