Manikganj is a district in central Bangladesh and part of the Dhaka Division. It was established in 1845, it was a subdivision of Faridpur District (Faridpur Zila) until, in 1953, it was transferred to Dhaka District (Dhaka Zila) for administrative purposes. In 1984, Manikganj was declared a full district.

History

Manikganj subdivision was established in 1845. It was transferred from Faridpur District to Dhaka District in 1853. In 1984, Manikganj subdivision was promoted to a full district.

War of Liberation

The liberation war in 1971 in Manikganj District was organized and led by Abdul Halim Chowdhury, Abdul Matin Chowdhury, Principal Abdur Rouf Khan, and other heroes of the district. On 29 October 1971, at the northwest corner of Golaidanga village, the Baldhara union (a group of freedom fighters) in Singair Upazila attacked boats carrying intruding Pakistani soldiers and a terrible battle occurred on the Nuruni Ganga (canal of Kaliganga river). Eighty-one Pakistani soldiers were killed, and many others were injured. The operation was led by freedom fighter Engr Tobarak Hossain Ludu, commander of the Mukti Bahini Lodu group. None of the Mukti Bahini freedom fighters were killed during this battle, which was a significant liberation fight against the Pakistani military in Manikgonj. After this short-duration battle, the Mukti Bahini freedom fighters left the battlefield, and the Pakistani ranks were reinforced with more soldiers. They burnt 160 houses surrounding the area of Golaidanga village and killed 9 local people who were primarily elderly and stayed at home. Some local young boys helped freedom fighters in that ambush. After the Golaidanga fight, Singair Upazila became free from Pakistani occupation on 13 November 1971. In the last week of November 1971, fresh groups of freedom fighters entered different areas of Manikganj and defeated Pakistani troops in a few battles. On 14 December 1971, a group of Pakistan Bahini moving toward Dhaka entered Barundi village in Manikganj Sadar Upazila. Meanwhile, a group of liberation forces (Mujib Bahini) under the leadership of Shahadat Hossain Biswas Badal was preparing to attack them within the suitable place. Understanding this, the Pakistani soldiers immediately left the village, leaving two soldiers behind. One of them was arrested by the liberation forces at night on 14 December 1971, and the other was arrested by the same group after a small fight the next day. The then sub-division was declared free on 13 December.

Daulatpur–Saturia tornado

On 26 April 1989, Manikganj was the site of the Daulatpur–Saturia tornado, which became the deadliest tornado in recorded history. 1,300 people were initially reported as having been killed, with 12,000 injured. The towns of Saturia and Manikganj were leveled, and about 80,000 people were made homeless.

Geography

Manikganj comprises an area of 1383.66 km2. Annual average temperatures reach a maximum of 36 °C and a minimum to 12.7 °C with the annual rainfall total being 2376 mm. There are several rivers in the Manikganj District, including the Padma River, Kaliganga River, Jamuna River, Dhaleshwari River, and Ichamati River.

Demographics

According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, Manikganj District had 393,524 households and a population of 1,558,025 with an average 3.91 people per household. Among the population, 259,616 (16.66%) inhabitants were under 10 years of age. The population density was 1,126 people per km2. Manikganj District had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 71.17%, compared to the national average of 74.80%, and a sex ratio of 1072 females per 1000 males. Approximately, 14.74% of the population lived in urban areas. The ethnic population was 909.

Religion

Manikganj District has 3,575 mosques, 160 temples, 10 churches, five Buddhist temples, and a pagoda. The Hindu population has fallen from nearly 150,000 in 1981 to 130,000 in 2011, but increased to 139,000 in 2022.

Economy

There are total 166 haats and bazars in the district, including: In addition, 54 fairs (Mela) are held in Manikganj, including:

Places of interest

Subdivisions

The district's upazilas are:

Education

There are 27 colleges in the district, including Government Debendra College, which was founded in 1942, and the private NPI University of Bangladesh, which was founded in 2016. There is one medical school: Colonel Malek Medical College. According to Banglapedia, notable secondary schools in the district include: The madrasa education system includes two fazil madrasas and one kamil madrasa—Manikganj Islamia Kamil Madrasa, founded in 1953. The technical education system includes the Government Textile Vocational Institute Manikganj.

Notable residents