Madarganj Upazila

Madarganj (মাদারগঞ্জ) is an Upazila in Jamalpur District, in the Division of Mymensingh, Bangladesh.The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural productivity.

Geography and Climate
Madarganj Upazila is located on the east bank of the Jamuna River, 34 km west of the Jamalpur district headquarters. Madarganj Upazila is situated between 24°47' to 24°59' north latitude and 89°40' to 89°50' east longitude, covering an area of 225.39 square kilometers. The upazila is bordered by Islampur upazila to the north, Melandaha and Jamalpur Sadar upazilas to the east, Sarishabari upazila to the south, and Bogura district of Rajshahi division to the west.

The soil in the upazila is primarily sand-loam and atel-loam. The land is fertile and silty, but the region experiences floods almost every year, resulting in significant crop damage. The area receives a significant amount of rainfall due to the influence of monsoons, and there is heavy fog during the winter months. Summer temperatures range from 30 to 37 °C. The average annual rainfall is 853 cm. The total agricultural land area is 60062 acres, with 42877 acres being arable land

History
In 1760, when the entire Bengali population was suffering under British Raj and widespread chaos engulfed the political arena, the Bengali throne was controlled by The British Ruler, at this very time, the Sannyasis (ascetics) started a rebellion which initiated the Great Bengal famine aka 'Chhiattar Manbantar.' At such a time, the Fakirs (Sufi ascetics) left their spiritual practices to protect the people of Bengal from the English. Their main camp was in Makhnopur, Gorakhpur district of Nepal. They came to this land and established their camps at Mahasthangarh in Bogura and the remote island of Daokoba in the Mymensingh district. The Daokoba River was a branch of the Brahmaputra. Today, it's known as the Jamuna River. At that time, the present-day flowing Jamuna River did not exist. In 1778, English surveyor Mr. Renel created a map where the name 'Jamuna' was absent, but the names of the Brahmaputra and the Daokoba River were present. The Fakirs started their secret activities in this remote island. At that time, a person named Shah Madar, a preacher, joined their group. He came to this country from Syria to preach religion. His full name was Seyyad Badruddin Kuthub-ur-Madar Shah. Shah Madar directly participated in the Fakir movement alongside Majnu Shah, the leader of the rebellion. Around 1763, after Shah Madar arrived at this remote island, the Fakirs accepted him as their disciple, and they became known as the Madariya community. In 1772, during the rainy season, the Fakirs and ascetics created extensive unrest and riots in various villages of Bogura and Mymensingh districts, looting the belongings of farmers, creating a terrifying situation in the country. When the ascetic rebellion was somewhat subdued, in 1815, the then Magistrate of Mymensingh district, Mr. Year, appointed 13 watchmen to enforce law and government orders in Madarganj area. After the establishment of Jamalpur district in 1845, a police outpost was set up in Madarganj in 1882. After 24 years of the outpost's establishment, on June 15, 1906, in the Eastern Bengal Gazette, Madarganj Police Outpost was converted into a full-fledged police station. Since then, Madarganj has been the name of a police station. Currently, it is the name of the upazila.

Administration
Madarganj Upazila is divided into Madarganj Municipality and seven union parishads: Adarvita, Balijuri, Char Pakerdah, Gunaritala, Jorekhali, Karaichara, and Sidhuli. The union parishads are subdivided into 101 mauzas and 119 villages.

Every five years, the Upazila and Union Parisad elect representatives (commissionaire) and chairman for Municipality and 7 union Councils.

Demographics
According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Madarganj Upazila had 63,704 households and a population of 263,608. 69,737 (26.45%) were under 10 years of age. Madarganj has a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 33.0%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 1022 females per 1000 males. 33,169 (12.58%) lived in urban areas.

Agriculture
Madarganj is known for its agricultural productivity. The fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal place for cultivating various crops. The main crops grown in Madarganj are rice, jute, wheat, sugarcane, and vegetables. According to a report by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Madarganj produced 45,530 tons of rice in 2020-21, making it one of the top rice-producing areas in the country.

Education
The educational landscape within this region is a multifaceted tapestry, featuring a spectrum of educational institutions spanning various levels and disciplines. At the foundational level, the community is well-served by a robust network of 159 government primary schools, ensuring widespread access to basic education. Complementing these are a registered non-government primary school and a substantial cohort of 39 high schools, accompanied by 11 junior secondary schools, collectively laying the groundwork for a continuum of education from primary to secondary levels.

Beyond secondary education, the region offers a diverse set of opportunities for higher learning. This includes a government college, indicating a commitment to tertiary education, alongside four non-government colleges and five vocational colleges, providing avenues for specialized study paths catering to a spectrum of academic interests and career aspirations.

Furthermore, the educational fabric encompasses 27 madrasas, delineating the presence of Islamic educational institutions focusing on religious and Arabic studies. This comprehensive integration of secular and religious educational establishments mirrors the commitment to cater to diverse educational preferences and meet the holistic learning needs of the populace, exemplifying an inclusive approach to education within the region.

Culture and Tourism
Madarganj has a rich cultural heritage. The area is famous for its traditional folk music, dance, and art. The local people celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Durga Puja. Tourists can also enjoy the natural beauty of Madarganj, including the Jamuna River and its surroundings.

Transportation
Madarganj is well-connected to other parts of the country through various modes of transportation. The area has a railway station that connects it to major cities such as Dhaka and Chittagong. The roads in Madarganj are well-maintained, and buses and private cars regularly ply on them. The government has also initiated a project to construct a bridge over the Jamuna River, which will further improve the transportation system of the area.

Healthcare
The health sector in Madarganj is robust and diversified, encompassing both public and private healthcare provisions. A centrally located government hospital, equipped with 100 beds, serves as a primary healthcare facility, catering to comprehensive medical needs. Supporting this, four Union Health Centers, an extensive network of 32 community clinics, and a specialized family planning center ensure widespread healthcare accessibility and coverage. Additionally, the presence of five private clinics supplements these public services, offering alternative medical consultations and treatments. This amalgamation of public and private healthcare establishments establishes a comprehensive and multifaceted healthcare system, providing residents with various options and enhancing overall healthcare accessibility within the area.

Notable people

 * Mirza Azam, former Minister of Textiles and Jute
 * Nazrul Islam Babu, lyricist
 * Md. Abdul Wahhab Miah, acting Chief Justice of Bangladesh
 * Karimuzzaman Talukder, politician