Narail District

Narail (নড়াইল, pron: nɔɽail) is a district in south-western Bangladesh. It is a part of Khulna Division. Narail town was named after a feudal lord (a zamindar). The zamindars established a market at Roopgonj, also named after a zamindar. They established a post office for the first time in the district during British Raj near Rotongonj, named after another member of the zamindar's family. They modernised Narail, and promoted culture, sports and education. The large playing field, Kuriddobe, was a gift of the zamindar's family. They introduced football competition, with a shield given to the champions, a cup to the runners-up, and medals to all players from the early twentieth century. One of the zamindars moved away from Narail, settled in Hatbaria, and established another large manor (Jomidarbaari). Narail District has an area of . It is located to the south of Magura District, north of Khulna District, with the Faridpur District and Gopalganj District on the east, and Jessore District to the west. Its average temperature ranges between and has a yearly rainfall of . Through the district flow the Madhumati, Nabaganga, Bhairab, and Chitra rivers. There are many beels and haors, the most noted of which is Chachuri Beel. Land area: Cultivable area: Fallow land: Forest area: 10 acres Area irrigated: River area: The district of Narail has 1675 mosques, 248 temples, 51 churches, seven tombs, and 11 shrines. The Radha Raman Smriti Tirtha Mandir, founded by Shri Tribhanga Brahmachary (Babaji of Shri Shri Bhagvat Sevashram Sangh) at Debbhog is a prominent place to visit, as are Nishinath Tola in Rupganj and Lakkhipasha Thakurbari. Narail District was established in 1984. It is divided into three upazilas: Narail Sadar Upazila, Kalia Upazila and Lohagara Upazila. The upazilas are divided into Narail Sadar and Kalia municipalities, and 39 Union Parishads. These are subdivided into 18 wards, 43 mahallas, 445 mouzas, and 651 villages. Narail Victoria College and Collegiate School is one of the oldest modern high schools in Bangladesh, established in 1858 by the landlords of Narail who were proponents of education.