Chuadanga District
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (June 2008) |
| Chuadanga District | |
  Chuadanga
|
|
| Division_name | Khulna Division |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 1,157.42 km² |
| Time zone | BST (UTC+6) |
| Population (1991) - Density - Literacy rate |
987,382 - 853.09/km² - 25.2% |
| Website: Banglapedia Article | |
| Maplink: Official Map of Chuadanga District | |
Chuadanga (Bangla: চুয়াডাঙা; Chuađaņa), Chuadanga district or Chuadanga Zilla (চুয়াডাঙা জেলা) is the name of a Western district (zilla) of Bangladesh. It is a part of the Khulna administrative division that covers most districts in the south-west of the country.
Contents |
[edit] History
According to Greek historians, as well as from geographical formations, this region formed a part of the kingdom of Gangaridhi. A city by the name of Gangey is also thought to be located in this region.
During British rule, the region was the location of several uprisings, including Wahabi Movement (1831), Faraizi Movement(1838-47), Sepoy Rebellion (1857), Indigo Rebellion (1859-60), Khilafat Movement (1920), Swadeshi Movement (1906), Non-cooperation movement, Violation of Law and Salt Satyagraha (1920-40), Quit India Movement or August Revolt (1942).
Under British rule, Chuadanga was a sub-division within Nadia District. During partition, in 1947, excepting Krishnanagar thana (still under Nadia in West Bengal), the whole territory of Chuadanga sub-division was included in Kushtia District.
During Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Chuadanga was the location of some early battles between the Pakistan Army and the Mukti Bahini pro-independence forces. More than 100 battles took place here. On 26 March, 1971, the first war command, the South Western Command of Bangladesh, was set up in this area, under the leadership of Major Abu Osman Chowdhury and Dr Ashab Ul Haq. This region was also the place where Bangladesh Red Cross Society was founded. During the liberation war the government in exile declared Chuadanga to be the provisional capital of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. During the Bangladesh Liberation War more than one hundred documented direct encounters took place between the Pakistan Army and the freedom fighters (Mukti Bahini) in Chuadanga district. According to records Chuadanga was liberated from the hands of occupying Pakistan army on 07 December 1971, nine days before the invading army officially surrendered to the Mitro Bahini (allied forces of Mukti Bahini and Indian Army). [1]
Marks of the Liberation War genocide in the district include a spot behind the Chuadanga Central Hospital, three mass graves at places on the back of the Natudaha High School, at village Dhopakhali near the Jibannagar border and on the bank of GK Canal near Alamdanga Railway Station.[citation needed] Two memorial monuments stand today in memory of the war.[1]
Chuadanga was separated from Kushtia and given the status of a district in 1984.
Chuadanga (Town) stands on the bank of the river Mathabhanga. It consists of 9 wards and 41 mahallas. It is "A" graded municipal town. Though established in 1960, it started functioning in 1965. The town has an area of 36.12 km². It has a population of 72081; male 50.13%, female 49.87%. Literacy rate among the town people is 48%.
[edit] Geography
The district has an area of 1,157.42 (km)². It shares domestic borders with the Kushtia District on the northeast, Meherpur on the northwest and Jhenaidaha on the south and southeast. On its southwest lies the Nadia District (in the state of West Bengal in India).
The main township of Chuadanga lies on the bank of River Mathabhanga. The annual average maximum temperature is 40.1 °C and the average for the minimum is 8.2 °C, while 1,467 mm is received on average each year.
The entire Chuadanga district lies within the Ganges Delta, with rivers Mathabhanga, Bhairab, Kumar, Chitra, and Nabaganga flowing through the district.
[edit] Administration
Until the Partition of India in 1947 Chuadanga sub-division was within Nadia district, at partition, excepting Krishnagar thana, the whole territory of Chuadanga sub-division was included in Kushtia district. It was turned into a district in 1984. The district consists of 5 municipalities, 36 wards, 93 mahallas, 4 upazilas, 31 union parishads, 421 mouzas and 514 villages. Municipalities are Chuadanga Sadar, Alamdanga, Damurhuda and Jibannagar and Darsana. Of these municipalities, all but the last also have upazila status.
The entire district has two representatives (Member of Parliament) to the National Assembly of Bangladesh. The Government appoints one Deputy Commissioner, DC, for the entire district.
[edit] Demographics
The population of the district was 987,382 during the 2001 national survey with 50.82% male and female 49.18% compositions.
By religion, Muslims form the majority with 96.73% of the population while Hindus form 2.96% and the remaining are mainly Christians, Buddhists and other minor sects.
[edit] Education
Average literacy rate is 25.2%, with a sizeable gap between male and female literacy rates at 30.5% and 19.6% respectively.
The different kinds of educational institutions are as follows:
- Colleges - 12
- High schools - 48
- Junior schools - 7
- Government Primary schools - 257
- Non-government Primary schools - 120
- Primary Training institute - 1
- Vocational Training institute 1
- Nursing institute 1
- Madrasas - 63
- Kindergarten schools - 3
Noted old educational institutions include the Victoria Jubilee Government High School (est. 1880), Alomdaņga High School (est. 1914), Natudaôho High School (est. 1906), Jibonnôgor Pilot High School (est. 1957) and Hajar Duari School.
According to the SSC result some schools are really doing better. Among these Government Victoria Jubilee High School, Nilmonigônj High School and Government Girls' School are mentionworthy.
[edit] Economy
Most of this small district is dedicated to agriculture. Occupational distributions clearly show this with agriculture employing 68% of the labour force, while only 12% are involved in commerce. Total cultivable land amounts to 894.20 km², of which 57% is under some sort of irrigation.
Besides agriculture the district is now experiencing industrial growth. Major industries include Bangas bread and biscuit, Tallu Spinning mills Ltd etc. we have had the largest sugar mill of the country; Kerew and Co ltd.
Main occupations Agriculture 40.33%, agricultural labourer 28.08%, wage labourer 2.69%, commerce 12.69%, service 6.08%, transport 1.91% and others 8.22%. Land use Total cultivable land 894.2 km²; fallow land 2.54 km²; single crop 14.80%, double crop 73.35% and treble crop 11.85%; cultivable land under irrigation 57%. Land control Among the peasants 37% are landless, 43% small, 18% intermediate and 2% rich; cultivable land per head 1,100 m². Value of land The market value of the land of the first grade is Tk 8000 per 100 m². Main crops Paddy, jute, wheat, potato, sugarcane, brinjal, onion, garlic, pulses, betel leaf and pumpkin. Extinct or nearly extinct crops Sesame, linseed, tobacco, mustard seed, sola, aus paddy and indigo. Main fruits Mango, jackfruit, litchi, papaya, guava, betel nut, coconut and banana. Fisheries, dairies, poultries Poultry 85, fishery 18, dairy 18 and hatchery 2.
Manufacturing: Cotton mills, sugar mill, bread and biscuit factory, spinning mills, textile mills, aluminium factory, pharmaceuticals, rice mill, chira mill, oil mill, flour mill, ice factory, saw mill and welding. Cottage industries: Weaving, bamboo work, goldsmith, blacksmith, potteries, wood work, tailoring. Hats, bazaars and fairs: Total number of hats and bazaars are 80, most noted of which are Chuadanga, Alamdanga, Munshiganj, Nilmonigonj, Gokulkhali, Ashman Khali, Dugdugi, Jibannagar, Shialmari, Damurhuda, Bhalaipur and Bara Bazar;
Fair: Dingedaha Merete Mela, Baruni and Gangapuja Melas are notable. Main exports: Paddy, jute, pan, biscuit, sugar, tobacco, sugarcane, date molasses, betel nut, betel leaf, mango, jackfruit and banana.
[edit] Transportation
Chuadanga is connected to four of its neighbouring districts (Kushtia; Jessore; Jhenidah and Meherpur) through inter-district highways and connected to Jessore and Kushtia through Railway.
The district is connected to the rest of the country by three highways and railway. There are 203 km of finished road, 211 km herring-bone and 132 km mud road. Total length of railway tracks is just over 50 km that connect the three railway stations inside the district with the country's railway network.
The entire transportation system is comparatively better than other districts. You can access to any of its upa-zilla by 30 minutes travel by motor vehicle. To reach to Dhaka you need to spend 4 to 5 hours. To reach to Calcutta you need less time to reach Dhaka. That makes the place important during our liberation in 1971.
Earlier the district was connected to other parts of the country by its major river The Matha Vanga but now the river route is invalid due to siltation on river beds.
The people usually use Bus and train for long journey and for local travels they use Rickshaw, human pulled van etc. For personal use they use cycle and motor cycle frequently.
Besides these, traditional transportation modes such as bullock carts and boats are also in use.
[edit] Archaeological heritage and relics
Three domed Chuadanga Bôro Mosque, Gholdari Mosque (1006 AD), Thakurpur Mosque, Shibnôgor Mosque, Jamjami Mosque, Hajar Duari School (Damuŗhuda), Karpashdaņa Neelkuţi, Gholdari Neelkuti;Taltala neelkuti;satkobor Damurhuda;Dingadha charge.
[edit] Chuadanga at a glance
| Land use | Area (in Acre) |
|---|---|
| Total Land Area | 283,679 |
| Cultivable Area | 226,754 |
| Fallow Land | 15,245 |
| Area Under Forest | 10 |
| Area Irrigated | 126,760 |
| Area Under River | 549 |
| Name of Items | Total No. | Length (in km.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers | 11 | 121 |
| Metal Road | 16 | 177 |
| Semi Metal Road | 54 | 120 |
| Kutcha Road | 446 | 1,258 |
| Rail Road | - | 52 |
| Town Malls (Haţ) | 68 | - |
| Name of Items | Total Number |
|---|---|
| Poverty Alleviation | 12 |
| Rehabilitation of Destitute | 11 |
| Family Planning | 6 |
| Rural/Adult Education | 76 |
| Agriculture & Food | 60 |
| Road & Communication | 57 |
| Health | 3 |
| Total | 195 |
[edit] References
- ^ a b Chuadanga District, from Banglapedia.
[edit] See also
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
