Abhaynagar Upazila is an Upazila of Jessore District in the Khulna Division of Bangladesh with a vibrant cultural heritage and natural resources. Noapara, as the locals fondly call this area, is an exploration of tradition throughout history and new modernization.
📍 Geographical Overview
Abhaynagar is located at the junction of 23°07′ and 23°15′ north latitudes and 89°18′ and 89°34′ east longitudes and it covers an area of approximately 247.21 square kilometres. The upazila is bounded by Jessore Sadar and Narail Sadar upazila on the north, Dumuria, Dighalia and Phultala upazilas on the south, Kalia upazila on the east and Monirampur upazila on the west.
👥 Population & Demographics
According to the 2011 census, the population of Abhaynagar Upazila was 262,434, almost equally distributed between males (131846) and females (130588). Muslims (211,646) are the largest group, followed by Hindus (49,082), Christians (270) and others. The literacy rate is 59.8], which is above the national average (51.8%).
🏛️ Administrative Structure
Our Abhaynagar Upazila consists of 1 Municipal and 8 Union Parishad having details below. These are then further categorized into 89 mauzas and 106 villages.
🏞️ Natural Attractions
There are several rivers such as the Bhairab and Chitra, and beels such as Dakatia, Singra and Kurakhali in the upazila. These aquatic regions provide an aesthetically attractive region that also serves agriculture and fishing.
🏰 Historical & Cultural Landmarks
Abhaynagar contains a number of historical and cultural sites:
- Siddhipasha Rajbari — An ancient palace with a tank and a temple.
- 11 Duari Mandir: A temple complex, a famous architectural marvel
- Madhayapur Neelkuthi: A remnant from the British colonialism
- Sreedharpur Zamindar Bari: A zamindar bari picturing the spirit of the region.
💼 Transport and Connection
Abhaynagar is also connected through Road, Rail & Waterway’s:
- Road: The Jessore-Khulna Highway runs through the upazila and provides easy road transport.
- Rail: Noapara Railway Station, established in 1884, links the area with cities like Dhaka and Khulna through Rail;
- Waterways: Port of Noapara on the Bhairab River is a major river port where a lot of goods are carried through it, saving the goods to be carried to the port of Khulna by road.
🏭 Economy and Industry
The economy of Abhaynagar is primarily based on agriculture, the main crops being rice, wheat, jute, potatoes, garlic, onion, mustard, betel nuts, brinjal, and other vegetables. Various jute mills, textile mills, leather factories, salt factory, and cement factory are located in the upazila.
🎓 Education and Literacy
It boasts a solid literacy rate of 59.8% for the area. These are made up of 10 colleges, 73 secondary schools, 107 primary schools, 35 madrasas, and many other NGO schools.
🏥 Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare services situated within Abhaynagar Upazila:
- Upazila Health Complex: The major local health facility.
- Union Health and Family Welfare Centers: Eight centers offering primary medical care.
- Satellite Clinics — 04 clinics for emergency services Providers working in remote medical services
🎭 Cultural Landscape
The upazila is vibrant in terms of cultural activities — there are different organizations that have been active here.
- Libraries: Community is served by two public libraries.
- Clubs — Twenty-two clubs supporting social and cultural activities.
- Theatre Groups: Seven groups promoting performing arts
- Movie theaters: if we could call the three theaters where movies are played.
- Playgrounds: Thirty-two (32) recreational and sports-promoting playgrounds
🛍️ Markets and Fairs
There are hubs of commerce and social interaction in the form of 22 markets and 6 fairs in Abhaynagar. Significant ones are Noapara, Chengutia, Magura, and Sundoli.
🌿 Tourist Attractions
Here are a few tourist attraction locations in the upazila:
- 11 Shiva Temple: Located in Baghutia, across the river of Bhairab.
- Noapara Pirbari: A mosque and orphanage in Noapara Pirbari
- Bhairab River: A mesmerizing river beautifying Noapara town.
- Purakhali Baor–It is located in Sreedharpur Union and is a great place for nature lovers.
- Prembagh Baor: Found in Prembagh Union, this spot provides peaceful surroundings.
- Bill Baliadanga: Freshwater wetland in Subharara Union, a beel in the riverine landscape of Bangladesh.
- Vobodoho (Outer moat / Caliper is fallow): An area in Payra Union that is known for its water management structures.
- Rup Sonatan Dham: A religious place located in Sundoli Union.
Abhaynagar Upazila is a glory of our ancient culture and nature in Bangladesh. It has history, it has markets, it has beautiful places — all in one, combining to enjoy what it’s like to be here.
