Country | Bangladesh |
Population | 7000000 |
Area | 168.07 km2 (64.89 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+6 (BST) |
Coordinates | 22.3384, 91.83168 |
Highest elevation | 29 m (95 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Chattogram, formerly known as Chittagong, is the second-largest city in Bangladesh and a significant hub for the country’s economy. Situated on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is flanked by the Chittagong Hill Tracts and the Bay of Bengal. The Greater Chattogram Area had a population of over 5.2 million in 2022, with the city itself home to more than 3.9 million people as of 2020.
Chattogram’s history is extensive, with its origins tracing back to ancient times. The city appeared on ancient Greek and Roman maps, including Ptolemy’s world map, highlighting its historical significance as one of the world’s oldest ports. During the 9th century, merchants from the Abbasid Caliphate established a trading post in Chattogram, which later fell to the Muslim conquest of Bengal in the 14th century. Over the centuries, the port city has been under the control of the Delhi Sultanate, the Bengal Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the British East India Company.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese established a trading post in Chattogram, and by the 17th century, it was one of the most famous and wealthy cities in the Kingdom of Bengal. The British East India Company reorganized the port in 1887, marking the beginning of its modern development. During World War II, Chattogram served as a crucial base for Allied forces in the Burma Campaign. The city’s industrial and commercial growth accelerated significantly after the Partition of British India in 1947 and the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
Geographically, Chattogram is located at the southeastern part of Bangladesh, providing a strategic advantage with its natural harbor and access to the Bay of Bengal. This geographical positioning makes the Port of Chattogram the busiest port in Bangladesh and a critical node for international trade in the region. The port handles approximately 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade, making it one of the busiest in South Asia.
Chattogram’s economy is robust, accounting for 12% of Bangladesh’s GDP. The city contributes to 40% of the country’s industrial output and 50% of its tax revenue. Key industries include shipbuilding, steel manufacturing, and the production of textiles, chemicals, and cement. The Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) are pivotal industrial areas that attract significant foreign direct investment. The city is also home to the Chattogram Stock Exchange, which is one of the two main stock exchanges in Bangladesh, featuring over 700 listed companies.
The city’s infrastructure supports its economic activities, with Shah Amanat International Airport providing both domestic and international flights. The city is well-connected by road and rail, with the eastern zone of the Bangladesh Railway headquartered here. The recent addition of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, South Asia’s first underwater road tunnel, underscores Chattogram’s strategic importance.
Chattogram is not just an economic powerhouse; it is also a cultural melting pot. The city has a high degree of religious and ethnic diversity, with significant populations of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and various indigenous groups, including the Chakma, Marma, Tripuri, and Garo communities. This diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant cultural scene, which includes traditional music, dance, and festivals.
Educationally, Chattogram is home to several prestigious institutions, including the University of Chittagong, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), and the Chittagong Medical College. These institutions contribute to the city’s skilled workforce and research output.
The city’s scenic beauty, characterized by its hilly terrain and coastal landscape, attracts tourists to sites such as Patenga Beach, Foy’s Lake, and the Ethnological Museum of Chittagong. The rich history, economic significance, and cultural diversity make Chattogram a fascinating and vital city in Bangladesh’s landscape.
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