Chittagong Division: A massive, diverse powerhouse in the heart of southeastern Bangladesh

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Spanning over 34,500 square kilometers, the Chittagong Division is a geographic giant. It is the second most populous administrative division in Bangladesh, holding more people than most sovereign nations. From the world's longest natural sea beach to a unique coral reef, this region is as ecologically significant as it is populous.

Established in 1829, the Chittagong Division originally served as an administrative hub for five eastern districts of Bengal. Over the following century and a half, the region underwent significant structural evolution. By 1984, the original five districts—Chittagong, Comilla, Hill Tracts, Noakhali, and Sylhet—were subdivided into fifteen distinct districts. This administrative reorganization was further refined in 1995 when the Sylhet, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, and Sunamganj districts were carved out to form the independent Sylhet Division.

Today, the division is subdivided into eleven districts and 100 sub-districts. It is physically defined by the Feni River, which separates the region into two distinct portions: the north-western area and the south-eastern area. While the north-western portion accounts for 37.6% of the land, it contains 58.3% of the population. Conversely, the south-eastern portion covers 62.4% of the area but holds 41.7% of the inhabitants. This south-eastern landscape includes the upland districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati, and Bandarban, collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The 2022 Census of Bangladesh provides a detailed demographic snapshot of the region. With a total population of 33,202,326, the division maintains a density of 979 people per square kilometer. The population is predominantly Muslim, at 90.11%, followed by Hindus at 6.61%, Buddhists at 2.92%, and Christians at 0.22%. Urbanization is moderate, with 33.7% of residents living in urban centers. Beyond its administrative complexity, the region is a natural landmark, hosting Cox's Bazar—the world's longest natural sea beach—and St. Martin's Island, which remains the only coral reef in Bangladesh.

Looking forward, the administrative map continues to shift. The six districts currently located in the north-western portion of the division are slated to form a new administrative entity known as the Cumilla Division. This ongoing evolution reflects the region's immense scale and the logistical challenges of governing such a densely populated and geographically diverse territory.

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