Sylhet Division

Sylhet Division
Name	Sylhet Division
Native name	সিলেট বিভাগ
Country	Bangladesh
Capital	Sylhet
Population	9,807,000
Area	12,595.95
Density	780

Sylhet Division is located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, bordering the Indian states of Meghalaya and Assam to the north, east, and south, and the Mymensingh Division and Dhaka Division to the west. The division is home to several major cities, including Sylhet, Habiganj, and Sunamganj, and is known for its natural beauty, with numerous rivers, lakes, and wetlands, such as the Surma River, Kushiyara River, and Hakaluki Haor. The division is also home to several hill stations, including Jaflong and Bisnakandi, which are popular tourist destinations. The region is also close to the Khasi Hills and the Jaintia Hills.

Geography

The geography of Sylhet Division is characterized by its unique combination of plains, hills, and valleys. The division is drained by several major rivers, including the Surma River, Kushiyara River, and Someshwari River, which flow into the Meghna River and ultimately into the Bay of Bengal. The region is also home to several lakes and wetlands, such as the Hakaluki Haor and the Tanguar Haor, which are important habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and Ganges River dolphin. The division is also close to the Lawachara National Park and the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, which are protected areas that are home to a wide range of wildlife, including the hoolock gibbon, phayre's leaf monkey, and Indian python. The region is also near the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Mizo Hills.

History

The history of Sylhet Division dates back to the ancient period, with the region being an important center of trade and commerce during the Mauryan Empire and the Gupta Empire. The division was later conquered by the Arabs, who introduced Islam to the region, and was subsequently ruled by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. The region was also an important center of Sufism, with several prominent Sufi saints, including Shah Jalal and Shah Paran, living and preaching in the area. The division was also affected by the Bengal Partition of 1905 and the Bengal Partition of 1947, which led to the creation of East Pakistan and ultimately Bangladesh. The region is also close to the Agartala and the Dhaka.

Economy

The economy of Sylhet Division is primarily based on agriculture, with the region being a major producer of tea, rice, and jute. The division is also home to several major tea estates, including the Malnicherra Tea Estate and the Sylhet Tea Estate, which are among the largest in the country. The region is also an important center of trade and commerce, with the city of Sylhet being a major hub of business and industry. The division is also home to several major industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, with companies such as Square Pharmaceuticals and Pran-RFL Group having operations in the area. The region is also close to the Chittagong Port and the Mongla Port.

Demographics

The demographics of Sylhet Division are characterized by a diverse population, with people from different ethnic groups, including the Bengali people, Sylheti people, and Khasi people. The division is also home to several major languages, including Bengali, Sylheti, and English. The region is also an important center of culture, with several major festivals and celebrations, including the Eid al-Fitr and the Durga Puja, being observed in the area. The division is also home to several major universities and institutions, including the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and the Sylhet Medical College, which are among the top institutions in the country. The region is also close to the Dhaka University and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Administration

The administration of Sylhet Division is headed by the Divisional Commissioner, who is responsible for overseeing the overall development and administration of the division. The division is divided into four districts, including Sylhet District, Habiganj District, Sunamganj District, and Moulvibazar District, each of which is headed by a Deputy Commissioner. The division is also home to several major municipalities, including the Sylhet City Corporation and the Habiganj Municipality, which are responsible for providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, and transportation. The region is also close to the Bangladesh Parliament and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Education

The education system in Sylhet Division is well-developed, with several major universities and institutions located in the area. The division is home to the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, which is one of the top universities in the country, as well as several other major institutions, including the Sylhet Medical College and the Sylhet Engineering College. The division is also home to several major schools, including the Sylhet Cadet College and the Habiganj Government High School, which are among the top schools in the country. The region is also close to the Dhaka University and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and is also near the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and the Gauhati University. The division is also home to several major research institutions, including the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture and the Soil Resource Development Institute.

Category:Divisions of Bangladesh