Feni District

Feni ফেনী
District of Bangladesh
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
Expandable map of Feni District
Coordinates: 23°00′N 91°24′E / 23.000°N 91.400°E / 23.000; 91.400
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Chittagong Division
Established as a sub-division	1876
Upgraded to a district	1 March 1984 (as the 61st district)[1]
Named for	Feni River
Headquarters	Feni, Bangladesh
Upazilas	List of upazilas Feni Sadar Upazila Chhagalnaiya Upazila Parshuram Upazila Fulgazi Upazila Daganbhuiyan Upazila Sonagazi Upazila
Government
• Type	Commissioner–council government
• Deputy Commissioner	Mushammat Shahina Akhtar
Area [2]
• Feni District	990.36 km2 (382.38 sq mi)
• Urban	92.87 km2 (35.86 sq mi)
• Feni Municipality	22 km2 (8 sq mi)
Population  (2022)[3]
• Feni District	1,648,896
• Density	1,665/km2 (4,310/sq mi)
• Urban	489,230
• Rural	1,159,666
• Feni Municipality	234,350
Demographics
• Literacy	80.8%
• Sex Ratio	898.7 males per 1000 females
Time zone	UTC+06:00 (BST)
Postal codes[4]	3901–3903 (Feni Sadar), 3910–3913 (Chhagalnaiya), 3920–3923 (Daganbhuiyan), 3930–3933 (Sonagazi), 3940–3943 (Parshuram)
Area code	0331
HDI (2021)[5]	0.656 medium · 11th of 21
Notable sport teams	NoFeL SC Feni SC (defunct)
Website	www.feni.gov.bd

Feni is a district situated in the southeast of Bangladesh, within Chittagong Division. Historically, it was part of the larger regions of Noakhali, Comilla, Chittagong, and Tripura, and separated from Pakistan's control on 6 December 1971. As of 2022, the estimated population of the district was about 1,648,896, with the density of 1,665 people per km².

Feni, established as the 61st district^[1] of Bangladesh in 1984, with its administrative hub in Feni Municipality, was previously a sub-division under Noakhali District. The district consists of six upazilas (sub-districts): Sonagazi, Fulgazi, Parshuram, Daganbhuiyan, Chhagalnaiya and Feni Sadar.

Etymology

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 word phoni (Bengali: ফনী).^[6]: 11

The evolution of the word "Feni" or pheni is evident in historical texts spanning several centuries. Writers and poets in the 15th and 16th centuries wrote about the area, referring to the word phoni as both a river stream and a ghat for ferry crossing.^[a] The emergence of the word pheni appears to be evident in the language of Muslim poets and writers,^[b] such as the 17th-century Persian book Baharistan-i-Ghaibi, where the reference to the two pheni rivers^[c] indicates the transformation of the word phoni into pheni or Feni.^{[7][6]: 11–12}

History

Early history

The Feni District, despite being a relatively recent addition to the administrative landscape of the country, possesses a rich and ancient history. 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 of Billasagar or Sukh Sagar, showcasing the region's deep-rooted past.^[6]: 23 Scholars trace the arrival of Aryans to the Ganges Delta near Feni, marking a significant epoch in its history.^{[6]: 23 [d]} Prehistorical discoveries in Feni dating back to the kingdom of Gangaridai 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 the Samatata region.^{[6]: 33–34} Archaeological findings suggest the presence of the Chandra dynasty, which ruled over Samatata.^[6]: 42 Additionally, evidence indicates the possible rule of the Pala Empire in Feni, notably under King 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 Bijoysinha lake (বিজয় সিংহ দীঘি, bijoy singhho dighi) in Mahipal reflects the era of Vijaya Sena's rule, belonging to the Sena dynasty.^[6]: 46

Arrival of Islam and Muslim rule

During the medieval era, the arrival of Sufis from Arabia and Central Asia profoundly influenced Bengal's coastal regions. Promoting values of tolerance and love, they amalgamated Islamic teachings with local customs, shaping a distinctive cultural identity.^{[8]: 27–28}

After the establishment of the independent Sultanate of Sonargaon, Fakhruddin Mubarak Shah 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. 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, and Sylhet, capitalizing on the opportunity presented by Raja Ganesha's seizure of power in Bengal.^[6]: 60

In historical accounts, it is suggested that Rastikhan, who served under Ruknuddin Barbak Shah, governed areas extending from Feni to the northern regions of Chittagong. Additionally, during the medieval period, the Kingdom 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 named Nizam Shah established a kingdom called Jafarabad along the banks of the Feni River.^[6]: 71 During the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, territorial disputes arose between the Kingdoms of Tripura and Arakan, 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}

Mughal era and rule of the Nawabs

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 thiriving city called Amirgaon in southern Feni, but it was eventually swallowed by the Feni River.^[6]: 91

After the death of Aurangzeb's, the Mughal Empire began to fragment, leading to the rise of Nawabs in Bengal in the early 18th century. Nawab Murshid Quli Khan, seeking to boost tax revenue, divided Feni's largest pargana (administrative unit). Under his rule, the East 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}

Influence of the East India Company

Long before the Battle 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 a severe 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 the Permanent 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, the Manikya 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

Establishment of mahakuma

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 called mahakumas. 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. 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 the Assam 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}

History leading up to the partition

The districts of Feni and Noakhali played a pioneering role in the Swadeshi (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 in Lahore 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 the Pakistan Movement and the Indian independence struggle, Feni gained prominence as a significant military hub in South Asia throughout World War II. Its strategic position led to the creation of an Allied forward base and the construction of a large airstrip, which now forms part of the premises of Feni 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}

Post-partition of Bengal

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 and West 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 worth crores.^[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 of jiratiya, where individuals became citizens of both nations due to the border cutting through their homes.^[6]: 174

Pakistani rule and the language movement

The Muslim 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 the language movement of Bangladesh. Following Muhammad 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 into Ayub 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 the 1954 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 on sedition charges, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was permitted to host a rally in Feni during Yahya Khan's rule, marking it as the first area he visited after Dhaka. After his influential speech on 7 March 1971, urging people to take up arms for independence, the people of Feni displayed great enthusiasm by forming a Rastrabhasha Sangram Parishad resistance committee (lit. 'struggle council'), contributing to the preparation for the impending conflict.^{[6]: 182–183}

The war of liberation

During the early stages of the liberation war, Khwaja Ahmed, head of the resistance committee, organised a diverse force of Mukti Bahini comprising local police, Bangladesh Rifles and Ansar members, ex-military personnel, students, and local youth. Notable individuals such as Joynal 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

During the first phase of the war, Feni remained unoccupied by enemy forces until April 22. 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, freedom 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 freedom fighters to regain control of strategic routes and achieve victories.^[6]: 185

In July–August, local collaborators known as razakars emerged, committing atrocities such as killings and arson. Feni's proximity to Tripura in India enabled freedom fighters to receive military training and employ guerrilla tactics against the invading forces and their collaborators in the second phase of the war.^[6]: 185 During the war, notable figures such as Sultan Mahmud, a former officer of the Pakistan Air Force, Salahuddin Mumtaz, Amin Ahmed Chowdhury, and Jafar Imam emerged, contributing significantly to various aspects of the war and Feni's development.^{[6]: 186–188}

Following Pakistan'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}

Establishment of the district and post-independence

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 under Ershad'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.^{[10][6]: 190}

Geography

Feni covers a total area of 990.36 square kilometres (382.38 sq mi).^[2][1] It is bounded by Nangkalkot Upazila of Comilla District to the north, Senbagh Upazila of Noakhali District to the west, Companiganj Upazila of Noakhali District to the south-west, Tripura state of India to the north-east, Mirsharai Upazila of Chittagong District to the south-east and the estuary of the Bay of Bengal to the south.^[11]

Physical geography

Feni is characterized by its flat terrain, previously featuring hills, mounds, forests, and jungles primarily in the eastern part of Chhagalnaiya and Parshuram upazilas. In the past, the region around Kalidah boasted 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

Rivers

Feni is traversed by several main rivers including the Feni River, Little Feni River, Muhuri River, Silonia River, and Kahua River originating from hilly regions further north and flowing southwards into the Bay of Bengal.^[12][6]: 9

Soil

The soil composition in Feni District is primarily characterized by the presence of old Brahmaputra floodplain series, primarily olive silty loam and gray soil.^[13] These extensive alluvial lands, known locally as চর, 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.^[13]

Geological features

Approximately 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) south of Feni town lies a subsurface anticline, 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.^[14]

Climate

The climate of Feni District is characterized 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 maximum mean temperature of 34.5 °C (94.1 °F) and a minimum mean temperature of 12.4 °C (54.3 °F).^[13] The level of humidity varies, with a minimum of around 20% in January and reaching close to 100% in July. Additionally, the average annual rainfall in the district is recorded at 3,302 millimetres (130.0 in).^[2]

Flora

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)^[15] is not organised, the plain land is often covered under homestead forests^[j] containing diverse fruit and non-fruit trees.^[13]

Common trees in the area include P. 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), and P. guajava (guava). Additionally, bananas, L. chinensis (lychee), A. carambola (kaamranga), A. squamosa (custard apple), T. chebula (haritaki), and P. emblica (amloki) grow abundantly in the area.

The district is home to indigenous timber trees like A. procera (karoi) and Dipterocarpus (garjan), alongside introduced species such as S. macrophylla (mahogany). Common trees like E. indica (mandar) are used for fuel and fencing, while B. ceiba (shimul) and N. cadamba (kadam) find use in matchstick and mattress production, respectively. New introductions include E. globulus (eucalyptus) and Pinus (pine). M. indica (mango wood) is abundant but low quality, while T. indica (tamarind) and Z. mauritiana (kul) wood is of good quality. C. fistula (amaltas) is used for furniture, and L. speciosa (jarul) for boat building and house pillars.

A. catechu (betel nut) plantations are increasing in the north and west of the district, while C. nucifera (coconut) trees are abundant district-wide. B. flabelliformis (taal) and P. dactylifera (date palms or khejur) are also common, with the latter being particularly valuable for its juice, which is used to make jaggery, and its leaves, which are used for large fans. Betel nut and coconut are significant sources of household income.

Shady trees in the area include F. indica (banyan), F. religiosa (peepal), and A. 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 contain A. aspera (sola) and S. dichotomus (sitalpati), extensively used for making mats and baskets.^[13]

Fauna

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 like B. taurus (domestic cow), C. hircus (goat), E. caballus (horse), S. murinus (chika), F. pennantii (dura kathbirali), H. auropunctatus (benji), several species of rats, and C. aureus (Fox). Feni is home to a wide variety of bird species commonly found throughout Bangladesh.

The district boasts numerous species of freshwater fish, including L. rohita (ruhi), C. mrigala (mrigel), Catla, Macrones (tengra), C. magur (catfish), H. fossilis (singi), A. testudineus (koi), and marine fish, like C. striatus (shoal), W. attu (boal), C. marulius (gazar), Ompok (pabda), prawns, dry fish, and crabs. Small fishes include P. titteya (punti), M. armatus (baain), C. cachius (chela). Exotic fishes that are commonly used in commercial fish farming include C. idellus (grass carp), H. molitrix (silver carp), T. mossambica (tilapia), and O. niloticus (Nilotica).

Several types of reptiles and amphibians are found in the district, including snakes, lizards, T. hurum (tortoises), different species of iguana, N. naja (cobra), B. melanostictus (toad), R. maculatus (tree frogs).^[13]

Governance and politics

Administrative divisions

The administrative structure of Feni District is organized into several tiers, with the Zila Parishad (district council) at the top level. The district is further divided into several upazilas, each serving as a rural administrative unit governed by the Upazila Parishad (sub-district council). Within each upazila, unions form the lowest rural administrative units, comprising mauzas and villages, and are overseen by the Union Parishad (union council). At the urban level, cities are designated as paurashavas 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.^[17][18][2]

Feni District comprises six upazilas (sub-districts), five municipalities, 43 union councils, 549 mauzas, and 553 villages.^[13][2] Among the six upazilas, Feni Sadar Upazila has the highest population, while Parshuram Upazila has the lowest.^[3] In terms of total area, Sonagazi Upazila is the largest, while Parshuram Upazila covers the smallest area.^[2]

District administration

At the district level, Feni District is governed by an appointed executive authority known as the Deputy Commissioner, who serves as the chief administrative and revenue officer.^[19] The Deputy Commissioner's responsibilities encompass overseeing all activities within the district. The governance of the district is overseen by the Zila 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 features ex 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.^[19][20] 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.^[21] The district headquarters are located in the city of Feni.^[13]

Since July 2023, Mushammat Shahina Akhtar has been serving as the appointed Deputy Commissioner of Feni District.^[22] Khairul Bashar Majumdar Tapon was elected as the Chairman of the Zila Parishad in 2020,^[23] while Nahida Akter Tania assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer in 2024.^[24]

Constituencies of the national parliament

Feni District is represented by three constituencies in the Jatiya Sangsad. Feni-1 constituency covers Parshuram, Chhagalnaiya, and Fulgazi upazilas, while Feni-2 encompasses Feni Sadar Upazila and Feni-3 includes Sonagazi and Daganbhuiyan upazilas.^[25]

Since the 2024 Bangladeshi general election, the elected members of parliament of the constituencies of Feni District are:^[26]

Demographics

At the 2022 Bangladeshi Census, Feni District had a population of 1,648,896, ranking it as the 42nd most populous district out of the 64 districts in Bangladesh, with 29.67% of its population residing in urban areas. The district had a population density of 1,665 people per square kilometre. The average annual population growth rate stood at 1.22%, equal to the national average. The census data stated that the district comprised 370,079 households, with an average household size of 4.3 people, higher than the national norm. The sex ratio in Feni District was 89.87 males per 100 females, lower than the national average of 98.07. The literacy rate among individuals aged 7 and over was 80.8%, surpassing the national average of 74.8%.^[3]

Religion

Religion in present-day Feni District^[k]

Religion	Population (1941)[29]: 102–103	Percentage (1941)	Population (2022)[3]	Percentage (2022)
Islam	384,593	76.51%	1,556,655	94.41%
Hinduism	117,958	23.47%	91,158	5.53%
Others[l]	123	0.02%	1039	0.06%
Total Population	502,674	100%	1,648,852	100%

The majority of the population in this district adheres to Islam, with a significant minority comprising Hindus, along with Christians, Buddhists, and other religious groups not specified. Muslims constitute approximately 94.41% of the population, while Hindus make up around 5.53%.^[3]

Language

The regional language of Feni exhibits notable similarities with the regional languages spoken in Chauddagram and Laksam upazilas of the Comilla region, as well as in Mirsharai and Baraiyarhat regions of Chittagong District. Additionally, the language spoken in the Noakhali and Lakshmipur 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.^[31]

Economy

The main occupation of the people of the district are agriculture and foreign 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 75,922 hectares and arable land is 74,720 hectare.^[15][1]

Education

There are many of degree college, 10 higher secondary colleges, one girls' cadet college, one polytechnic institute, one computer institute, 155 high schools, 19 junior secondary schools, 97 madrasas, one teachers training college, one primary teacher's training institute and 528 government primary schools. Some of the major educational institutions are listed below.

Colleges

• Feni College
• Alhaz Abdul Haque Chowdhury Degree College
• Feni Girls' Cadet College
• Shaheen Academy School & College
• Hazari College

Diploma institutes

• Feni Polytechnic Institute
• Institute of Computer Science & Technology Feni
• Compact Polytechnic Institute
• Feni Computer Institute

High schools

• Feni Government Pilot High School
• Feni Govt. Girls' High School
• Chhagalnaya Govt. Pilot High School
• Chhagalnaiya Govt. Girls High School
• Dharmapur Educational Estate
• Atatürk Government Model High School
• Baligaon High School
• Motobi Adarsha High School
• Hokdi Ideal Schools
• Adarsha High School, Farhadnagar

Madrasahs

• Aftab bibi Fazil Madrasah

Health

There are one modern government general hospital, 5 upazila health complexes, one heart foundation hospital, one diabetic hospital, one chest disease clinic (tuberculosis), one trauma center, one mother and child care center, one nursing training institute, 19 union health centers, 33 union family care centers and 114 community clinics.^[15]

There was a private medical college named Feni Medical College from 1997 to 2004.^[32]

Transport

Road

The district is situated adjacent to the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway, facilitating convenient access from any district of Bangladesh via Chittagong and Dhaka.^[33] 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).^[34]

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.^[15]

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 to Kolkata via Benapole.^[33]

Rail

Feni District is well-connected by rail, with trains serving destinations such as Chittagong, Chandpur, and Sylhet, besides Dhaka. Among the trains operating in the region are Mahanagar Pravati, Mahanagar Godhuli, Paharika, Meghna, Udayan, Turna Nishitha, Chattogram Mail, Karnaphuli, Jalalabad, Sagarika, and Mymensingh Express.^[33]

Air

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.^[35]

Notable people

• Shamsher Gazi, resistance fighter during British rule in the subcontinent.^[6]: 98
• Khaleda Zia, first female prime minister of Bangladesh
• Abul Kalam Azad Chowdhury, former vice chancellor of the University of Dhaka
• Anwarullah Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka
• Aurangzeb Chowdhury, Chief of Navy
• Habibullah Bahar Chowdhury, first health minister of East Pakistan, one of the founders of Mohammedan Sporting Club (Kolkata)^[36]
• Nabi Chowdhury, Bangladeshi footballer, first East Pakistani or Bengali player to captain the Pakistan national football team.^[37]
• Selim Al Deen, playwright and theater artist^[36]
• Zafar Imam, politician
• Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, politician
• Shahidullah Kaiser, novelist and journalist^[36]
• Shamsunnahar Mahmud, politician and educator
• Selina Parvin, writer and journalist^[36]
• Zahir Raihan, film director and writer^[36]
• Giasuddin Selim, film director
• Mohammad Saifuddin, cricketer
• Abdus Salam, Bengali language movement protester^[36]
• Abdus Salam, former editor of the Pakistan Observer (later the Bangladesh Observer). Ekushey Padak winning journalist
• Shihab Shaheen, film actor and director
• Iqbal Sobhan, journalist
• Saber H Chowdhury, politician and former chairman of BCB
• Joynal Hazari,politician
• Abdul Awal, politician
• Khawaja Ahmed, member of the 1st Bangladeshi parliament

See also

• Khondoler misti

Notes

References

Further reading

• Ahmed, Jamir (March 1990). Phenīra itihāsa ফেনীর ইতিহাস [History of Feni] (in Bengali). Chittagong: Samatata Publication. LCCN 91901208. OCLC 25204071. Extensive history of Feni.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Feni District.

• Feni District Administration