Khulna Division: The Deltaic Powerhouse Housing the World's Largest Mangrove Forest

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

In short: As the second-largest division in Bangladesh, Khulna is a vital region defined by the Ganges River delta and the sprawling Sundarbans. Beyond its ecological significance, this coastal territory serves as a major economic engine, contributing the third-largest GDP in the nation while anchoring a complex history of colonial administrative shifts.

Khulna Division occupies 22,285 square kilometers in southwestern Bangladesh, bordering India to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the south. Its landscape is shaped by the intricate waterways of the Greater Bengal Delta, including the Madhumati, Bhairab, and Kapotaksha rivers. The region is perhaps most famous for hosting the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, which spans the southern districts of Satkhira, Khulna, and Bagherhat.

The division's administrative identity has evolved significantly over the last century. During the British Raj, the area was part of the Presidency Division. Following the 1947 Partition of India, the territory was reorganized into East Bengal. By 1960, the government of East Pakistan consolidated districts from the Rajshahi and Dacca divisions to formally establish the Khulna Division. Further changes occurred in 1993, when the Barisal Division was carved out from its southern reaches.

Today, the region is a demographic and economic hub, home to over 17.4 million people according to 2022 census data. With a GDP of $53 billion, it trails only Dhaka and Chittagong in national economic output. The population is predominantly Muslim, at 88.21%, with a significant Hindu minority of 11.53%. Khulna city serves as the administrative headquarters, situated in the northern part of the district, where the Mayur River marks the western boundary of the metropolitan area.

The division also functions as a center for education and development, hosting numerous institutions ranging from the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology to specialized vocational training centers for underprivileged youth. Its strategic location on the coast and its rich riverine geography continue to make it a cornerstone of Bangladesh's national identity and economic strategy.

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