Barguna District is a coastal district situated in the Barisal Division of southern Bangladesh. It officially became a district on February 28, 1984, emerging from a subdivision that was created in 1969 within the then Patuakhali district during the period of East Pakistan. The name “Barguna” is thought to derive from Bengali terms meaning “big group or assembly,” possibly referring to lumber traders waiting for tide changes, or related to a local inhabitant or waterway.
Historically, Barguna was part of the Sundarbans forest region, largely uninhabited until the 14th century when settlers began clearing the forest for agriculture and habitation. It was governed under the Bakla-Chandradwip kingdom before falling under Mughal rule during Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign. Leaders such as Umed Khan established administration here. The area also faced raids by Magh and Portuguese pirates historically.
Covering around 1,939 square kilometers, Barguna is geographically bordered by the districts of Jhalkati, Barisal, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali, and lies along the Bay of Bengal. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, including rice, pulses, and betel leaf cultivation, supplemented by fishing industries. The district’s population exceeds one million, predominantly Muslim with significant Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. Notable rivers include the Paira, Bishkhali, Khakdon, Baleshwar, and Haringhata.
Administratively, Barguna is divided into six sub-districts (upazilas) and is also known for traditional cottage industries and small-scale manufacturing. It has sites of cultural importance and played an active role during the Bangladesh Liberation War, experiencing both resistance efforts and adversities.
Today, Barguna stands as an important coastal district with a heritage shaped by indigenous populations, Mughal governance, British colonial influence, and the dynamics of modern Bangladesh, significantly contributing to the socio-economic landscape of the region.