Feni District ফেনী জেলা | |
|---|---|
       From top: Asgar Ali Chowdhury Mosque, Sharshadi Shahi Mosque, Chandgaji Bhuiyan Mosque, Mohammad Ali chowdhury mosque, Wind electricity-Muhuri Project and Feni ShathMoth | |
 Location of Feni District within Bangladesh | |
 Interactive map of Feni District | |
| Coordinates:23°00′N91°24′E / 23.000°N 91.400°E /23.000; 91.400 | |
| Country |  Bangladesh |
| Division | Chittagong Division |
| Established as asub-division | 1876 |
| Upgraded to a district | 1 March 1984 (as the 64th district and split fromNoakhali District)[1] |
| Named after | Feni River |
| Headquarters | Feni, Bangladesh |
| Upazilas | |
| Government | |
| • Type | Commissioner–council government |
| • Deputy Commissioner | Saiful Islam |
| Area | |
• Feni District | 928.34 km2 (358.43 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Feni District | 1,648,896 |
| • Density | 1,665/km2 (4,310/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 489,230 |
| • Rural | 1,159,666 |
| • Feni Municipality | 234,357 |
| Demographics | |
| • Sex ratio | 898.7 males per 1000 females |
| Time zone | UTC+06:00 (BST) |
| Postal codes[4] | 3900–3903 (Feni Sadar), 3910–3913 (Chhagalnaiya), 3920–3923 (Daganbhuiyan), 3930–3933 (Sonagazi), 3940–3941 (Parshuram), 3942–3943 (Fulgazi) |
| Area code | 0331 |
| ISO 3166 code | BD-16 |
| HDI (2023)[5] | 0.661 medium ·18th of 22 |
| Notable sport teams | NoFeL SC |
| Website | www |
Feni District (Bengali:ফেনী জেলা) is a coastaldistrict situated in the south-east of Bangladesh, withinChittagong Division. One of Bangladesh's smallest districts, it is strategically located along theDhaka–Chittagong transportation corridor. Bordered by India to the north and theBay of Bengal to the south, it serves as the sole entry point linkingChittagong, the country's primary port city, to the northern districts.
The district's population stood at 1.6 million in 2022, ranking 42nd among 64 districts and 4th least populous in Chittagong Division. Established as Bangladesh's 64th district in 1984 with its administrative hub inFeni city, it was previously asub-division underNoakhali District. The district comprises sixupazilas (sub-districts):Sonagazi,Fulgazi,Parshuram,Daganbhuiyan,Chhagalnaiya andFeni Sadar.
Deriving its name from theFeni River, the district has a rich history spanning five millennia, having been historically part of the greater regions of Noakhali,Comilla, andTripura. It was ruled by ancient kingdoms before coming under the Muslim rule of theDelhi Sultanate in the 14th century, and later theMughals from the 17th century, when it briefly served as afrontier settlement with thriving cities. TheBritish gained control in the late 18th century, formally establishing Feni as asub-division in 1876. Significant infrastructure development, including schools, colleges, roads and railways, occurred in the early 20th century. Feni's students played a vital role during Bangladesh'slanguage movement in the mid-20th century and subsequentindependence war, ultimately gaining independence from Pakistan on 6 December 1971.
While there are disagreements surrounding the matter, it is generally believed that the settlement of Feni derived its name from the river of the same name, rather than the other way around. The origin of the name "Feni" itself is surrounded by various local legends, complicating efforts to determine its true source. However, most legends commonly suggest that the name is connected to the wordphoni (Bengali:ফনী, meaning "snake").[6]: 11
The evolution of the word "Feni" orpheni is evident in historical texts spanning several centuries. Writers and poets in the 15th and 16th centuries wrote about the area, referring to the wordphoni as both a river stream and aghat for ferry crossing.[a] The emergence of the wordpheni appears to be evident in the language of Muslim poets and writers,[b] such as the 17th-centuryPersian bookBaharistan-i-Ghaibi, where the reference to the twopheni rivers[c] indicates the transformation of the wordphoni intopheni or Feni.[7][6]: 11–12
The Feni region, situated in eastern Greater Noakhali (historically known as Bhulua),[6]: 13, 28 is believed by scholars to have an ancient history, despite its relatively recent addition to the country's administrative landscape. Historical records indicate the presence of human settlements dating back five thousand years ago within this region.[6]: 9 [8]: 27
According to folklore, this area was once home to a flourishing society that settled near the legendary seas ofBillasagar orSukh Sagar, showcasing the region's deep-rooted past.[6]: 23 Scholars trace the arrival ofAryans to theGanges Delta near Feni, marking a significant epoch in its history.[6]: 23 [d] Prehistorical discoveries in Feni dating back to the kingdom ofGangaridai further underscore Feni's importance, suggesting it may have served as a vital frontier settlement during ancient times.[6]: 27 Historical records point to the governance of a 7th-century dynasty as part of theSamatata region.[6]: 33–34 Archaeological findings suggest the presence of theChandra dynasty, which ruled over Samatata.[6]: 42 Additionally, evidence indicates the possible rule of thePala Empire in Feni, notably underKing Mahipala II, after whom modern Mahipal is named. The Feni-Noakhali region was part of the ancient Pattikera Kingdom, possibly serving as a trade route connecting the kingdom with Burma (present-day Myanmar).[6]: 44 The artificial lake calledবিজয়সিন,bijoysen in Mahipal reflects the era ofVijaya Sena's rule, belonging to theSena dynasty.[6]: 46 During the 13th century, the kingdom ofBhulua emerged, encompassing the area that comprises the present-day Noakhali region.[6]: 49–50
During the medieval era, the arrival ofSufis from Arabia and Central Asia profoundly influencedBengal's coastal regions. Promoting values of tolerance and love, they amalgamated Islamic teachings with local customs, shaping a distinctive cultural identity.[8]: 27–28 By the onset of the Middle Ages, Muslims formed the majority in the Noakhali region, despite the absence of Muslim rule.[6]: 52
During the rule ofMuhammad bin Tughluq, eastern Bengal came under theDelhi Sultanate's jurisdiction. Under the governance ofBahram Khan, who ruled over eastern Bengal during theTughlaq dynasty, the Bhulua or Greater Noakhali region was administratively linked toSonargaon, one of the three administrative divisions of Bengal within the Delhi Sultanate. Ships laden with salt would depart from the ports of Bhulua and Jugidiya for overseas destinations.[6]: 54–55
Following Bahram's demise in 1338,Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah proclaimed the independence of eastern Bengal at Sonargaon.[6]: 55 After the establishment of the independentSultanate of Sonargaon, Fakhruddin set up a military camp in Feni while aiming to conquer Chittagong, overseeing the construction of a mosque and excavation of a reservoir in the region. In an effort to enhance connectivity within his realm, he contributed to the construction of a lengthy highway fromChandpur to Chittagong, passing through Comilla and Feni. In later times, a significant portion of this old highway in the Feni region was incorporated into the Dhaka–Chittagong Trunk Road.[6]: 56
During a period of instability in Bengal, the rise of Tripura as a regional power saw its king extending control over parts of Feni,Comilla, andSylhet, capitalising on the opportunity presented byRaja Ganesha's seizure of power in Bengal.[6]: 60
In historical accounts, it is suggested that Rasti Khan, who served underRuknuddin Barbak Shah, governed areas extending from Feni to the northern regions of Chittagong. Additionally, during themedieval period, theKingdom of Tripura exerted significant influence over the Feni and Comilla regions, with the eastern part of Feni being part of the district of Tripura during the British colonial period, which also encompassed the modern district of Comilla.[6]: 61–63
During the medieval era, a nobleman belonging to theSur Dynasty named Nizam Shah established a kingdom called Jafarabad along the banks of theFeni River.[6]: 71 During the reign ofMughalEmperor Akbar, territorial disputes arose between the Kingdoms of Tripura andArakan, with Arakan initially seizing control of Chittagong and extending influence up to the Feni River. Following conflicts,Mogh settlements were established in southern Feni-Noakhali, but they fled when the Mughals conquered Chittagong in 1666, who also drove out Portuguese settlers in the region who arrived in late 16th century.[6]: 77–78
Greater Noakhali fell under Mughal rule after they invaded the Bhulua Kingdom—which stretched as far as a portion of Comilla—and ousted its king Ananta Manikya in 1611, led bySubahdarIslam Khan.[6]: 84–85, 50 To ensure control over the newly acquired territories, the Mughals set up a police station (thana), serving as the administrative hub of the area, at the mouth of the Feni River in Jugidiya. Its jurisdiction extended over significant portions of present-day Sonagazi andCompaniganj. This station served as the frontier outpost of the Mughal province of Bengal in the far southeast during that period, facing repeated attacks from theArakan Kingdom.[6]: 86
The Feni region was pivotal during the Mughal conquest of Chittagong, acting as the border with Arakan-held territory. Having been under Mughal control for fifty years, Feni was strategically fortified along the riverside to repel potential Arakanese attacks.[6]: 90 After the Mughal conquest of Chittagong, they established a thriving city called Amirgaon in southern Feni, but it was eventually swallowed by the Feni River.[6]: 91
After the death ofAurangzeb's, the Mughal Empire began to fragment, leading to the rise ofNawabs in Bengal in the early 18th century. NawabMurshid Quli Khan, seeking to boost tax revenue, divided Feni's largestpargana (administrative unit). Under his rule, theEast India Company established a textile mill in southern Feni's Jugidiya area. Toward the Nawab era's end, a new administrative unit, Chakla Roshnabad, was formed, spanning parts of Sylhet and Comilla, extending to the Feni River's southern bank.Shamsher Gazi, who ruled Chakla Roshnabad, emerged as a notable figure, significantly influencing Feni's history.[6]: 94–97
Long before theBattle of Plassey, which handed control of Bengal to the East India Company, a French company[e] established a significant textile mill in Jugidiya, a hub for various industries, near the mouth of the Feni River. In 1765, the East India Company gained the authority to collect taxes in Jugidiya and other areas by becoming the official tax collector (diwan) for the Mughal emperor, thereby legitimizing its control over the region.[6]: 121
In 1770, the East India Company's ineptitude and exploitative tax policies precipitated asevere famine. Concurrently, the coastal Feni-Noakhali region was devastated by a catastrophic cyclone and tidal surge, resulting in widespread displacement and destruction. The important settlement of Jugidiya was all but submerged.[6]: 123 Despite the implementation of thePermanent Settlement system in 1793, much of Feni-Noakhali remained under direct East India Company control, with armed enforcement of high land revenue collection.[6]: 125 In the same year, theManikya king of Tripura acquired land rights in the Roshnabad estate under the new system, including parts of Feni, compelling anti-English landowners to cede their land.[6]: 126
During the British colonial period, administrative units known as thanas were established under district collectorates, forming administrative unions within the district. In a subsequent phase of administrative decentralization, the British authorities divided each district into subdivisions calledmahakumas. Before the establishment of Feni mahakuma[f] the Chhagalnaiya and Parshuram thanas (currently upazilas), and Amirgaon thana[g] were part of the Comilla and Noakhali districts respectively.[h][6]: 144 In 1876, the Feni mahakuma (sub-division) was established under the jurisdiction of Noakhali District.[8]: 29–30 The sub-divisional headquarters were originally located in Amirgaon, but were moved to Feni town in 1881.[2]: xxvii Notably, in 1883,Nabinchandra Sen assumed the role of governor of the mahakuma, overseeing significant developments that earned him the moniker of the true architect of Feni.[i] Furthermore, in 1895 and 1920, two pivotal railway lines, namely theAssam Bengal railway and the Feni–Belonia branch line, were constructed, vastly improving Feni's connectivity and contributing to its development.[8]: 29–30 Syed Amir Uddin, also known as Pagla Miah, was a Sufi saint who exerted significant influence in the Feni region during this period, earning recognition as its spiritual architect.[8]: 53–54
The districts of Feni and Noakhali played a pioneering role in theSwadeshi (self-reliance) movement, particularly in the boycott of foreign goods during the 1930s.Khadi cloth, produced by local weavers, gained immense popularity in these regions. The demand for a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent, presented at the All-India Muslim League Conference held inLahore in March 1940, resonated strongly in the Feni-Noakhali region, just as it did in other parts of Bengal.Habibullah Bahar Chowdhury of Feni emerged as a leading figure during this time.[8]: 31
Amidst the escalating tensions of thePakistan Movement and theIndian independence struggle, Feni gained prominence as a significant military hub in South Asia throughoutWorld War II. Its strategic position led to the creation of anAllied forward base and the construction of alarge airstrip, which now forms part of the premises ofFeni Girls' Cadet College.[9] Local residents became increasingly agitated as Allied soldiers engaged in acts of violence against women, sparking protests that were met with lethal gunfire. In 1943, Feni endured a Japanese bombing raid during World War II, causing plane crashes and pilot casualties.[8]: 32
As the war concluded and India's independence approached in 1946,communal tensions heightened in nearby regions. Feni's Hindu-majority areas saw limited violence thanks to local intervention. Ultimately, in 1947, the Indian subcontinent gained independence, leading to the partition into Pakistan and India.[8]: 32–33
Following partition in 1947, Feni, bordered by the Indian state of Tripura, experienced demographic shifts and social hurdles. The king of Tripura's significant land holdings in Feni shaped its socio-economic dynamics. Many Hindu families migrated to Tripura andWest Bengal, including professionals, leading to a social void. With Hindu educators departing, the education sector faced crisis, while returning Muslims from India added to unemployment. Post-World War II, Bengali workers returning from Burma worsened economic challenges in Feni.[6]: 173
After partition, Tripura's population grew, prompting new settlements by flattening hills and clearing forests. This led to changes in river courses, causing floods in Feni, endangering agriculture and causing annual crop and resource losses worthcrores.[6]: 173
The hastily demarcated Feni-Tripura border by the Radcliffe Boundary Commission led to challenges for local residents. Many farmers found their houses in East Pakistani Feni while their cultivated land remained in Indian Tripura, causing households to straddle two countries. This created the issue ofjiratiya, where individuals became citizens of both nations due to the border cutting through their homes.[6]: 174
TheMuslim League party—the dominant political party of the region—exhibited limited internal democracy and suppressed dissent in Feni, resulting in political, social, and cultural stagnation. However,Feni College emerged as a significant institution during this period. In 1948, it established a student council with a unique democratic structure, featuring direct student elections, unlike the prevalent indirect election systems (through elected representatives) or faculty-appointed bodies elsewhere. These elections sparked discussions among local intellectuals and politicians, encouraging broader public engagement. The elected student council leader became a prominent figure, representing students in social and cultural spheres. Over time, Feni College, through its student council, wielded growing influence on the region's social and political landscape, particularly thelanguage movement of Bangladesh. FollowingMuhammad Ali Jinnah's declaration of Urdu as the sole national language in 1948, Feni witnessed numerous anti-government movements, notably during the language movement peak in 1952. Despite orders, students organized public rallies and political movements, continuing well intoAyub Khan's military rule.[6]: 175–176 Abdus Salam, a journalist, played a significant role in the language movement of Dhaka and ultimately sacrificed his life for the cause.[8]: 49–51
After the1954 legislative elections, Feni underwent a flurry of socio-economic advancements, including the straightening of Silonia and Muhuri rivers (which also saw construction of a dam), digging of Kalidas-Pahalia canal, and development of key infrastructure like bridges and roads. Efforts were made to establish industries such as textile mills, and the town of Feni was incorporated, with initiatives to provide supply of electricity.[6]: 179–180
Following his release from imprisonment onsedition charges,Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was permitted to host a rally in Feni duringYahya Khan's rule, marking it as the first area he visited after Dhaka. After hisinfluential speech on 7 March 1971, urging people to take up arms for independence, the people of Feni displayed great enthusiasm by forming aRastrabhasha Sangram Parishad resistance committee (lit. 'struggle council'), contributing to the preparation for the impending conflict.[6]: 182–183
During the independence war, Feni was amain supply route for the Pakistani occupation forces, serving as a vital line of communication for transporting troops, arms, and ammunition from the port city of Chittagong to the capital city Dhaka and other parts of the country.[10] In the early stages,Khwaja Ahmed, head of the resistance committee, organised a diverse force ofMukti Bahini (lit. 'liberation force') comprising local police,East Pakistan Rifles (now Border Guard Bangladesh) andAnsar members, ex-military personnel, students, and local youth. Notable individuals such asJoynal Hazari, Noor Ahmed Hazari,Joynal Abedin, Jafar Ullah Khan, Mostafa Hossain, and Flight Lt. Abdur Rouf were instrumental in this effort. They established control of Feni town and fortified Shuvapur Bridge to defend against approaching forces from the south. Subsequently, additional support arrived from Chittagong, reinforcing their defensive positions. Intense confrontations ensued around Shuvapur and Gopal Union as Pakistani forces attempted to cross the Feni River, resulting in significant casualties on their side. The control of the Feni River was crucial due to the strategic importance of Shuvapur road bridge and Dhumghat rail bridge as vital transportation links for the district.[6]: 184
Throughout the first phase of the war, Feni remained unoccupied by enemy forces until 22 April. However, desperate to establish communication between Dhaka and Chittagong, the invading forces launched a land attack from the north in Cumilla, eventually gaining control over Feni. After the fall of Feni town, pro-independence fighters retreated eastward to Chhagalnaiya, where they inflicted significant casualties on the invaders and seized arms, despite later facing air attacks. With enemy forces concentrated in Feni town, other parts of Feni, including Sonagazi, were relatively free from occupation, allowing fighters to regain control of strategic routes and achieve victories.[6]: 185
In July and August, local collaborators known asRazakars emerged, committing atrocities such as killings and arson. Feni's proximity to Tripura in India enabled fighters to receive military training and employguerrilla tactics against the invading forces and their collaborators in the second phase of the war.[6]: 185 During the war, notable figures such asSultan Mahmud, a former officer of thePakistan Air Force,Salahuddin Mumtaz,Amin Ahmed Chowdhury, andJafar Imam emerged, contributing significantly to various aspects of the war and Feni's development.[6]: 186–188
FollowingPakistan's invasion of western India on 3 December, India officially recognised Bangladesh, energising the Mukti Bahini, which launched extensive attacks by land, air, and sea on Pakistani positions. Overwhelmed by these assaults, the invading forces retreated towards Cumilla during the night of 6 December, taking with them the non-Bengali governor of the Feni mahakuma. At dawn the next day, the flag of an independent Bangladesh was raised, eliciting cheers from thousands of people across the Feni region. Eventually, on 16 December, the Pakistani forces formally surrendered in Dhaka, marking Bangladesh's attainment of sovereignty and independence.[6]: 188–189
In the late 1950s, discussions began about making Feni mahakuma a separate district. Despite various attempts over the years, including proposals during Sheikh Mujib's tenure and administrative reforms underErshad's government, no progress was made. However, after persistent local protests, Feni was finally established as the 61st district of Bangladesh[1] on 1 March 1984, encompassing 395 square miles (1,020 km2) of land.[11][6]: 190
In July 2024, theanti-quota student movement that originated in Dhaka spread to multiple districts across Bangladesh, including Feni. The movement, widely known as theJuly Revolution, was triggered by longstanding grievances over public service recruitment policies favouring certain quotas, particularly those reserved for descendants of freedom fighters.[12]
On 17 July 2024, clashes broke out in Feni Sadar between student protesters and members of theBangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the rulingAwami League. The violence occurred near Doel Chattar and the Shaheed Minar, where BCL activists reportedly blocked and attacked protesters attempting to join demonstrations. At least 20 individuals were injured in the confrontation, including several bystanders.[13]
Following the resignation and departure of Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, widespread unrest erupted in Feni. Mobs attacked three police stations—Feni Model, Daganbhuiyan, and Chhagalnaiya—setting fire to records, vandalising facilities, and looting weapons. The homes of prominent Awami League members, as well as several businesses and cattle farms, were also ransacked.[14] In total, the Feni District Administration officially recognised 10 individuals as martyrs of the July–August uprising. A government-funded memorial, named the July Square, was inaugurated in March 2025 to honour them.[15]
Between 8 and 17 July, heavy monsoon rains—combined with water surges from upstream India—caused devastating floods across Feni District, affecting five upazilas: Feni Sadar, Chhagalnaiya, Daganbhuiyan, Fulgazi, and Parshuram. According to theDepartment of Agricultural Extension, approximately 5,564.61 hectares (55.6461 km2) of cropland were damaged, resulting in losses of around৳146.43 crore (US$12 million).[16]
The National Disaster Response Coordination Centre reported that 6,950 families (approximately 29,700 people) remained waterlogged and more than 1,000 homes were partly or completely destroyed. Embankments were breached at 36 points, triggering widespread submergence across the district.[17]
The district's fisheries and livestock sectors sustained significant damage. TheDepartment of Fisheries estimated losses of৳8.12 crore (US$670,000), while the Livestock Office reported damages totaling৳64.88 lakh (US$53,000), including losses of poultry, cattle, and fodder.[16]
Relief efforts include distribution of৳23.5 lakh (US$19,000) in cash, 160 tonnes of rice, and deployment of theBangladesh Army with boats and life jackets for evacuations and shelter management.[17][18]
Local officials and residents have urged construction of sustainable embankments (totalling 122 km) and ongoing riverdredging to reduce future flood risks.[19]
Feni is one of the smallest districts of Bangladesh,[6]: 9 covering a total area of 928.34 square kilometres (358.43 sq mi).[2] Situated along the strategic Dhaka–Chittagong transportation corridor at Bangladesh's south-eastern border, it serves as the sole entry point linking the country's primary port city ofChittagong to the northern districts, making it a crucial transit point for goods and people moving between the major economic hubs.[20][10][21][9] The district is surrounded byNangalkot andChauddagram upazilas ofComilla District, as well asTripura state of India to the north. To the west and south-west lieSenbagh andCompaniganj upazilas ofNoakhali District, while Tripura borders it to the east and north-east.Mirsharai Upazila of Chittagong District lies to the south-east, and theestuary of theFeni River at theBay of Bengal marks the southern border.[22] The finger-like strip of land that juts out into Tripura in the north is called the Belonia Bulge, bordered by India on three sides.[10]
Feni is characterised by its flat terrain, previously featuring hills, mounds, forests, and jungles primarily in the eastern part ofChhagalnaiya andParshuram upazilas. In the past, the region around Kalidah featured a large wetland, but with the construction of the Kalidas-Pahalia canal in the 1950s, this wetland has been transformed into cultivable land.[6]: 9
Feni is traversed by several main rivers including theFeni River, Little Feni River,Muhuri River, Silonia River, and Kahua River, originating from hilly regions further north in India and flowing southwards into the Bay of Bengal.[23][6]: 9 [8]: 35
The Silonia River, situated in Parshuram Upazila, originates from the hilly regions of the Indian state of Tripura. It eventually merges into the Muhuri River located in Chhagalnaiya Upazila. Along its course, the river traverses through Feni Sadar, Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya Upazilas. One branch of the Muhuri River goes further east and then reunites. Locally, this branch is known as the Kahua.[8]: 36
TheDakatia River's branch which enters through Sindurpur of Daganbhuiyan Upazila is referred to as the Little Feni River. This river continues southward and subsequently splits into two, flowing along the western side of Kazirhat and eventually converging into the Bay of Bengal. At the mouth of the Little Feni River, aregulator has been constructed as part of the Kazirhat Sluice Gate irrigation project.[8]: 37
The soil composition in Feni District is primarily defined by the presence ofOld Brahmaputra floodplain series, primarily olivesilty loam and gray soil.[24] Extensive alluvial lands, known locally asচর,chôr, have formed due to the erosion caused by the Feni and Muhuri rivers, resulting in the displacement of numerous settlements.[8]: 34–35 In the northern area of Feni, where small hillocks are situated, the soil is mainly brown and highly acidic.[24]
Approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of Feni town lies a subsurfaceanticline, stretching about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) in length and 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) in width. In 1981,Petrobangla drilled a gas well within this structure, which was subsequently abandoned in 1998.[25]
Feni District has amonsoon climate (Köppen climate classificationAm)[26] characterised by warmth and relative equity throughout the year. Summer typically sets in from the middle of April and extends until the middle of June. During this period, the district experiences a maximummean temperature of 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) and a minimum mean temperature of 12.4 °C (54.3 °F). The level of humidity varies, with a minimum of around 20% in January and reaching close to 100% in July.[24] Additionally, the average annual rainfall in the district is recorded at 3,302 millimetres (130.0 in).[27]
Feni District is highly flood-prone due to its flat, low-lying topography and location alongtransboundary rivers. The Feni, Muhuri, and Silonia rivers, combined with intense monsoon rains, create conditions for both seasonal and flash flooding. Major flood events occurred in 1998, 2004, 2010, 2017, 2024, and 2025.Feni Municipality faces the highest risk, followed bySonagazi Municipality and Nawabpurunion.[28][16]
TheMuhuri Irrigation Project, established in the 1980s, includesembankments and regulators intended to control river flow and mitigate flooding.[29][8]: 37–38 However, poor maintenance, siltation, and structural degradation have reduced the effectiveness of these measures.[30][31] The absence of coordinated water management with upstream India further contributes to the district's vulnerability to flooding.[citation needed]
Feni also suffered significant flooding duringCyclone Komen in 2015 andCyclone Roanu in 2016. These events brought heavy rainfall and tidal surges causing widespread inundation in the southeastern region, including Feni, causing extensive crop and infrastructure damage.[32][33]
In the farmlands of Feni District, a diverse range of crops are cultivated, including local and high-yield variety (HYV) rice, jute, vegetables, spices, pulses, oilseeds, etc. are produced. Although the total forest area in the district, covering 2,179.22 hectares (21.7922 km2)[34] is not organised, the plain land is often covered under homestead forests[j] containing diverse fruit and non-fruit trees.[24]
Common trees in the area includeP. amygdalus (badaam),D. blancoi (gaab/velvet apple),E. jambolana (jaam),B. flabellifer (palm),T. indica (tamarind or tetul),A. heterophyllus (jackfruit),A. marmelos (wood apple or bael),D. indica (chalta),Z. mauritiana (boroi), andP. guajava (guava). Additionally, bananas,L. chinensis (lychee),A. carambola (kaamranga),A. squamosa (custard apple),T. chebula (haritaki), andP. emblica (amloki) grow abundantly in the area.
The district is home to indigenous timber trees likeA. procera (karoi) andDipterocarpus (garjan), alongside introduced species such asS. macrophylla (mahogany). Common trees likeE. indica (mandar) are used for fuel and fencing, whileB. ceiba (shimul) andN. cadamba (kadam) find use in matchstick and mattress production, respectively. New introductions includeE. globulus (eucalyptus) andPinus (pine).M. indica (mango wood) is abundant but low quality, whileT. indica (tamarind) andZ. mauritiana (kul) wood is of good quality.C. fistula (amaltas) is used for furniture, andL. speciosa (jarul) for boat building and house pillars.
A. catechu (betel nut) plantations are increasing in the north and west of the district, whileC. nucifera (coconut) trees are abundant district-wide.B. flabelliformis (taal) andP. dactylifera (date palms or khejur) are also common, with the latter being particularly valuable for its juice, which is used to makejaggery, and its leaves, which are used for large fans. Betel nut and coconut are significant sources of household income.
Shady trees in the area includeF. indica (banyan),F. religiosa (peepal), andA. indica (neem). Although plantations of cane, bamboo, and thatching grass are gradually decreasing, they are still widely used for various purposes such as fencing, basket making, and thatching. Cane is utilised for making baskets, binding, and thatching. Marshes containA. aspera (sola) andS. dichotomus (sitalpati), extensively used for making mats and baskets.[24]
Feni district boasts a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, spiders, millipedes, and numerous insects. Common mammals in Feni include domestic species likeB. taurus (domestic cow),C. hircus (goat),E. caballus (horse),S. murinus (chika),F. pennantii (dura kathbirali),H. auropunctatus (benji), several species of rats, andC. aureus (fox). Feni is home to a wide variety of bird species commonly found throughout Bangladesh.
The district boasts numerous species of freshwater fish, includingL. rohita (ruhi),C. mrigala (mrigel),Catla,Macrones (tengra),C. magur (catfish),H. fossilis (singi),A. testudineus (koi), and marine fish, likeC. striatus (shoal),W. attu (boal),C. marulius (gazar),Ompok (pabda), prawns, dry fish, and crabs. Small fishes includeP. titteya (punti),M. armatus (baain),C. cachius (chela). Exotic fishes that are commonly used in commercial fish farming includeC. idellus (grass carp),H. molitrix (silver carp),T. mossambica (tilapia), andO. niloticus (nilotica).
Several types of reptiles and amphibians are found in the district, including snakes, lizards,T. hurum (tortoises), different species ofiguana,N. naja (cobra),B. melanostictus (toad),R. maculatus (tree frogs).[24]
The administrative structure of Feni District is organized into several tiers, with theZila Parishad (district council) at the top level. The district is further divided into severalupazilas, each serving as a rural administrative unit governed by theUpazila Parishad (sub-district council). Within each upazila, unions form the lowest rural administrative units, comprisingmauzas andvillages, and are overseen by theUnion Parishad (union council). At the urban level, cities are designated aspaurashavas or municipalities. These administrative bodies, both rural and urban, are responsible for a wide range of functions and duties concerning civic affairs, community welfare, and local development initiatives within the district.[36][37][27]
Feni District comprises six upazilas (sub-districts), five municipalities, 43 union councils, 543 mauzas, and 577 villages.[2] Among the six upazilas,Feni Sadar Upazila has the highest population, whileParshuram Upazila has the lowest.[3] In terms of total area,Sonagazi Upazila is the largest, whileParshuram Upazila covers the smallest area.[27]
| Name of upazila | Area (in sq. k.m.) | Municipality | No. of union councils | Population (2022)[3] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feni Sadar Upazila | 226.19 | Feni | 12 | 634,321 |
| Daganbhuiyan Upazila | 141.70 | Daganbhuiyan | 8 | 276,915 |
| Chhagalnaiya Upazila | 139.59 | Chhagalnaiya | 5 | 208,232 |
| Sonagazi Upazila | 284.89 | Sonagazi | 9 | 290,667 |
| Parshuram Upazila | 95.76 | Parshuram | 3 | 113,317 |
| Fulgazi Upazila | 102.19 | - | 6 | 125,444 |
At the district level, Feni District is governed by an appointed executive authority known as theDeputy Commissioner, who serves as the chief administrative and revenue officer.[38] The Deputy Commissioner's responsibilities encompass overseeing all activities within the district. The governance of the district is overseen by theZila Parishad, or District Council, which comprises elected members, officials, and women representatives. The council, which includes a chairman and vice-chairman elected from among its members, also featuresex officio official members such as the Deputy Commissioner and the chief executive officer. Empowered by the Local Government Act of 1988 and Zila Parishad Act of 2000, the Zila Parishad is entitled to government grants and possesses the authority to levy taxes, rates, tolls, and fees on specified items.[38][39] It also bears the responsibility of carrying out development activities by formulating annual and five-year plans in consultation with other local government institutions and individuals, considering their own financial capabilities.[40] The district headquarters are located in the city ofFeni.[24]
Since November 2024, Saiful Islam has been serving as the appointed Deputy Commissioner of Feni District,[41] superseding Mushammat Shahina Akhtar following protests demanding her removal.[42][43] Khairul Bashar Majumdar Tapon was elected as the Chairman of the Zila Parishad in 2020,[44] while Nahida Akter Tania assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer in 2024.[45]
Feni District is represented by three constituencies in theJatiya Sangsad.Feni-1 constituency coversParshuram,Chhagalnaiya, andFulgazi upazilas, whileFeni-2 encompassesFeni Sadar Upazila andFeni-3 includesSonagazi andDaganbhuiyan upazilas.[46]
The constituent positions have been vacant since the dissolution of the national parliament on 6 August 2024.[47]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 318,837 | — |
| 1911 | 340,563 | +0.66% |
| 1921 | 377,065 | +1.02% |
| 1931 | 431,450 | +1.36% |
| 1941 | 502,674 | +1.54% |
| 1951 | 540,257 | +0.72% |
| 1961 | 590,341 | +0.89% |
| 1974 | 760,015 | +1.96% |
| 1981 | 898,851 | +2.43% |
| 1991 | 1,096,745 | +2.01% |
| 2001 | 1,240,384 | +1.24% |
| 2011 | 1,437,371 | +1.48% |
| 2022 | 1,648,896 | +1.26% |
| Sources:[48][49][50][51][3][27] Notes: Census data 1981 & earlier includes Feni sub-division of Noakhali District | ||
At the2022 Census of Bangladesh, Feni District had a population of 1,648,896, ranking it as the 42nd most populous district out of the 64 districts in Bangladesh. Approximately 29.67% of its population resided in urban areas. The average annualpopulation growth rate stood at 1.22%, equal to the national average. Children under 10 years old accounted for 20.09% (331,332) of the population. The district had apopulation density of 1,665 people per square kilometre. Feni Sadar had the highest population density, followed by Daganbhuiyan.
The census data stated that the district comprised 377,164 households, with an average household size of 4.3 people, higher than the national norm.
Thesex ratio in Feni District was 89.87 males per 100 females, lower than the national average of 98.07.
Theliteracy rate among individuals aged 7 and over was 80.79%, surpassing the national average of 74.8%. However, males had a higher literacy rate than females.[3][2]
| Religion | Percent | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslims | 94.41% | |||
| Hindus | 5.53% | |||
| Other or not stated | 0.06% | |||
| 1941[50]: 102–103 [k] | 1981[52] | 1991[52] | 2001[52] | 2011[52] | 2022[3] | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % | Pop. | % |
Islam | 384,593 | 76.51% | 827,486 | 92.06% | 1,017,741 | 92.80% | 1,159,374 | 93.47% | 1,352,866 | 94.12% | 1,556,695 | 94.41% |
Hinduism | 117,958 | 23.47% | 70,891 | 7.89% | 78,373 | 7.15% | 80,543 | 6.49% | 83,773 | 5.83% | 91,160 | 5.53% |
| Others[l] | 123 | 0.02% | 474 | 0.05% | 631 | 0.05% | 467 | 0.04% | 732 | 0.05% | 1,041 | 0.06% |
| Total Population | 502,674 | 100% | 898,851 | 100% | 1,096,745 | 100% | 1,240,384 | 100% | 1,437,371 | 100% | 1,648,896 | 100% |
The majority of the population in this district adheres toIslam, with a minorityHindu population.Muslims constitute 94.41% of the population, whileHindus make up around 5.53%. There is a small population of around 700 Buddhists living in Feni Sadar and Sonagazi upazilas.[3][2]
The regional language of Feni exhibits notable similarities with the regional languages spoken inChauddagram andLaksam upazilas of theComilla region, as well as inMirsharai andBaraiyarhat regions of Chittagong District. Additionally, the language spoken in theNoakhali andLakshmipur areas shares many commonalities with the regional language of Feni. One distinctive feature of the Feni dialect is its accessibility to people from various regions of Bangladesh, who can readily understand and adopt its linguistic nuances.[53]
The main occupation of the people of the district are agriculture andforeign remittance. The main source of incomes are: agriculture 21%, non-agricultural labourer 2.57%, industry 35%, commerce 15.98%, transport and communication 4.66%, construction 1.86%, religious service 0.43%, rent and remittance 11.53% and others 12.19%. There are two industrial areas in this district. Total number of heavy industries are 4, medium industries are 17, small industries are 826 and cottage industries are 3419. There is a gas field in Dhalia union of Feni sadar area. Total area of agriculture land is 75,922hectares and arable land is 74,720 hectares.[34][1]
As of 2011, Feni District had 11degree colleges, 10higher secondary colleges, one girls'cadet college, onepolytechnic institute (Feni Polytechnic Institute), one computer institute (Feni Computer Institute), 155secondary schools, 19lower secondary schools, 528primary schools, 99madrasas, six technical andvocational institutions.[8]: 40 [54] In 2012, a university was established to address the higher educational requirements of students in the region.[55]
The year 1886 marked a significant milestone in the establishment of modern educational institutions in Feni.Nabinchandra Sen, serving as the Sub-divisional Officer of Feni at the time, founded the inaugural primary school of the sub-division, known today asFeni Pilot School, through community fundraising efforts. Feni's first English high school was established shortly thereafter. Later, in 1910, the first girls' school in Feni was inaugurated. Outside the city of Feni, the oldest noteworthy high schools are Mangalkandi, Chhagalnaiya Pilot,[56] and Amirabad, established before 1920.[8]: 38 Additionally,Atatürk Model High School in Daganbhuiyan Upazila was established in 1939.[57]
Founded in 1922,Feni College stands as a traditional institution dedicated to the advancement of higher education. Before its inception, students from affluent backgrounds typically had to travel toDhaka orKolkata for further studies. However, the establishment of Feni College provided a local avenue for higher education, enabling students from diverse economic backgrounds to pursue advanced studies. This accessibility contributed to the rapid expansion of the college, marking a significant milestone in the educational landscape of the area. Besides the historical Feni College, colleges that are also available for higher education in Feni include Govt Zia Women's College (established as Feni Women's College),[58] Chhagalnaiya College, Parshuram College, Fulgazi College, Haji Monir Ahmed College, Sonagazi College, Daganbhuiyan Iqbal Memorial College, Sheikh Shahidul Islam College.[8]: 39–40 In 2006, Prime MinisterKhaleda Zia inauguratedFeni Girls' Cadet College, one of the threecadet colleges for girls in Bangladesh.[59][60][61] The privately ownedFeni University, established in 2012 and beginning its academic activities in 2013, is the only university in the district.[55]
There are one modern government general hospital, 5 upazila health complexes, one heart foundation hospital, one diabetic hospital, one chest disease clinic (tuberculosis), onetrauma center, one mother and child care center, one nursing training institute, 19 union health centers, 33 union family care centers and 114 community clinics.[34]
There was a private medical college named Feni Medical College from 1997 to 2004.[62]
The district is situated adjacent to theDhaka–Chittagong Highway, facilitating convenient access from any district of Bangladesh via Chittagong and Dhaka.[63] The Feni–Noakhali Highway serves as a vital link between Feni and Noakhali districts, with a total length of 49.56 kilometres (30.80 mi).[64]
The district boasts a total length of 1,044.85 kilometres (649.24 mi) of paved roads, complemented by 87.96 kilometres (54.66 mi) of semi-paved roads and 2,132.96 kilometres (1,325.36 mi) of dirt roads.[34]
Private bus operators offer a variety of services in Feni District. Star Line Special, providing both AC and non-AC buses, connects Dhaka with Feni, Chhagalnaiya, Parshuram, and Sonagazi. Additionally, S. Alam, Soudia, Keya Paribahan, and Shyamoli are prominent operators serving the area. Star Line Special extends its services from Chittagong to Feni and Parshuram as well. Feni District enjoys bus connections to over 30 districts across Bangladesh and provides access toKolkata viaBenapole.[63]
Feni District is well-connected by rail, with trains serving destinations such as Chittagong,Chandpur, and Sylhet, besides Dhaka, all from the mainFeni railway station. Among the trains operating in the region are:
Mahanagar,Paharika,Meghna,Udayan,Turna,Chattogram Mail,Karnaphuli,Jalalabad,Sagarika, andMymensingh Express.[63]
A branch line connecting the Tripura border town ofBelonia with Feni city has been defunct since 17 August 1997, due to financial losses from improved road connectivity. Constructed in 1929 by theAssam Bengal Railway company, the 27 km (17 mi) line includes nine stations: Bondhua, Daulatpur, Anandapur, Pirbox, Munshir Haat, Notun Munshir Haat, Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Belonia.[65] In 2019, an agreement between Bangladesh and India was signed to revive the line primarily for freight traffic, allowing India access toChittagong port via Feni.[66][67]
Other railway stations on the main line inFeni Sadar include Fazilpur, Kalidah, and Sharishadi, while Muhuriganj railway station is located inChhagalnaiya. All of these stations, except Fazilpur, are closed as of 2015[update].[68][69]
In 2023, Bird's Eye Feni Helicopter and Air Service initiated a charter helicopter service, providing private helicopter rides throughout the country, including destinations like Dhaka, Chittagong, and Cox's Bazar. The service is designed to cater to diverse needs such as emergency patient transport, corporate travel, and media coverage.[70]
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