Chandpur District

History

During the rule of the Baro-Bhuiyans, this region was occupied by Chand Ray, the Zamindar of Bikrampur and son of Kedar Ray. According to historian J. M. Sengupta, the region was named Chandpur, following the name of Chand Ray. On the other hand, others say that the name of this region comes from Chand Faqir of Purindapur mahalla of Chandpur, Bangladesh. It is said that an administrator named Shah Ahmed Chand came here from Delhi in the fifteenth century and established a river port.

In 1779 AD, Major James Rennel, a British surveyor, drew a map of Bengal during the British rule and included an obscure town called Chandpur. At that time, there were offices and courts at a place called Narsinghpur (which has now sunk) south of Chandpur. The confluence of the Padma and the Meghna was about 60 miles south-west of the present place. This area has now disappeared due to the game of breaking the Meghna river.

The first Chandpur subdivision was formed in 1878 as a result of administrative reorganization during the British rule. On 1 October 1896, Chandpur city was declared as a municipality. It was declared as Chandpur district on 15 February 1984.

Geography

The geological structure of the district dates back to the Pleistocene and Holocene eras. The geographical history of the district can be traced back to the ancient maps of East India compiled by Perguitar.

The district is situated at the confluence of the Padma, Meghna, and Dakatia Rivers. As of 2026, major riverbank protection projects have been completed to safeguard the district from erosion. The "Molhead" (Boro Station) in Chandpur Sadar is a significant geographical and tourist landmark where the three major rivers meet. The district is mainly composed of flat plains created by alluvial deposits of the Meghna.

Education

By 2026, Chandpur has emerged as a key educational hub in the region. Notable institutions include:

Chandpur Science and Technology University (CSTU): A major technical institution that has significantly expanded its campus and research facilities by 2026.

Chandpur Medical College: A government medical college providing advanced medical education and healthcare services.

Chandpur Government College: One of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the district.

Chandpur Polytechnic Institute: Is a government polytechnic institute in Chandpur, Bangladesh. The institute is located at the city area Kachua, 50 km (31 mi) from the Chandpur City.

Hajigonj Model Government College

Matlab Government Degree College

Sojatpur Degree College

Economy and Infrastructure

The economy of Chandpur is primarily driven by fisheries, agriculture, and trade.

Fisheries: Chandpur is the largest hub for Hilsa fish in Bangladesh, and its port serves as a primary distribution point.

Infrastructure: As of 2026, the proposed Shariatpur–Chandpur Bridge (or Tunnel) project has reached critical development stages. This project is vital for connecting the Chittagong Division with the south-western districts of Bangladesh. The Chandpur River Port has been modernized with a multi-storey terminal to facilitate safer and faster river transport.

Demographics

According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, Chandpur District had 635,431 households and a population of 2,635,748 with an average 4.09 people per household. Among the population, 545,365 (20.69%) inhabitants were under 10 years of age. The population density was 1,602 people per km2. Chandpur District had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 78.23%, compared to the national average of 74.80%, and a sex ratio of 1144 females per 1000 males. Approximately 26.23% of the population lived in urban areas. The ethnic population was 2,863.

Muslims make up 94.41% of the population, while Hindus are 5.56% of the population. The Hindu population has remained relatively constant at 145,000 while its percentage has decreased.

Administrative subdivisions

Upazilas

Chandpur District is divided into the following sub-districts (upazilas):

Chandpur Sadar Upazila

Faridganj Upazila

Haimchar Upazila

Hajiganj Upazila

Kachua Upazila

Matlab Dakshin Upazila

Matlab Uttar Upazila

Shahrasti Upazila

Notable residents

Mohammad Abdullah, politician and academic

Wahiduddin Ahmed, academic

Shamsul Alam, State Minister of Planning and Awami League politician

Abul Kalam Azad, businessman, traded coconuts from village to village in the district as a child.

Kabir Bakul, lyricist and journalist

Amena Begum, a former member of parliament of East Pakistan

Nasiruddin family

Mohammad Nasiruddin, journalist

Nurjahan Begum, female journalist

Abidur Reza Chowdhury (1872–1961), politician and educationist

Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, former prime minister

Humayun Kabir Dhali, author and journalist

Dildar, actor

G. M. Fazlul Haque, BNP politician

Mohammad Anwar Hossain, army officer and Liberation War martyr

Neamat Imam, author

Monirul Islam, artist

Burhanuddin Khan Jahangir, academic and writer

Mahmudul Hasan Joy, cricketer