Noakhali (নোয়াখালী জেলা) is a district in South-eastern Bangladesh. It is located in the Chittagong Division.

Other Districts in Chittagong Division: Bandarban | Brahmanbaria | Chandpur | Chittagong | Comilla | Cox’s Bazar | Feni | Khagrachhari | Lakshmipur | Noakhali | Rangamati

4202.7 square kilometers (1622.67 square miles).

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Comilla district on the north, the Meghna estuary and the bay of bengal on the south, Feni and Chittagong districts on the east, Lakshmipur and Bhola districts on the west

Noakhali district, whose earlier name was Bhulua, was established in 1821. It was named Noakhali in 1868. It consists of six upazilas, 5 municipalities, 45 wards, 90 mahallas, 83 union parishads, 909 mouzas and 978 villages.

Begumganj Upazila, Chatkhil Upazila, Companiganj Upazila, Hatiya Upazila, Noakhali Sadar Upazila, Senbagh Upazila

The ancient name of Noakhali was Bhulua. Once the agricultural activities of the north-eastern region of Bhulua were seriously affected by floodwater of the river Dakatia flowing from the Tripura hills. To save the situation a canal was excavated in 1660 running from the Dakatia through Ramganj, Sonaimudi and Chaumuhani to divert water flow to the junction of the rivers Meghna and Feni. After excavating this long canal Bhulua was renamed “Noakhali” after “Noa” (new) and “khal” (canal) in 1668.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the regional economy. 30% of the regional GDP comes from agriculture with 45% of the population employed in the sector. Employment in fish sector is also dominant for the extreme poor and poor labour-intensive. 15–20% labour has involved round the year in this sector (boat roaring, fishing, drying, net and boat making and repairing, transporting fish from one location to other etc.).

Noakhali Public Library (1895), Bajra Shahi Mosque (1153 AH, Chatkhil), Kali Statue (18th century) at Sirajpur union of Companiganj upazila).

Jatiyo Nishan, Abayab, Weekly Jatiyo Bangladesh, Noakhali Barta, Ajker Upama; extinct: Noakhali Hitoishi (1922), Purba Bangabasi (1884), monthly Asha (1901), Tanjin (1926), Desher Bani (1927), Chholtan (1924), Tripura Noakhali Lakshmi (1342 BS), Noakhali Sammilani, Jatiyo Bangladesh, Upakul Barta, Nayabarta.

Bamni and meghna.