Narayanganj District facts for kids

Narayanganj (Bengali: নারায়ণগঞ্জ জেলা, Naraeongônj Jela) is a district in central Bangladesh. It is part of the Dhaka Division. The main city of the district is Narayanganj.

What is Narayanganj?

Narayanganj is a district located in the middle of Bangladesh. It's a part of the Dhaka Division, which is one of the major administrative areas in the country. The biggest city in this district is also called Narayanganj. This area is important for its location near the Shitalakshya River.

Where is Narayanganj Located?

Narayanganj District is very close to Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. It sits on the banks of the Shitalakshya River. This river connects to other big rivers like the Brahmaputra River and the Meghna River. Being near these rivers makes Narayanganj a good place for trade and travel by boat.

A Glimpse into its History

Narayanganj has a long history. It was named after a Hindu leader named Bhabananda Narayana Thakur. He established a market here in the 18th century. The area grew a lot because of its river port. In the 19th century, it became a very important center for the jute industry. Jute is a natural fiber used to make things like ropes and sacks. Many factories were built here, making it a busy place for business.

The Jute Industry

For a long time, Narayanganj was known as the "Dundee of the East." This nickname came from Dundee, a city in Scotland that was famous for its jute industry. Narayanganj played a huge role in producing and exporting jute around the world. Even though the jute industry has changed over time, it was once the main reason for the district's growth and wealth.

What is Narayanganj Known For Today?

Today, Narayanganj is still an important industrial and commercial hub. Besides jute, it has many other industries. These include textiles, garments, and various manufacturing plants. The district is also a major center for inland water transport. This means many goods are moved by boats and ships along the rivers.

Important Places in Narayanganj

• Bandar Upazila: This is a sub-district within Narayanganj. It's known for its historical significance and industrial areas.
• Sonargaon: This historic town was once the capital of ancient Bengal. Today, it's a popular tourist spot. You can find old buildings and the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation museum here. It shows the rich culture and traditions of the region.
• Shitalakshya River: This river is like the lifeline of Narayanganj. It supports trade, transportation, and provides water for the local people.

Culture and People

The people of Narayanganj are diverse, with a mix of different cultures and traditions. Like much of Bangladesh, the main language spoken is Bengali. Festivals like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The district has a vibrant local culture, with traditional music, dance, and food.

Education and Development

Narayanganj has many schools, colleges, and technical institutes. These institutions help educate the young people of the district. The government and local organizations are working to improve infrastructure and provide better opportunities for everyone. This includes building better roads, improving healthcare, and ensuring access to clean water.