Jhenaidah is a city in the Khulna Division of south-western Bangladesh. Jhenaidah is the headquarters of Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila and Jhenaidah District. The city has a population of about 140,000, making it the 19th largest city in Bangladesh. It is the fourth largest city in the Khulna division, after Khulna, Kushtia, and Jessore.

Etymology

This area was once very popular for trading oysters. In the past, people of this area used to collect a huge quantity of oysters from the river bed Nabaganga and the adjacent khaals and beels. It is believed that the name of the aea might have derived from Jhinuk.

History

Jhenaidah the largest city of Jhenaidah District came into existence probably in the middle of 18th century. Previously, it was a part of Greater Kushtia, itself once a part of Greater Nadia.

Demographics

According to the 2022 Bangladesh census, Jhenaidah city had a population of 140,256. According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Jhenaidah city had 25,286 households and a population of 107,834. 18,813 (17.45%) were under 10 years of age. Jhenaidah had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 68.09%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 959 females per 1000 males.

Administration

The city consists of a paurashava which is further divided into 9 wards and 34 Mahalla Wards & included mahallas are

Transport

Jhenaidah is the road transport hub of its district. It is on the Daulatdia–Mongla Highway (N7). The stretch that runs east to Magura, about 27 km away, was the second deadliest in Bangladesh as of 2004. The length that runs south to Jessore, about 45 km away, is the busiest segment of the highway. To the west it is connected by regional highway R745 to Chuadanga, 36 km away. National highway N704 splits off the N7 north to Kushtia, 47 km distant.

Education

The literacy rate (age 7 years and above) is 67.2%. Jhenaidah is known as important educational city of Khulna division. Educational institutions of Jhenaidah city are Aside from these, there are Jhenaidah Government Veterinary College, Sheikh Kamal Textile Engineering College, and Islamic University Bangladesh outside Jhenaidah municipality.