Information of Bandarban District

Bandarban District, Bangladesh

Bandarban district is located in the south eastern part of Bangladesh. There is a myth among the local civilians of the region about the naming of Bandarban. They believe that once a number of Banor (Monkey) lived in the region. They came nearby the falls (Chara) to eat salt and then the region got familiarity with the name of “Maokshi Chara”. Maok means Monkey and Chara means Dam. But according to the Marma’s language the original name of the region is “Rod Kaochi Mrow”.  During the British East India Company period Chittagong hill tracts was declared as a district in 1860. Then the region was under the district of Chittagong Hill Tracts. According to the Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation 1900, the whole Chittagong Hill Tracts was divided into three Circles named- Chakma Circle, Mong Circle and Bomang Circle. Current Bandarban district was under formerly Bomang Circle. So the ancient name of the region was “Bomang Thong”. Then the region was declared as a forest zone when it is a vast forest area and devoid of human settlement. The Arakanies were permanently settled in the region after the British ascendancy in Arakan. During the Pakistan Period the region was declared as a subdivision in 1951. After the liberation of Bangladesh, formerly Lama Subdivision including seven sub districts started its journey as a district in 18 April 1981.  The Geographical position of the district is between 21˚11’ to 22˚22’ North latitudes and between 92˚40’ to 92˚41’ east longitude. It is one of the most tourists’ attractive areas of Bangladesh. The highest peak of Bangladesh “Bijoy” is located in the region.

Bordered By: Bandarban District is bordered by Rangamati district to the north, Arakan (a state of Mayanmer) and the Naf River to the south, Indian Border and Rangamati district to the east, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazardistricts to the west.

Administration: The area of Bandarban is 4479.01 Sq Km. It is under Chittagong Division. There are two Municipalities in Bandarban named Lama and Bandarban. The number of Upazilla (sub district) in Bandarban district is 07, named- Bandarban, Rawoangchari, Naikharchari, Alikadam, Ruma, Thanchi and Lama containing 30 Unions, 96 Mauzas and 1554 Villages.

Population: The total population of Bandarban district is 3,88,335 (Male- 2,03,350 and Female- 1,84,985). Sex ratio is 110:100, population density 87/Sq Km and annual growth rate is 2.64%.

Literacy: The Literacy Rate of Bandarban district is 35.90% (Male- 40.30% and Female- 30.90%). School attendance rate is 44.50% for 5 to 24 years age group.

Other Improtant Data: The postal code of Bandarban district is 4600 and NWD Code is 0361. Total Parliament seat in Bandarban is 01. During the liberation war, Bandarban was under Sector Number 01. Urbanization rate of the district is 25.86%. The maximum temperature of the district is 34.6˚ C. and minimum 13˚ C. Average Rainfall 3031 mm.

Rivers: Matamuhari, Sangu, Rankhiang, Bak Khali etc.

Agro Products: Ginger, turmeric, sesame, cotton, pine apple, almonds, orange, banana, jack-fruit, lemon, tobacco, vegetables etc.

Remarkable Personalities from Bandarban District

Koarsha ong Marma, Mongsha Pru, Dr Mang Usha, Thoai Marma, Dr Prushanu Marma, U K Ching (Bir Bikram) etc.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Bandarban District

Bomang Royal Palace, Baktai and Pukura Para Cascade, Bijoy the Highest Peak of Bangladesh, Keokaradong Peak, Chimbuk Hill, Meghla Parjatan Complex, Nilachal, Nilgiri, Shoila Propat, Prantik Lake, Chimbuk, Boga Lake, Rijuk Fall, Keokradong, Tahjingdong, Shangu River, Golden Temple, Mirinja Parjatan, Upabon Parjatan etc.