Tarakanda Upazila

Tarakanda (তারাকান্দা) is an upazila of the Mymensingh District in Bangladesh. It lies on the banks of Mara Kharia river.

History
It is estimated that human habitation in this area began between the sixth and twelfth centuries.

Tarakanda was established as a thana on 19 May 1999. In 2012, the Tarakanda Thana was upgraded into an upazila (sub-district), making it Mymensingh District's latest upazila. Prior to this, Tarakanda was a part of Phulpur Upazila.

Demographics
According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Tarakanda Upazila had 65,838 households and a population of 298,220, of which 147,742 are males and 150,478 females. 86,889 (29.14%) were under 10 years of age. Tarakanda has a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 37.27%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 1019 females per 1000 males. The population was entirely rural. Muslims were 284,763 and Hindus 12,696.

Economy and tourism
The Tarakanda Jami Mosque is a popular mosque. The Tarakanda Bazar is also noted. The Tarakanda Barta, Monthly Kaler Alo, Monthly Nabadiganta and Fortnightly Tarakanda are published here. The economy is mostly agriculturaland the upazila produces a large quantity of fish and vegetables.

Administration
Tarakanda Upazila is divided into ten union parishads: Balikha, Banihala, Biska, Dhakua, Galagaon, Kakni, Kamargaon, Kamaria, Rampur, and Tarakanda.

Education
In 1929, the Tarakanda Multilateral High School was established. Other notable institutions include Shahid Smrity High School, Galagaon High School, Kakni High School and Kakni Model Academy.