Narayanganj is a district of great importance in Bangladesh. It is the country’s smallest district by area but stands as a giant in industry, trade, and history. Located in the heart of the Dhaka Division, it is a vital part of the Greater Dhaka metropolitan area. The district headquarters is just about 20 kilometers southeast of the capital, Dhaka, a proximity that has profoundly shaped its destiny.
The district’s geography is defined by its rivers. It lies on the fertile banks of the mighty Shitalakshya and Meghna rivers, with the Dhaleswari also flowing through its lands. This river network has been the lifeblood of Narayanganj for centuries, making it a natural hub for commerce and transport. The land is a flat, alluvial plain, ideal for agriculture and settlement, which has supported a dense population for generations.
The name “Narayanganj” has a spiritual origin. In 1766, after the Battle of Plassey, the British East India Company granted ownership of the region to a Hindu religious leader named Bicon Lal Pandey. He was also known as Lakshmi Narayan Thakur. He dedicated the marketplaces along the Shitalakshya River to pay for the worship of the Hindu god Narayan, and from this act of devotion, the area became known as Narayanganj. For a long time, it was a sub-division of Dhaka. On February 15, 1984, Narayanganj was officially upgraded to a district, recognizing its growing importance.
Narayanganj is famously called the “Dundee of Bangladesh”. This nickname comes from its historical role as the center of the jute trade, much like Dundee in Scotland was the jute capital of the world. The district was once filled with jute mills that processed the “golden fiber” for export across the globe. Over time, its economy has diversified. Today, it is a powerhouse not only for jute but also for textiles, garments, yarn dyeing, and many other industries.
This district presents a fascinating story of development. Its close connection to Dhaka has been its greatest advantage, fueling its economic engine and attracting people from all over the country in search of work. This has led to incredible industrial growth and prosperity. However, this same proximity has brought significant challenges. The immense pressure of a rapidly growing population has led to unplanned and haphazard urbanization. Many important canals and water bodies have been filled to build houses and factories, causing environmental problems and threatening the very geography that made the district prosperous. Narayanganj thus embodies a dual reality: it is a vital economic hub for the nation while also serving as a lesson in the complexities of managing rapid urban expansion.
Administrative and Political Landscape
The administration of Narayanganj District is structured to manage both its dense urban centers and its rural areas. This system includes several layers of government, from the local Upazila level to the city corporation that governs its main urban core.
Upazilas and Thanas
Narayanganj District is divided into five main administrative sub-districts known as Upazilas. These are:
- Narayanganj Sadar Upazila
- Bandar Upazila
- Rupganj Upazila
- Sonargaon Upazila
- Araihazar Upazila
Each Upazila is headed by an Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and an elected Upazila Parishad (Council), which are responsible for local administration and development projects. Alongside the Upazilas, there are Thanas, which define police jurisdictions and maintain law and order within their respective areas.
Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC)
The most significant administrative body in the district is the Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). It was established on May 5, 2011, through a major administrative reform. The government merged three separate municipalities—Narayanganj Municipality, Siddhirganj Municipality, and Kadam Rasul Municipality—to form one unified city government. This move was a direct response to the continuous urban sprawl that had connected these three areas into a single, large metropolis. The old municipal boundaries had become insufficient to manage the needs of the growing, interconnected population. The creation of the NCC was therefore a necessary step to consolidate governance and provide better civic services to a city that had outgrown its previous administrative limits.
The NCC covers a total area of 72.43 square kilometers. It is divided into 27 wards for administrative purposes. To ensure female representation in city governance, 9 of these ward councilor seats are reserved for women. The City Corporation is led by a Mayor, who is elected by the city’s residents every five years.
Rural Administration and Parliamentary Seats
Beyond the urban jurisdiction of the NCC, the rural parts of the district are governed by 39 Union Parishads. These are the most local-level government bodies, responsible for the administration and development of villages.
On the national level, Narayanganj District is represented in the Jatiya Sangsad (the National Parliament of Bangladesh) by five elected Members of Parliament (MPs). The district is divided into five parliamentary constituencies:
- Narayanganj-1 (Rupganj): Golam Dastagir Gazi (Bangladesh Awami League)
- Narayanganj-2 (Araihazar): Md. Nazrul Islam Babu (Bangladesh Awami League)
- Narayanganj-3 (Sonargaon): Abdullah-Al-Kaisar (Bangladesh Awami League)
- Narayanganj-4 (Fatullah-Siddhirganj): Shamim Osman (Bangladesh Awami League)
- Narayanganj-5 (Sadar-Bandar): A K M Salim Osman (Jatiya Party)
The People of Narayanganj
Narayanganj is one of the most densely populated districts in Bangladesh, a direct result of its industrial character and proximity to Dhaka. The latest data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census provides a clear picture of its people and their educational status.
Population Statistics (2022 Census)
According to the 2022 census, the total population of Narayanganj District is 3,909,138. This population lives in 1,023,175 households, with an average of 3.78 people per household. The most striking figure is the population density, which stands at an astonishing 5,712 people per square kilometer, making it a highly congested area. A significant portion of the population, about 40.52%, lives in urban areas, reflecting the district’s industrial and commercial nature.
The district’s rapid population growth is largely driven by migration. People from all over Bangladesh, particularly from rural areas, move to Narayanganj seeking jobs in its numerous factories and businesses. It is estimated that 50% to 60% of the people currently living in the city are migrants. This continuous inflow of people looking for employment is the primary reason for the district’s high population density and ongoing urbanization.
Religious Composition
The vast majority of Narayanganj’s population is Muslim, accounting for 95.06% of the total. There is also a notable Hindu community, which makes up 4.89% of the population. Other religious groups, including Christians and Buddhists, are very small in number. The district is home to a large number of religious institutions, including 3,080 mosques, 269 temples, 10 churches, and 4 Buddhist temples, which cater to the spiritual needs of its diverse population.
Education and Literacy
Narayanganj has made significant strides in education. The district’s literacy rate for people aged 7 and above is 79.24%, which is impressively higher than the national average of 74.80%. In the urban core of Narayanganj Sadar Upazila, the literacy rate is even higher at 80.59%.
This strong educational performance is not just a statistic; it plays a crucial role in the district’s social dynamics. While industrial jobs are the main attraction for migrants, the quality and accessibility of education serve as a powerful secondary reason for families to settle here permanently. The Dhaka Division, which includes Narayanganj, has the highest number of schools and the largest student enrollment in Bangladesh. Furthermore, the division also boasts the highest primary school survival rate in the country, with 89.38% of students who enroll in Grade 1 successfully reaching Grade 5. For migrant families, this means that Narayanganj offers not only a job for the parents but also a better educational future for their children. This combination of economic and educational opportunities creates a self-reinforcing cycle, turning temporary labor migration into permanent family settlement and further driving the district’s population growth.
Culture and Tourism
Narayanganj has a rich and vibrant culture, born from its long history as a center of trade, industry, and governance. This heritage is visible in its living traditions, its famous crafts, its delicious food, and its many historical landmarks that attract visitors from all over the country.
The Living Culture of Narayanganj
The culture of Narayanganj is a true melting pot. Because it has been a destination for migrants for centuries, its traditions are a blend of local customs and those brought by people from different parts of Bangladesh. The main language spoken is Bengali, but the influence of its close ties to the capital means that the regional Dhakaiya dialect is also common.
One of the most famous cultural products of this region is Jamdani. For centuries, the area around Sonargaon was world-renowned for producing the finest muslin cloth. Today, this legacy continues through the intricate art of Jamdani weaving, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Jamdani Palli (village) in Rupganj is a place where visitors can see weavers create these beautiful sarees by hand, keeping an ancient tradition alive.
The local cuisine is another important part of the district’s identity. Narayanganj is particularly famous for its delicious biryani and a variety of traditional sweets that are popular among locals and visitors alike. Festivals are celebrated with great energy and enthusiasm. Major religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, along with cultural celebrations like Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), bring the community together.
Guide to Tourist Attractions
Narayanganj is filled with historical sites that tell the story of Bengal’s glorious past. From ancient capitals to Mughal forts and colonial mansions, there is much to explore.
Sonargaon
- Address: Sonargaon Upazila, Narayanganj.
- Details: Once the capital of Bengal during the reign of the great ruler Isa Khan, Sonargaon is a vast area rich with history. At its heart is the Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Museum (also known as Lok Shilpa Jadughar). This museum was founded in 1975 by the legendary Bangladeshi painter Zainul Abedin. It is housed in a beautiful historic building called Bara Sardar Bari and showcases the rich folk traditions and crafts of Bangladesh.
Panam Nagar (Panam City)
- Address: Sonargaon, Narayanganj.
- Details: Often called the “Lost City,” Panam Nagar is a single, remarkably preserved street lined with 52 abandoned mansions. Built by wealthy Hindu merchants during the British colonial era, these buildings feature a unique blend of European and Mughal architectural styles. Walking down this street feels like stepping back in time.
Mughal Forts
To protect the river routes to Dhaka from pirates, the Mughals built several impressive forts in Narayanganj.
- Hajiganj Fort: Located in the Hajiganj area of Narayanganj city, this fort stands as a powerful reminder of Mughal military architecture.
- Sonakanda Fort: Situated on the eastern bank of the Shitalakshya River in Bandar, this fort was strategically placed to guard the waterway.
Zamindar Palaces (Bari)
The district is home to several magnificent palaces built by wealthy landlords (zamindars).
- Murapara Zamindar Bari: Located in Rupganj, this is one of the most stunning zamindar palaces in Bangladesh. With its grand architecture and large pond in front, it is a popular spot for visitors and is now home to Murapara College.
- Baliapara Zamindar Bari: This historic landlord’s house is located in Araihazar Upazila and offers a glimpse into the region’s feudal past.
Religious and Other Sites
- Goaldi Mosque: A graceful, single-domed mosque in Sonargaon built in 1519, it is one of the few surviving monuments from the pre-Mughal Bengal Sultanate period.
- Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah: Located in Sonargaon, this is the 15th-century tomb of a powerful Sultan of Bengal, known for his correspondence with the famous Persian poet Hafez.
- Kadam Rasul Dargah: A holy shrine in Bandar that is believed to contain a stone bearing the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a site of great religious importance.
- Zinda Park: A beautiful eco-park in Rupganj that was developed and is maintained by the local community. Spread over a large area, it features lakes, trees, and recreational facilities, making it a popular getaway.
Essential Services and Institutions Directory
This section provides a practical directory of key institutions and services in Narayanganj, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, and financial services. The tables below offer consolidated information for residents and visitors.
Educational Institutions
Narayanganj has a robust educational infrastructure, from historic government colleges to numerous private schools and madrasahs, contributing to its high literacy rate. This directory is a valuable resource for parents, students, and researchers, centralizing contact and location information for major institutions, which is often scattered across multiple sources. It helps in making informed decisions about education and simplifies the process of contacting these institutions.
| Name | Type | Address | Website | Phone Number | |
| Govt. Tolaram College | Government College (Masters) | Allah Ma Iqbal Road, Narayanganj-1400 | tolaramcollege.edu.bd | info@tolaramcollege.edu.bd; c5601@nu.ac.bd | 01780479192; 7632666 |
| Narayanganj Govt. Mohila College | Government College | 261, B. B. Road, Chashara, Narayanganj-1400 | deb112479.dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd | ngmcedu@gmail.com; c5602@nu.ac.bd | 7632008 |
| Murapara College | Government College | Murapara, Rupganj, Narayanganj-1464 | N/A | muraparacollege.rupgonj@gmail.com | 01819488524; 01711938373 |
| Kadam Rasul College | Government College | Wilson Road, Bandar, Narayanganj-1414 | deb112401.dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd | kadamrasulcollege@gmail.com; c5616@nu.ac.bd | 027661200 |
| Haji Misir Ali University College | Private College (Honors) | Delpara, Kutubpur, Fatulla, Narayanganj-1421 | deb112482.dhakaeducationboard.gov.bd | hmdc2555@yahoo.com | 01975054490 |
| Narayanganj High School and College | Private School & College | 25-26, Sirajdullah Road, Narayanganj Sadar-1400 | N/A | narayanganjhighschool@gmail.com | 01726255699 |
| Morgan Girls’ School & College | Private School & College | 54, Vasha Soinik Momotaj Begum Road, Narayanganj Sadar | mgscn.edu.bd | morgan.school@yahoo.com | 7631646 |
| Adarsha School Narayanganj | Private School | Narayanganj Sadar, Narayanganj | adarshaschool.edu.bd | adarsha74@yahoo.com | 01914209470 |
| Narayanganj Ideal School | Private School | 47 K. B. Saha Road, Amlapara, Narayanganj | N/A | ideal_school2000@yahoo.com | 02224432305; 01713414183 |
| Narayanganj Commerce College | Private College | Narayanganj Sadar, Narayanganj | N/A | n.commerce.clg@gmail.com | 01817567116 |
Hospitals, Clinics & Blood Banks
The district’s healthcare system includes government-run general hospitals and a growing number of private hospitals and diagnostic centers catering to its large population. In a health emergency or for routine care, having a reliable, consolidated list of medical facilities is crucial. This table serves as a vital public service resource, saving users time and effort in finding appropriate healthcare providers and their contact details.
| Name | Type | Address | Phone Number | Website/Email |
| Narayanganj General (Victoria) Hospital | Government Hospital | Narayanganj Sadar, Narayanganj | 01730324784 | narayanganjg@hospi.dghs.gov.bd |
| Narayanganj 300 Bed Hospital | Government Hospital | 17/1 Isha Kha Road, Khanpur, Narayanganj | 01764414755; 7643622 | narayanganjd@hospi.dghs.gov.bd |
| Pro-Active Medical College Hospital Ltd. | Private Hospital | E-197/7, Mizmizi, Shahebpara, Siddirganj | 09666-997997; 01902-556070 | pmchl.com |
| Medi Hope Hospital & Diagnostic Center | Private Hospital | 33/4 Nobab Sholimullah Road, Amla Para More, Narayanganj | 01727641428; 01707-700842 | medihopehospital.com.bd |
| Popular Diagnostic Center, Narayanganj | Private Diagnostic & Consultation | 231/4, B.B. Road, Chashara, Narayanganj | 09666787804 | populardiagnostic.com |
| Modern Diagnostic Center, Narayanganj | Private Diagnostic & Consultation | 207, Bangabandhu Road, Chashara, Narayanganj | 01890912112 | N/A |
| Care General Hospital | Private Hospital | 208 Bangabandhu Sarak, Narayanganj Sadar | N/A | N/A |
| US-Bangla Medical College & Hospital | Private Medical College & Hospital | Rupganj, Narayanganj | N/A | N/A |
Hospitality: Hotels, Resorts & Restaurants
Narayanganj offers a range of accommodations and dining options, from business hotels to resorts and a vibrant local food scene, reflecting its status as a commercial and tourist destination. This directory is essential for tourists, business travelers, and even locals looking for dining options, providing a curated list of reliable places to stay and eat with contact details for easy booking and inquiries.
| Name | Type | Address | Phone Number | Website/Email |
| Hotels & Resorts | ||||
| Shaira Garden Hotel & Resorts | Resort | Madanpur, Bandar, Narayanganj | 01908-809889 | shairagardenresorts.com |
| Sonargaon Royal Resort | Resort | Khashnogor Dighirpar, Sonargaon, Narayanganj | 01709371680 | sonargaonroyalresort.com |
| Hotel Metro Inn | Hotel | Bandar, Narayanganj | N/A | N/A |
| Restaurants | ||||
| Sultan’s Dine | Restaurant (Biryani) | Narayanganj Branch | 09614-446688; 01988-298899 | sultansdinebd.com |
| Kacchi Bhai | Restaurant (Biryani) | 25 DIT PLOT, Monir Tower, Balurmath, Chashara | N/A | kacchibhai.com |
| The Dining Lounge | Restaurant (Multi-cuisine) | Narayanganj | N/A | foodpanda.com.bd |
| Drink & Dine Chinese Restaurant | Restaurant (Chinese) | Narayanganj | N/A | foodpanda.com.bd |
| KFC Narayanganj | Restaurant (Fast Food) | Narayanganj | N/A | kfcbd.com |
Financial Institutions: Banks & Bima
The dense network of bank branches in Narayanganj is a clear indicator of its economic vitality, serving countless industries, businesses, and individuals. This table is extremely useful for businesses, traders, and residents, providing essential banking details like branch codes and routing numbers, which are critical for financial transactions, alongside addresses and contact information.
| Bank Name | Branch Location | Address | Branch Code | Routing Number |
| Sonali Bank PLC | Narayanganj Corporate | B.B. Road, Narayanganj-1400 | N/A | 200671184 |
| Janata Bank PLC | Bangabandhu Road Corp. | 29 Bangabandhu Road, Narayanganj | 0556 | 120671183 |
| Agrani Bank PLC | Bangabandhu Road Corp. | 32/1 B.B. Avenue, Narayanganj | 0009 | 010671188 |
| Rupali Bank PLC | Narayanganj | Sayesta Khan Rd, Narayanganj-1400 | N/A | N/A |
| Dutch-Bangla Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 45, S.M. Maleh Road, Tanbazar, Narayanganj-1400 | 106 | 090671186 |
| Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 40 S.M. Maleh Road, Narayanganj | 108 | 115671180 |
| BRAC Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 77 Dewan Ali Palace, Kutubail, Fatulla | 4301 | 060671183 |
| Eastern Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | South M Maleh Road, Narayanganj | N/A | N/A |
| Trust Bank Ltd. | Narayanganj Branch | 1 No. Alam Khan Lane, B. B. Road, Narayanganj-1400 | 0035 | 240671181 |
| Uttara Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 231/34, Bangabandhu Road, Narayanganj | N/A | N/A |
| National Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 53/3 S.M Maleh Road, Tanbazar, Narayanganj | 10 | 150671189 |
| Mercantile Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 90 Bangabandhu Road, H R Plaza, Narayanganj | N/A | 140671185 |
| City Bank PLC | Narayanganj Branch | 72, BB Road, Islam Market (1st floor), Narayanganj-1400 | N/A | N/A |
Legacy and Notable Personalities
Narayanganj holds a unique and powerful place in the story of Bangladesh. Its journey began in the ancient past as Sonargaon, the celebrated capital of Bengal, and evolved into the industrial heartland known as the “Dundee of Bangladesh.” Today, it remains a vital economic artery for the nation, a hub of commerce, and a district with a rich cultural and historical legacy. While it faces the modern challenges of rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable development, its spirit of industry and resilience continues to define its character.
The district’s story has been shaped by many remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.
Notable Personalities
Politics:
- Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy: The first and long-serving Mayor of the Narayanganj City Corporation, known for her strong leadership and popular support. Her father, Ali Ahmad Chunka, was also a popular chairman of the former Narayanganj Municipality.
- The Osman Family: A prominent political family that has had a profound influence on the district for generations. This includes AKM Samsuzzoha, a founding member of the Awami League, and his sons Shamim Osman (current MP of Narayanganj-4), Nasim Osman (former MP), and Salim Osman (current MP of Narayanganj-5). This family’s deep roots in local politics illustrate how community ties and historical allegiances have shaped the district’s governance.
- Golam Dastagir Gazi: The current Member of Parliament for Narayanganj-1 and a valiant freedom fighter (Bir Protik).
History:
- Isa Khan: The leader of the Baro-Bhuyans (Twelve Chieftains) who ruled Bengal from his capital at Sonargaon in the 16th century, famously resisting Mughal expansion.
- Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah: A 15th-century Sultan of Bengal who also ruled from Sonargaon and is buried there. He was a patron of arts and literature.
Arts & Culture:
- Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin: One of Bangladesh’s most celebrated painters. Though not born in Narayanganj, his legacy is deeply connected to the district as he founded the Bangladesh Folk Art and Craft Museum in Sonargaon, preserving the nation’s cultural heritage.
- Benajir Ahmed: A notable Bangladeshi poet and writer who was born in Narayanganj District and was awarded the Ekushey Padak.
Sports:
- Monem Munna: A legendary Bangladeshi footballer who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders the country has ever produced.
- Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Chunnu: Another famous footballer from Narayanganj who played for the national team.
- Rony Talukdar: A talented cricketer who has represented the Bangladesh national cricket team.