Rivers in Bangladesh

 

Bangladeshi Rivers

Rivers and Bangladesh are two names tied in the same thread in the context of south Asia. Rivers are closely associated with the soil and people of this country, Bangladesh. The rivers are scattered like a net everywhere in this riverine country. Bangladesh is said to be one  the largest deltaic islands in the world, created by river-borne silt. The number of rivers in Bangladesh is  over 600. The total length including tributaries and distributaries is about 22,155 Km. Most of the rivers in Bangladesh originate in India.

Major rivers of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is called a riverine country due to its large number of rivers. Therefore, the river has an impact on the life, culture and economy of the people of this country.  Bangladesh is proud of having Padma, Meghna, Jamuna and Brahmaputra which  are the major rivers of Bangladesh. Many small and big tributaries have merged into the rivers. These rivers have diversified the natural beauty of  the country. In fact, this river has a great necssity in Bangladesh. For that reason Bengalis have a pulse with the river. These rivers have many tributaries. 

Padma

It is the Padma which is one of the largest rivers in Bangladesh. Its length is 36 km. Originated from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, the  mighty river Ganges enters Bangladesh through Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj district. The river Padma joins the Jamuna at Daulddia of Goaland police station in Rajbari district. Besides, it merged with the  Meghna at Chandpur and fell into the Bay of Bengal named Meghna. Kumar, Gorai, Bhairab, Madhumati, Arial Khan, Mathabhanga, Ichhamati, Chitra  are the main tributaries of the mighty Padma. 

Meghna

The Meghna River originates at the foot of the Naga Manipur Hills in the state of Manipur, India. At the place of origin its name is Barak. The Barak River enters Bangladesh separately through the Zakiganj police station of Sylhet district named Surma and Kushiyara near Bangladesh and takes the name of Meghna through Kalni. It then joining the Padma at Chandpur flows further south into the Bay of Bengal called Meghna. Manu, Khowai is the main tributary of the Meghna and Gomti, Titas and Dakatiya are tributaries of the Meghna.

Brahmaputra

The river originates from Manas Sarobar near the Kailash peak in the Himalayas and flows first east over Tibet and then west through Assam. Then the Brahmaputra entered Bangladesh through Kurigram district. Dharla and Teesta are the main tributaries of the Brahmaputra and Banshi and Shitalakshya are the main tributaries.

Jamuna

The river Jamuna originates from Manas Sarobar near the Kailash peak in Tibet. It flows south and joins the Padma, near Goalundo Ghat. It then flows into the Bay of Bengal as the Meghnar. Karatoya and Atrai are the main distributaries of the Jamuna. The distributary river of Jamuna is Dhaleshwari and the distributary river of Dhaleshwari is Buri Ganga.

Sangu

 Sangu originates from the Arakan Mountains on the border of Myanmar and Bangladesh. It flows over the Chittagong Hill Tracts and joins the Bay of Bengal. Sangu is about 207 Kilometers long.

Feni

The source of the Feni River in Feni district is in the hilly Tripura. The river Feni has flowed into Bengal.

Rivers and Agriculture

Agriculture is an important sector in the economy of Bangladesh and the driving force of economic growth. The agriculture system of Bangladesh is largely dependent on river irrigation system. Therefore, rivers play an important role in the development of agriculture.

Rivers and industries

Bangladesh is slowly moving towards industrialization. The industrial factories of Bangladesh use river water in different ways. In addition, due to the low cost of transporting raw materials and manufactured goods by river, most of the large  scale industrial factories in Bangladesh have sprung up along the river banks. River transport is the cheapest and easiest mode of transport. River transport has been playing an important role in Bangladesh for a long time.

Fisheries Resources

This riverine country has been rich in fishery resources since time immemorial. The fisheries sector has achieved great success in earning foreign currency. In Bangladesh, different types of fish including Hilsa, Pangash, Rui, Katla, Boal, Pabda are found in the river.

Shipping and Transportation 

It is easy to travel by river. There are two major seaports in Bangladesh, Chittagong and Mongla. Boats, launches, steamers, etc. are used as means of transport for transportation and communication by river.

Hydropower Generation

The only hydroelectric power station in Bangladesh is located on the river Karnafuli which is known as Kaptai Hydroelectric Power Station. Established in 1982 on the fast flowing Karnafuli river, the power plant is capable of generating 230 MW of electricity through 5 units. This center is playing an important role in meeting the electricity demand of the country.

Conclusion

Most of the rivers in the country are located in the eastern and south-western regions. The rivers flowing over Bangladesh have finally flowed into the Bay of Bengal.  Since a lot of rivers are flowing in this little country, it is called the land of rivers. Rivers have great economic importance. It has some side effect though. The poor people become  helpless in the time of the flood. Their life becomes lamentable. Flood hinders the production of crops. River erosion makes people landless.