The Bhairab is a river in south-western Bangladesh, a distributary of the Ganges. It passes through Khulna, dividing the city into two parts. Bhairab River originates from Tengamari border of Meherpur District and passes through Jessore city. The river is approximately 100 mi long and 300 ft wide. Its average depth is 4 to 5 ft and with minimal water flow, it has plenty of silt.

Early history

The Bhairab, which is considered to be of older origin than its parent river the Jalangi, takes off from that river a few miles north of Karimpur near Akheriganj at Bhagwangola (Vidhan Sabha constituency) in Murshidabad district (in West Bengal). After a tortuous course towards the south, it turns to the east forming the boundary between Meherpur P.S. (Bangladesh) and Karimpur (India) for a short distance. It then turns south, flowing past Meherpur town to the south and loses itself in the Mathabhanga close to the east of Kapashdanga. Its intake from the Jalangi having silted up, this river has been practically dead since long. The poor climate of Meherpur, which lies along its banks, is in great measure attributed to the stagnancy of its water.

Geography

Bhairab River has two main branches, the Khulna-Ichamati and the Kobadak. The Khulna-Ichamati forms part of the boundary between Bangladesh and India. The towns of Khulna and Jessore are situated on the bank of the river. The development of their settlements and culture were influenced by the river. The Rupsa River is formed from the Bhairab and the Atrai River, and flows into the Pasur River.