Meherpur ( Bengali : মেহেরপুর , pron: meɦeɾpuɾ ) is the northwestern district of Khulna Division in southwestern Bangladesh . It is bordered by the Indian state of West Bengal to the west, and by the Bangladeshi districts of Kushtia and Chuadanga to the east. Pre-independence Meherpur was a subdivision of Nadia district . The district has an area of 716.08 square kilometres (276.48 sq mi).
9-508: According to Ashraf Siddiqui , the district is named after the 16th century dervish Meher Ali Shah. The Provisional Government of Bangladesh was formed and solemnly sworn in Meherpur's Baidyanathtala village (later renamed as Mujibnagar), on 17 April 1971 under the leadership of Tajuddin Ahmed and Syed Nazrul Islam . The entire Proclamation ceremony was organised by local leaders under
18-552: A faculty member at Rajshahi College , Chittagong College , Ananda Mohan College , Dhaka College , Jagannath College and the University of Dhaka. He served as the director of Kendrio Bangla Unnoyon Board , chief editor of District Gazetteer and director general of Bangla Academy during 1976–1982. Siddiqui also served as the chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha , chairman of Bangladesh Press Institute and president of Nazrul Academy and Nazrul Institute . Siddiqui
27-675: A literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 68.14%, compared to the national average of 74.80%, and a sex ratio of 1074 females per 1000 males. Approximately, 22.53% of the population lived in urban areas. The ethnic population was 161. In 2011, Muslims formed 97.77% of the population, Hindus 1.20%, and Christians 1.01%. Other religions were 0.02%. Main sources of income: Agriculture 68.95%, non-agricultural labourer 3.24%, industry 0.87%, commerce 13.83%, transport and communication 2.21%, service 3.81%, construction 1.03%, religious service 0.14%, rent and remittance 0.59% and others 5.33%. Ashraf Siddiqui Ashraf Siddiqui (1 March 1927 – 19 March 2020)
36-432: Is also prone to frequent natural disasters, such as floods and cyclones, which can cause widespread damage and loss of life. According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh , Meherpur District had 195,322 households and a population of 705,356 with an average 3.59 people per household. Among the population, 104,284 (14.78%) inhabitants were under 10 years of age. The population density was 951 people per km. Meherpur District had
45-582: Is located in the town of Meherpur, which is also the largest town in the district. Meherpur is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The district is home to several ancient ruins and monuments, including the ruins of the Hindu Kingdom of Bikrampur and the historic temple of Shat Gombuj Mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Bangladesh. Meherpur is also known for its colorful and vibrant festivals, including
54-478: The annual Baruni Mela, which is held in honor of the Hindu god, Shiva. Agriculture is the backbone of Meherpur's economy, with a large portion of the population engaged in farming and related activities. The district is known for its fertile land and favorable climate, which allows for the production of a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, and jute. In recent years, the district has also seen significant growth in
63-538: The non-agricultural sector, with the establishment of several small and medium-sized enterprises in the area. Meherpur is known for its natural beauty, with many scenic lakes and rivers, as well as lush green forests and rolling hills. The district is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Kanaighat Wildlife Sanctuary, with a multitude of species therein. Meherpur had a poor infrastructure and inadequate public services. The district
72-411: The supervision of Momeen Chowdhury and MM Rustom Ali. Meherpur became a district in 1983. Meherpur district is divided into three upazilas : Meherpur is a district located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. With an area of approximately 716 square kilometers and a population of over 0.8 million people, Meherpur is a major center of agriculture and commerce in the region. The district headquarters
81-709: Was a Bangladeshi poet, researcher, folklorist, and essayist. He was awarded Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1964 and Ekushey Padak in 1988 by the Government of Bangladesh . Siddiqui was born in Nagbari village of Tangail. Siddiqui completed his master's from the University of Dhaka in Bengali literature. He earned his Ph.D. in folklore studies from the Indiana University . Siddiqui served as
#160839