St. Martin's Island '(Bengali: সেন্টমার্টিন দ্বীপ) is a small island in the northeast of the bay of bengal, about 9 km south of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsular tip and forming the southernmost part of Bangladesh. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar at the mouth of the river naf.
The island is 7.315 km long and is aligned NNW and SSE. Geographically, it is divided into three parts. The northern part is called Narikel Jinjira or Uttarpara and is 2,134m long and 1,402m wide. The southern part is known as Dakshinpara, which is 1,929m long, with a narrow tail of 1,890m towards the southeast, and a maximum width of 975m. A narrow central belt or Maddhyapara connects the two parts. The length and the width of this belt are about 1,524m and 518m respectively and the narrowest collar is known as Golachipa. In addition to the main island there are a number of tiny islets ranging from 100 to 500 sq m which are locally known as Chheradia or Siradia which means separated island.
There is a shallow lagoon in the middle of Uttarpara and it is connected to the sea during high tide by a narrow channel on the western coast. The topsoil of Uttarpara consists of alluvial sands mixed with shells of molluscs. There are two small dead lagoons and a stretch of marshy land in Dakshinpara. Fish landing sites, bazars and schools are present only in Uttarpara.
Launches and country boats ply between the island and teknaf regularly. The population is about 3,700 and most of them are fishermen belonging to 535 families. One hundred eighty-two species of wildlife are recorded from the island. Of these, 4 species are amphibians, 28 reptiles, 130 birds and 20 mammals. tourism to the northern part of the island exists during four months (November to February). The most densely populated part is Jinjira. There is scarcity of sweet water on the island. Only a few ponds and a number of tubewells supply sweet water for drinking as well as for cultivation. Though the island falls in the monsoon zone, the climate is much influenced by the sea. The main vegetation is coconut, betel nut and bamboo. Coconut trees are abundant and more concentrated in the Jinjira area. The soil of the island is not so fertile. The main agricultural products are onion, watermelon and some rice.
The geological structure of the island is simple and is represented by an anticlinal uplift. A little of the axis of the anticline is traceable along the west coast of Dakshinpara. The exposed portion of the axis runs NNW to SSE, approximately parallel to the island. There is a fault along the northwestern shoreline with a trend nearly parallel to the axis. St Martin's limestone is composed of molluscan coquina horizons (shelly limestone) and coral clusters (coralline limestones). Being very porous and permeable, the shelly limestone provides an excellent aquifer wherever they occur beneath the alluvium. Recent marine sands and the shelly limestone are the chief source of fresh water.
Several living small coral colonies are found in small sheltered pools very near the low tide level around the island. They also occur in the surrounding shallow sea, mostly growing on the beach rocks and calcareous sandstone concretions. The dead coral colonies also occur in pool-like depressions within the high and low tide levels. Some of them are located at an elevation of nearly 3.50m above the low tide level. The oldest fossil coral belongs to Late Pleistocene, giving an age of 33,238 years (C14 dating). The clearest indication of the Holocene upliftment of the island is the appearance of an emerged 3.0m coquina limestone cliff on the coast of Dakshinpara ranging in age from 450 years at the base to 292 years at the top (C14 dating). The mean uplifting rate of the island, calculated from the above data, is 19.0 mm/year. The location of the cliff is 1.5m above the present high tide level and on the eastern upthrown faulted block.

Sixty Dome Mosque in Mosque city of Bagerhat was built in the 15th century and is the largest historical mosque in Bangladesh, as well as a World Heritage site.
Shamsuddin Iliyas Shah founded an independent dynasty that lasted from 1342-1487. The dynasty successfully repulsed attempts by Delhi to conquer them. They continued to reel in the territory of modern-day Bengal, reaching to Khulna in the south and Sylhet in the east. The sultans advanced civic institutions and became more responsive and "native" in their outlook and cut loose from Delhi. Considerable architectural projects were completed including the massive Adina Mosque and the Darasbari Mosque which still stands in Bangladesh near the border. The Sultans of Bengal were patrons of Bengali literature and began a process in which Bengali culture and identity would flourish. The Ilyas Shahi Dynasty was interrupted by an uprising by the Hindus under Raja Ganesha. However the Ilyas Shahi dynasty was restored by Nasiruddin Mahmud Shah. The dynasty was finally overthrown by the Habshi (Abyssinian) slaves of the sultanate.

History of Bangladesh

Bangladesh became one of the large nation states in 1971 when it seceded from Pakistan. Prior to the creation of Pakistan in 1947, modern-day Bangladesh was part of ancient, classical, medieval and colonial India.
Since independence, the government has experienced periods of democratic and military rule. The founding leader of the country and its first president was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His daughter Sheikh Hasina Wazed is currently the prime minister, as leader of the Awami League. The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party is led by Begum Khaleda Zia, who is the widow of the revered freedom fighter and former president Ziaur Rahman.

Pre-historic Bengal

Stone tools provide the earliest evidence of human settlements. Prehistoric stone implements have been discovered in various parts of West Bengal in the districts of Midnapur, Bankura and Burdwan. But it is difficult to determine, even approximately, the time when people using them first settled in Bengal. It might have taken place ten thousand years (or even more) ago. The original settlers spoke non-Aryan languages—they may have spoken Austric or Austro-Asiatic languages like the languages of the present-day Kola, Bhil, Santal, Shabara and Pulinda peoples. At a subsequent age, peoples speaking languages from two other language families—Dravidian and Tibeto-Burman—seem to have settled in Bengal. Archaeological discoveries during the 1960s furnished evidence of a degree of civilisation in certain parts of Bengal as far back as the beginning of the first millennium BC, perhaps even earlier. The discoveries at Pandu Rajar Dhibi in the valley of the Ajay River (near Bolpur) in Burdwan district and in several other sites on the Ajay, Kunar and Kopai Rivers have thrown fresh light on Bengal's prehistory. Pandu Rajar Dhibi represents the ruins of a trading township, which carried on trade not only with the interior regions of India, but also—possibly indirectly—with the countries of the Mediterranean.

Bengal in mythology

Some references indicate that the early people in Bengal were different in ethnicity and culture from the Vedic beyond the boundary of Aryandom and who were classed as 'Dasyus'. The Bhagavata Purana classes them as sinful people while Dharmasutra of Bodhayana prescribes expiatory rites after a journey among the Pundras and Vangas. Mahabharata speaks of Paundraka Vasudeva who was lord of the Pundrasand who allied himself with Jarasandha against Krishna. Mahabharata also speaks of Bengali kings called Chitrasena and Sanudrasena who were defeated by Bhima, Kalidas mentions Raghu defeated a coalition of Vanga kings who were defeated by Raghu and Raghu established a victory column in the Gangetic delta.

Proto-History


Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site in Bangladesh. It dates back to 700 BCE and was the ancient capital of the Pundra Kingdom.
Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata say that Bangladesh was divided among various tribes or kingdoms, including the Nishadas and kingdoms known as the Janapadas: Vanga (southern Bengal), Pundra (northern Bengal), and Suhma (western Bengal) according to their respective totems. These Hindu sources, written by Indo-Aryans in what is now Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, say that the peoples of Bangladesh were not Indo-Aryans. However, Jain scriptures identify Vanga and Anga in Bangladesh as Indo-Aryan. While western Bangladesh, as part of Magadha, became part of the Indo-Aryan civilization by the 7th century BCE, the Nanda Dynasty was the first historical state to unify all of Bangladesh under Indo-Aryan rule.

Overseas Colonization

The Vanga Kingdom was a powerful seafaring nation of Ancient India. They had overseas trade relations with Java, Sumatra and Siam (modern day Thailand). According to Mahavamsa, the Vanga prince Vijaya Singha conquered Lanka (modern day Sri Lanka) in 544 BC and gave the name "Sinhala" to the country. Bengali people migrated to the Maritime Southeast Asia and Siam (in modern Thailand), establishing their own colonies there.

Patenga beach

Main article: Patenga


Patenga beach
Patenga Beach is a popular tourist spot. The beach lies approximately twenty kilometers outside the city of Chittagong, and located near to fascinating landmarks including the Shah Amanat International Airport and the BNS Isha Khan Naval Base. It is located at the 'Karnaphuli' River mouth and stretches to the Bay of Bengal which ensures a constant influx of travelers and visitors from home and abroad. The beach width is narrow and swimming in the seas is not recommended. Part of the seashore is built-up with concrete walls. Also large blocks of stones have been laid out to prevent erosion. During 1990s a host of restaurants and kiosks have sprouted out around the beach area. After the sun-down, drug-peddlers start to approach visitors. Also, alcohol peddling is very common. Lighting of the beach area has enhanced the security aspect of visiting in the evening. Vendors from the city flock to Patenga Beach to sell their selection of ice creams, cold drinks and food to the hundreds of tourists who come to Patenga Beach. The beach is lined with massive shady palm trees and fishing boats. It is quite sandy, with a few rocky patches here and there. Most visitors come to 'Patenga' Beach as it is known for having some of the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in Bangladesh.

Barisal

Barisal City  is an old port on the Kirtankhola on the northern shore of the Bay of Bengal in southern Bangladesh. It is now the divisional headquarter of the Barisal Division and consists of 30 wards and 50 mahallas. The area of the town is 19.99 km². Barisal municipality was established in 1957 and was turned into a City Corporation in 2000.
Barisal City has one police academy. .== History == Barisal was a semi-independent area in Mughal period because of heavy fighting between them and Hindu chiefs. In course of time, it fell under Bengal Nawabs and British India, later passed to Bangladesh.
Following the partition of India in 1947, the area of Bangladesh became a province of Pakistan, initially known as East Bengal, and then, from 1955, as East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan Province declared their independence as the nation of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971, while fighting a savage war against the central Pakistani government. The separation from Pakistan took place, with extensive aid from India, on December 16, 1971 as a result of the third Indo-Pakistan War. Bangladesh was soon recognized by most other nations, although Pakistan withheld diplomatic recognition until 1974 and China did not recognize the nation until 1976. Bangladesh was admitted to the United Nations in 1974.
The central city of this region is the city of Barisal. It is one of the biggest river ports in Bangladesh. It is a city with nearly 0.38 million people and a divisional headquarter, medical college, cadet college, some pharmaceutical industries, textile industries and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority's head office. Barisal is fast growing city of the country stands on the Kirtankhola River. Country's first short landing and take off airport has been completed in Barisal and a private Airlines named Air Bengal has begun its regular air flight between Dhaka Tejgaon Airport and Barisal.
The city is sometimes called the "Venice of the East" or the "Venice of Bengal".

Contents


  • 1 Population
  • 2 Population by Religion
  • 3 Educational institutions
  • 4 Publications
  • 5 Land
  • 6 Transport
  • 7 Economy
  • 8 Noted Barisailese
  • 9 See also
  • 10 References
  • 11 External links

Population

According to an estimate of 2008 Barisal has a population of 210,374;male 53.28%, female 46.72%. Literacy rate among the town people is 85%.

Population by Religion

  • Muslim 90.64%; Hindu 8.38% and Christian 0.98%.
  • Mosque: 130, church: 5
  • Temple: More than 200

Educational institutions

Bibir Pukur, Barisal
File:Barisal Divisional HQ.jpg
Divisional Headquarter, Barisal
The city’s education institutions are one of country’ best.
  • University college: 1
  • Polytechnic institute: 1
  • Medical college: 1
  • Physical education college: 1
  • Teacher's training college: 2
  • Nursing institute: 1
  • Cadet college: 1
  • Government college: 7
  • Non-government college: 7
  • Government high school: 2
  • Non-government high school: 55
  • Junior school: 7
  • Government primary school: 175
  • Non-government primary school: 133.
  • Famous Instituons: Barisal Polytechnic Institutions,Brojomohun College
  • Famous Schools: Barisal Govt. Girls High School, Barisal Zilla School,Udayan High School
  • Medical College: Sher-E-Bangla Medical college
  • Cadet College Barisal Cadet College
  • University College: Govt. BM college. (Brojomohun College)
  • Mahilara A.N High School. Mahilara,Gournadi,Baisal.8232.

Publications

  • Locally published newspapers and periodicals Dailies:
Amader Barisal, Editor: Md. Moazzem Hossain Talukder, Biploby Bangladesh(1971), Shahnama, The Daily Barisal Protidin, Probashi, Gram Samachar, Ajker Barta, B Ban, Rupantar Sathi, Saikot Barta, Darpan, Dipanchal, Ajker Kantha; periodicals: weekly Lokabani, Bakerganj Parikrama, Chirantan Bangla, Upakul, periodicals Paira, the River, Etibriti, Khadem, Chirantan Bangla, Upakul, Samachar, Gournadi Parikrama; extinct; Barisal Bartabaha (1870), Hitasadhini (1871), Banglar Ranjika (1873), Kashipur Nibasi (1881), Swadesh (1885), Bharat Hitoishi (1882), Barisal Hiroishi (1885), Bikash (1900), Sahayogi (1885), Praddip (1927), Tarun (1923), Pathik (1925), Bahumihir (1926), Protiva Tangim (1949), Parimal Bahini (1859).

Land

  • Cultivable land: 219.03 km²
  • Single crop: 36.06%
  • Double crop: 46.57%
  • treble crop: land 17.37%.

Transport

  • Road: 200 km
  • Airport: 1
  • Port: Internal port
River is also a popular transport system with other district.The luxurious launch journey connects between the south and Dhaka city. It is one of the most enjoyable night journey ever you could get in your life. The launches are really royal, majestic and with pomp and pleasure. Some royal launches are:
  • MV Sundarban 7
  • MV Sundarban 8
  • MV Surovi 8
  • MV Surovi 7
  • MV Surovi 6
  • MV Dipraj
  • MV Parabat 11
  • MV Parabat 9
  • MV Parabat 7
  • MV Kirtonkhola 1
  • MV Kalam Khan
Name of some Bus in Barisal route. 1. Eagle Paribahan. 2. Sakura Paribahan. 3. Druti Paribahan. 4. Hanif Enterprise. 5. Ilish Paribahan.

Economy

Barisal is a rice producing center of Bangladesh. Balam (a kind of baasmati) is the most popular rice in Barisal. It is also famous for Betel Leaf, a typical south Asian chewing item. As Barisal is surrounded by river so fish is plenty in there.It is said.. "Dhan (paddy) nadi (river) Khal (canal) ai tine Barisal." Means, paddy,river and canal this three thing makes Barisal. Coconut is very common in there as it is a costal area. Hog Plum in Barisal is very famous. Exports: Fish, medicine, bidi (local tobacco) and handicrafts.

Noted Barisailese

  • Utpal Dutt (29 March 1929 – 19 August 1993), was an Indian actor, director and writer-playwright
  • A.K. Fazlul Huq , (Mayor of kolkata (1935, first Muslim mayor of kolkata), Prime Minister of undivided Bengal (1937–1943) and of East Bengal (1954), Home Minister of Pakistan (1955) and Governor of East Pakistan (1956–1958)
  • Mohiuddin Jahangir (Bir Shreshto) was a Captain in the Bangladesh Army during the 1971 Liberation War. The main gate of Dhaka Cantonment- "Shaheed Jahangir Gate" is named in his honour.
  • Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Founder Editor of The Daily Ittefuq.
  • Anil Biswas (composer) noted Hindi and bengali film song composer
  • Altaf Mahmud noted bengali film song composer and one of the martyred intelligentsia in 1971.
  • Jibanananda Das, famous Bengali poet.
  • Aroj Ali Matubbar, noted Astronomer and Philosopher.
  • Pannalal Ghosh renowned musician and flutist
  • Parul Ghosh, Hindi and bengali film singer
  • ShantiSudha Bose @ Kanak Dutta freedom fighter and vocal artist
  • Utpal Dutta, actor
  • Sufia Kamal, poetess
  • Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri, physicist
  • Abala Bose, social reformer and wife of Jagadish Chandra Bose
  • Tapan Raychaudhuri, noted historian.
  • Partha Dasgupta, eminent economist.
  • Mithun Chakraborty, famous actor.
  • Sushmita Sen, famous actress.
  • Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Minister of parliamentary affairs and information, India.
  • Kamini Roy, famous poetess and first woman graduate with honours in the subcontinent .
  • Kusumkumari Das, poetess and mother of Jibanananda Das
  • Kadambini Ganguly, first female graduate and first female physician in the entire British empire
  • Aswini Kumar Dutta, social reformer and philanthropist
  • Mosarrof Karim....Actor,Gorunadi,Barisal.>>>Nintu,Mahilara.
  • Mr.Ishaque Ali Sarder....Headmaster of Mahilara A.N High school,Gournadi,Barisal(1972 to 2011)

See also

  • Barisal District
  • Barisal Division
Surendra Nath Dutta - noted freedom fighter Swadesh Ranjan Dutta - poet and pioneer to small stories in bengali literature Shaheed Abdur Rob Serniabat-Great politician Abul Hasnat Abdullah-Pioneer of Peace Treaty Rashed khan Menon

References

  1.  List of cities and towns in Bangladesh, Retrieved December 29, 2009
  2.  "Speech of Mayor on Spacial Intarnational Working Conference". Chittagong City Corporation. http://www.ccc.org.bd/mayors_hague.html. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 
  3. "Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava –2001". Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf. Retrieved 2009-09-18. 
  4. "Statistical Pocket Book, 2008" (pdf). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pby/pk_book_08.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  5. "Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava –2001". Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-19. 
  6.  Thedailystar.net
  7. "Statiscal Pocket Book of Bangladesh 2008". Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. January 2009. http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pby/pk_book_08.pdf. Retrieved 2009-08-19. 
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