Overview

Khulna is one of Bangladesh's principal urban centres, historically and economically important in the country's southwest. It lies beside the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers and serves as the administrative headquarters of the surrounding division. The city grew into a regional hub for trade and industry and remains a focal point for manufacturing, shipping and fisheries.

Geography and environment

Khulna occupies a low-lying, riverine landscape that links inland waterways with coastal areas and mangrove forests. Its location beside the Rupsha and Bhairab rivers shapes the city's transport, commerce and risk profile: seasonal monsoon rains and occasional cyclones affect the wider region. Khulna is also the nearest large city to the Sundarbans mangrove forest, an ecologically significant tidal wetland and a major source of natural resources and tourism. The city is roughly 333 km southwest of Dhaka, the national capital.

History and development

Khulna expanded notably during the colonial era when river transport and raw-material processing — particularly jute — attracted investment and workers. Over the 20th century it diversified into ship repair, light industry and food processing. Today it remains a regional administrative centre (Khulna Division) and a hub for surrounding agricultural and coastal economies.

Economy and industries

The city's economy combines manufacturing, port-related services and fisheries. A nearby seaport at Mongla provides international access and supports cargo moving to and from Khulna. The zone around the city is an important source of seafood: a large share of Bangladesh's shrimp exports originate from this region, and local catches also include lobster, prawn, catfish and crab. Khulna's role in seafood production has earned it nicknames linked to those industries and supports processing and export businesses.

Transport and infrastructure

Khulna is linked to the rest of the country by road, rail, inland waterways and air services. Its rivers allow year-round riverine transport, and the nearby Mongla port connects international shipping lanes. Local transport and logistics sectors service the industrial estates and export facilities that surround the city.

Culture, population and challenges

As a regional capital and urban centre, Khulna supports educational institutions, healthcare facilities and cultural organisations serving a diverse population. As of a 2010 estimate the urban area had around one million inhabitants. The city faces typical coastal-city challenges, including managing industrial pollution, protecting river and mangrove ecosystems, and adapting to seasonal flooding and rising sea levels.

Notable facts