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Derai

Coordinates: 25°2′N 91°40′E / 25.033°N 91.667°E / 25.033; 91.667
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Derai
দিরাই
Town and Municipality
Derai is located in Bangladesh
Derai
Derai
Coordinates: 25°2′N 91°40′E / 25.033°N 91.667°E / 25.033; 91.667
CountryBangladesh
DivisionSylhet Division
DistrictSunamganj
UpazilaDerai Upazila
Municipality1999
Government
 • MayorBisawjeet Roy
Area
 • Total
6.5 km2 (2.5 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
22,680
 • Density3,489/km2 (9,040/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+6 (BST)
Websitewww.deraipaurashava.gov.bd

Derai (Bengali: দিরাই, romanized: Dirai) is a town and municipal corporation in Derai Upazila of Sunamganj District in northeastern Bangladesh, and forms part of the Sylhet Division. This region is particularly known for its extensive wetland ecosystems that play a crucial role in the local environment and economy. The topography of Derai is largely low-lying, making it susceptible to seasonal flooding. The economy of Derai is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture and fishing being the main sources of income for the majority of the population.

History

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Derai was previously known as Babaganj Bazar. It was home to two influential Hindu residents; Jitarāma and Dvidarāma, who renamed the area to Derai Bazar. On 10 December 1892, an Assam Gazette notification recognised the name of the area as Derai. In 1938, the Nankar Rebellion started in Derai and surrounding areas. Derai was made the headquarters of a namesake thana in 1942 and the capital of the namesake upazila in 1982.[1]

Geography

[edit]

Derai is a town and municipal corporation in Derai Upazila of Sunamganj District in northeastern Bangladesh, and forms part of the Sylhet Division.[2] The region is characterized by its numerous haors, which are large, saucer-shaped depressions that are extensively flooded during the monsoon season and form vast sheets of water. These wetlands are a dominant feature of the landscape. The Sunamganj District, where Derai is located, has more haors than any other district in Bangladesh.[2][3] It covers an area of 420.93 km2 (162.52 sq mi).[4]

Derai Municipality is subdivided into 9 wards and 29 mahallas.[5]

Demographics

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According to the Population and Housing Census 2022 conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Derai municipality had a population of 32,154 which includes 17,063 males and 15,091 females.[6] The total population of Derai Upazila was 269,726 people with the male population at 136,134 and the female population at 133,592. The literacy rate (7 years and above) in Derai was 69.83%.[7]

Agriculture remains primary livelihood. There are other cottage industries, representing local trade and agro-based economy. Rice cultivation, particularly the Boro paddy variety which is grown in the dry season on the receding floodplains, is a dominant agricultural activity.[8] The extensive haor system supports a rich freshwater fishery, providing significant income and food resources for a large portion of the population.[2][6] The Derai Upazila Health Complex has limited healthcare facilities.[9][10]

References

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  1. ^ Chanda, Jiban Kumar (2012). "Derai Upazila". In Sirajul Islam; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Union Parishad - Sunamganj". Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Deraisarmangal Union". Deraisarmangal Union Council. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Derai". Sunamganj. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  5. ^ "District Statistics 2011: Sunamganj" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Derai Municipality". Sunamganj. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ^ "Population and Housing Census 2022: District Report Sunamganj" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  8. ^ "Local Government Engineering Department". Bangladesh Government. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  9. ^ "50-bed Derai Upazila Health Complex details". Doctorspedia. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Facility idle due to lack of staff". The Daily Star. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
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