Kalia is an upazila of Narail District in the Division of Khulna, Bangladesh. Kalia Thana was established in 1866 and was converted into an upazila in 1984. It is named after its administrative center, the town of Kalia.

Geography

Kalia Upazila has a total area of 301.32 sqkm. It borders Lohagara Upazila to the north, Dhaka Division to the east, Bagerhat and Khulna districts to the south, Jessore District to the southwest, and Narail Sadar Upazila to the northwest. The Nabaganga River flows south through the upazila.

Demographics

As of the 2011 Census of Bangladesh, Kalia upazila had 48,579 households and a population of 220,202. 54,831 (24.90%) were under 10 years of age. Kalia had an average literacy rate of 55.25%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 1019 females per 1000 males. 35,744 (16.23%) of the population lived in urban areas.

Administration

Kalia Upazila is divided into Kalia Municipality and 14 union parishads: Babrahasla, Baioshona, Boronaleliasabad, Chacuri, Hamidpur, Jaynagor, Kalabaria, Khashial, Mauli, Pahardanga, Panchgram, Peroli, Purulia, and Salamabad. The union parishads are subdivided into 111 mauzas and 187 villages. Kalia Municipality is subdivided into 9 wards and 19 mahallas.

Education

There are five colleges in the upazila. They include Munshi Manik Miah College, and Shaheed Abdus Salam Degree College.

History of the Liberation War

On 8 December 1971, freedom fighters attacked Kalia High School and Municipality house to Pakistani Army and Razakars camp. During the last 3 days (8-10 December), 3 freedom fighters were killed and 4 Pakistani soldiers and 9 Rajakars were killed.

Religious institutions

Mosque 293, Temple 77, Church 1, Tomb 3

Entertainment center

There is located Arunima Eco Park at Panipara, Kalia. Among the most captivating sights is the synchronized flight of numerous birds, forming mesmerizing patterns against the azure sky. The cacophony of their calls and songs fills the air, creating an unforgettable symphony of nature. The diversity of bird species at Arunima is truly remarkable, with over 200 species recorded, including both common and rare varieties. Bird enthusiasts can spot white storks, egrets, herons, kingfishers, and many more, each contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.