Kurigram District is located in the northern part of Bangladesh within Rangpur Division, sharing an extensive international border of about 278 kilometers with India. It covers an area of approximately 2,245 square kilometers and consists of nine upazilas including Bhurungamari, Char Rajibpur, Chilmari, Ulipur, and Kurigram Sadar, among others. Established as a district in 1984, Kurigram has a rich history dating back to its formation as a mahakuma under British rule in 1875.
Geographically, the district lies in the fertile alluvial plain of the Teesta-Brahmaputra basin, intersected by several major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Dharla, Dudhkumar, Tista, and Zinzira. These rivers contribute to its rich agricultural productivity but also pose flooding risks during the monsoon season. Kurigram’s climate features hot summers and mild winters, with a humid subtropical pattern influenced by monsoon rains.
With a population of over 2.3 million people as per the 2022 census, the district exhibits a population density of approximately 1,037 persons per square kilometer. The literacy rate stands at about 65.13%, slightly lower than the national average. The religious composition is predominantly Muslim with significant Hindu and minority communities.
Kurigram’s economy is primarily agrarian, focusing on crops such as rice, jute, wheat, sugarcane, and potatoes. The district also has small-scale industries, trade activities, and emerging urban centers serving as local economic hubs. Administratively, it has a structured governance system with multiple government offices serving education, health, rural development, and social welfare functions. The district is known for its cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty, drawing attention for both its traditional rural lifestyle and gradual modernization efforts.