Naogaon District

Discover Naogaon: A Comprehensive Insight

About Naogaon

Naogaon district (Bengali: নওগাঁ জেলা) is a class “A” district under Rajshahi division with an area of 3435.67 sq km, is bounded by West Bengal of India on the north, Natore and Rajshahi districts on the south, Joypurhat and Bogura districts on the east, Chapai Nawabganj district and West Bengal (India) on the west. The district situated between latitudes 24°32′ and 25°13′ North, and longitudes 88°23′ and 89°10′ East.

History of Naogaon District

The name “Naogaon” has been derived from the juxtaposition of two distinct terms: ‘nao,’ a French word meaning “new,” and ‘gaon,’ which means “village” in Bengali.Together with, these two terms combine to form the meaning ‘new village.’ Historically, it is believed that this naming convention may reflect the formation of the place known as Naogaon.

Naogaon district town is located a few kilometers west of Santahar railway station in neighboring Bogra district. Historically, Naogaon was earlier headquartered at Manda and Bandaikhara, but was shifted to Naogaon on the banks of the Little Jamuna river to get rail connectivity.

Map outlining the geographical boundaries of Naogaon district.
A map of Naogaon district, highlighting its boundaries, various administrative divisions, roads and key landmarks.

The name “Naogaon” has been derived from the juxtaposition of two distinct terms: ‘nao,’ a French word meaning “new,” and ‘gaon,’ which means “village” in Bengali. Together, these two terms form the meaning “new village”.

Administration

Naogaon, firstly established as a subdivision under Rajshahi district in 1877, was later upgraded to a district in 1984. It consists of 3 municipality, 11 upazilas, 99 union parishads and 2795 villages.

Naogaon District Commissioner's office (DC office).
The Naogaon District Commissioner’s Office, the administrative heart of Naogaon, 2024

Upazilas in Naogaon

Naogaon district has eleven upazila. These Upazilas are major part of local governance. Upazila structure was formed in Bangladesh in 1982. An upazila administration works under the district administration. Further, it is governed by elected councils known as Upazila Parishad.

List of upazila in Naogaon district below:

  1. Atrai Upazila
  2. Badalgachhi Upazila
  3. Dhamoirhat Upazila
  4. Manda Upazila
  5. Mohadevpur Upazila
  6. Naogaon Sadar Upazila
  7. Niamatpur Upazila
  8. Patnitala Upazila
  9. Porsha Upazila
  10. Raninagar Upazila
  11. Sapahar Upazila

Municipalities in Naogaon District

There are a total of 3 municipalities across Naogaon district. According to the 2011 census, some statistics of these three municipalities are presented here:

Dhamoirhat Municipality

  • Area: 11.16 sq. km.
  • Population: 15,006
  • Male: 7,749
  • Female: 7,257
  • Density of population: 1,344 per sq.km.

Naogaon Sadar Municipality

  • Area: 37.03 sq. km.
  • Population: 150,549
  • Male: 77,326
  • Female: 73,223
  • Density of population: 4,036 per sq.km.

Patnitala Municipality (Nazipur)

  • Area: 11.81 sq. km.
  • Population: 21,670
  • Male: 11,238
  • Female: 10,432
  • Density of population: 1,835 per sq.km.

The total area for these three municipalities is 60 sq. km. with a combined population of 187,225. The average density of population of 3,120 per sq.km.

Driving Distance from Neighbouring District

Here are the driving distances from Naogaon district headquarters to all neighboring districts, based on Google Maps’ best routes as of 2024. Please note that actual arrival times may vary depending on road conditions.

Naogaon to Rajshahi
  • Distance: 79.2 km
  • Route: Naogaon – Rajshahi Highway/R685
  • Time: About 1 hours 45 mins
Naogaon to Bogura
  • Distance: 47.8 km
  • Route: Naogaon – Bogura Highway/R545
  • Time: About 1 hours 21 mins
Naogaon to Natore
  • Distance: 50.6 km
  • Route: Natore – Naogaon Highway
  • Time: About 1 hours 23 mins
Naogaon to Chapainawabganj
  • Distance: 90.0 km
  • Route: Rajshahi – Naogaon Highway/R685
  • Time: About 2 hours 25 mins
Naogaon to Joypurhat
  • Distance: 42.4 km
  • Route: Naogaon – Badalgachhi Hwy/R547 and Badalgachhi – Joypurhat Rd/Naogaon – Joypurhat Rd/R549
  • Time: About 1 hours 26 mins

Archaeological Heritage in Naogaon District

Central temple of Somapura Mahavihara, an archaeological Buddhist Monastery in Naogaon district, also known as Paharpur Bihar.
The central temple of Somapura Mahavihara, Naogaon district’s renowned archaeological monument, also known to locals as Paharpur Bihar. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A white colored Patisar Rabindra Kachari Bari (রবীন্দ্র কাছারি বাড়ি) building in Atrai Upazila of Naogaon district. Photo taken in 2023 AD.
The Patisar Rabindra Kachari Bari in Atrai Upazila of Naogaon district served as the official headquarters for Rabindranath Tagore’s Kaligram zamindari estate. Here, Tagore’s officials would collect taxes, manage land records, and oversee various administrative tasks. Photo taken in 2023 AD.
South-side view of the Historical Kusumba Mosque, Naogaon, Bangladesh.
Located in Naogaon, Kusumba Mosque stands as an important national heritage site. The photo captures the mosque’s south-side view, revealing its gray and brown appearance rather than black. Photo taken in January 2023 AD.

Weather of Naogaon

Bangladesh experiences a tropical climate divided into six seasons, and of course its northern district of Naogaon is no exception. The climate in this region is consistent with the national average. Typically, cooler weather begins in October and lasts until March. However, like the whole world, Naogaon has also experienced a rise in temperatures in recent years.

Badalgachhi Weather Office, a 1st Class Agricultural Observatory under the Ministry of Defence.
The Badalgachhi Weather Office in Naogaon is a 1st Class Observatory that operates under the Ministry of Defence.

Monthly Average Maximum & Minimum Temperature of 2019

The temperature data presented here which was recorded at the Badalgachhi Meteorological Office Station in Naogaon district. This station-wise data is included in the Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics – 2021.1 The official name of the Badalgachhi meteorological station is the ‘Agricultural Meteorological Observatory,’ a government institution operating under the Directorate of Meteorology. And it is also a part of the Ministry of Defence.

MonthMax Temp (°C)Min Temp (°C)
Jan25.610.6
Feb26.314.7
Mar30.117.7
Apr31.621.9
May33.824.6
June33.725.8
July32.826.2
Aug33.126.8
Sep31.525.8
Oct30.422.6
Nov29.618
Dec23.511.9

Maximum and Minimum Temperature – 2008-2010

The below chart will show the Max and Min Temperatures in Naogaon District during the years 2008-2010.2 Hover over any bar of the chart to see their data.

Maximum Recorded Temperature in Naogaon from 1990 to 2010

The climate of Naogaon is moderate in Bangladesh. The temperature of this region is relatively lower than Dhaka. The table below shows the maximum temperature of Naogaon from 1990 to 2010. Here, along with the year, on which date of the month this maximum temperature was recorded, it is also mentioned.

YearMax Temp (°C)Date
199040.0023 April & 24 April
199140.202 April & 4 May
199242.7014 April
199339.2012 May
199442.505 May & 6 May
199543.301 May & 25 May
199642.0021 April
199740.2011 May & 12 May
199839.0015 May
199941.8025 April
200039.506 April
200140.0010 April and 24 April
200239.2020 May
200340.3012 April & 13 April
200442.2013 May
200542.802 June
200640.9022 May
200741.0028 April
200841.4031 May
200941.6019 May
201040.5011 May

Average Seasonal Variation of Rainfall

Year 2017

  • Summer: 339 mm
  • Monsoon: 950 mm
  • Post Monsoon: 198 mm
  • Winter: 9 mm
  • Annual Average: 1496 mm

Year 2018

  • Summer: 357 mm
  • Monsoon: 714 mm
  • Post Monsoon: 35 mm
  • Winter: 27 mm
  • Annual Average: 1132 mm3

For current weather of Naogaon, see here.

Population

As per the 2022 census, the population of Naogaon district is as follows:

  • Total Population: 2,784,598
  • Male: 1,374,312
  • Female: 1,408,840
  • Hijra: 173
  • Sex Ratio: 97.55 males for every 100 females

For detailed population statistics of Naogaon district, see here.

Widowed and Divorced/separated Population (2011 census)

Widowed

  • Male: 0.8 %
  • Female: 10.2 %

Divorced/separated

  • Male: 0.2 %
  • Female: 1.4 %

Religious Population

As per the 2022 census, the religious population ratio is as follows:

  • Muslim: 86.82%
  • Hindu: 11.45%
  • Christian: 0.77%
  • Buddhist: 0.01%
  • Others: 0.95% Other or not stated (Santal, Oraon, Mahali etc.)

Literacy Rates in Naogaon District

According to the 2022 census, the literacy rate is determined based on the population aged 7 years and older. The overall literacy rate, as well as the breakdown by gender, are provided below:

  • Total Literacy Rate: 72.14%
  • Male Literacy Rate: 74.66%
  • Female Literacy Rate: 69.70%
  • Hijra (third gender) Literacy Rate: 48.5%

This chart presents the literacy rate in Naogaon district for different genders: Male, Female, and Hijra.

Upazila-wise Literacy Rate Chart

Naogaon District Education Office situated at Muktir Mor. Photo captured in 2023.
The Naogaon District Education Office located at Muktir Mor. Photographed in 2023.

Number of Educational Institutions

Naogaon district has a variety of educational institutions for students of all levels. From primary schools to technical institutes, the numbers of various educational institutions located in the district are given here.

  • Government College: 6
  • University: 1
  • Medical College: 1
  • Technical Training Center: 2 (Naogaon Sadar Upazila – 1, Raninagar Upazila – 1)
  • Private College: 47
  • Government Secondary School: 4
  • Private Secondary School: 462
  • Primary School: 1,374
  • Government Technical Education Institute: 1
  • Private Technical Education Institute: 51
  • Madrasa: 350
  • PTI (Primary Training Institute): 1
  • Sarkari Shishu Paribar (State Children Home): 1
  • Private Orphanage: 138
  • Library: Government – 1, Private – 1
New Technical Training Centre (TTC) at Lokhiner Mor, Raninagar (রাণীনগর), Naogaon.
The newly established Technical Training Centre (TTC) at Lokhiner Mor in Raninagar (রাণীনগর), Naogaon.

Notable Educational Institutions

Notable educational institutions in Naogaon district: Central Girl’s High School (1926), Naogaon Girl’s High School (1948), Raja Haranath High School (1990), Kaligram Rabindranath Institute (1910), Naogaon Medical College (2018), Naogaon Govt. Technical School and College, Chak Athita High School, Chakla High School (1916), Kritipur High School (1921), Naogaon Govt. College (1961), Mohadevpur Sarba Mongala (Pilot) High School (1921), Naogaon Zilla School (1917), Parimohan (PM) Girl’s High School (1909), Sapahar Pilot High School, Saraswatipur High School, Khidirpur High School, Basiruddin Memorial Co-operative (BMC) College (1946), Hapania High School and College, Nazipur Government College, Sapahar Government College.

Education Engineering Department (EED) office located at Muktir Mor.
The Education Engineering Department (EED) building situated at Muktir Mor (মুক্তির মোড়) near District Education Office in Naogaon.

Cultural Organisations

Club 668, press club 2, public library 27, dakbungalow 13, circuit house 1 and some others.

Number of Cinema Halls in Each Upazila

The table below provides information on the number of cinema halls in various Upazilas of Naogaon district. The data, based on the 2011 census, provides an overview of the entertainment infrastructure within the district.4 Please note that the current number of cinema halls may differ.

UpazilaNumber of Cinema Halls
Atrai1
Badalgachhi1
Dhamoirhat3
Manda1
Mohadevpur2
Naogaon Sadar1
Niamatpur1
Patnitala3
Porsha2
Raninagar0
Sapahar2

Orphanages in Naogaon District

The chart below visualizes the number of orphanages in each Upazila of the Naogaon district. According to the 2011 census data, Mohadevpur Upazila has the highest number of orphanages, with 27, while Atrai has the lowest, with just 3.

Villages in Naogaon district

Naogaon district is a village-dominated region like other regions of Bangladesh. According to the 2011 census, the total number of villages in this district is 2779. Among the 11 upazilas of the district, Niamatpur upazila has the highest number of 344 villages while Raninagar upazila has the lowest number of 174.

A beautiful village scene in Naogaon Sadar Upazila.
A beautiful village with a mud road in Naogaon Sadar Upazila.

Rivers in Naogaon district

The district has 10 rivers on its land. They are: Atrai, Punarbhaba, Little Jamuna, Gur, Dhol, Tulshiganga, Nagor, Noor, Fokinni and Shiva.

See details about rivers in Naogaon district

Communication

Roadway

Paved roads: 401.25 km, including 15 km of HBB (High Bituminous Binder)
Unpaved roads: 99.75 km
Built by LGED: 5048 km
Built by Zilla Parishad: 1693.75 km (including both paved HBB and unpaved roads)

Main Bus Station: Baludanga Central Bus Terminal

Length of Highway

The chart above displays the length of highways in the Naogaon district, as reported in the Statistical Yearbook Bangladesh 2022, as well as stating these lengths in kilometers.5

Railrway

Total Railway: 27 km
Railway Stations: Raninagar, Sahagola, and Ahsanganj (Atrai)

Waterway

Waterway (river + canal) round the year: total 87 km in the district
Upazila Wise waterway:

  • Atrai: 10 km
  • Mohadevpur: 37 km
  • Naogaon sadar: 40 km

Upazila-wise Waterway Chart

Out of the 11 upazilas in Naogaon district, only three maintain waterways that are accessible throughout the year, while the others do not. These waterways consist solely of rivers and canals, as per the 2011 census.6

This chart represents the waterway length by Upazila in Naogaon District. The length is stated in kilometers.

Number of Road Accidents in Naogaon District (2016-2019)

A road accident is an unforeseen tragedy. Although, such incidents are common in Bangladesh. Similarly, Naogaon district is no exception. In light of this, according to the Statistical Yearbook Bangladesh 2022, here are the figures for road accidents in the district from 2016 to 2019, including the number of people killed and injured.7

2016
  • Accidents: 14
  • Persons Killed: 12
  • Persons Injured: 20
2017
  • Accidents: 22
  • Persons Killed: 23
  • Persons Injured: 11
2018
  • Accidents: 25
  • Persons Killed: 27
  • Persons Injured: 37
2019
  • Accidents: 15
  • Persons Killed: 13
  • Persons Injured: 7

Main Crops

Naogaon is especially known for the production of food grains. The main crops of this district are: paddy, wheat, jute, mango, potato, sugarcane, oilseeds, pulses etc.

Newly constructed office complex at Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamar Bari (খামার বাড়ি), Naogaon
A very modern looking beautiful office complex of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Khamar Bari (খামার বাড়ি), Naogaon. Photo taken by Rumon Anam in August 2023 AD.

Cropping Land Types in Naogaon District

The lands in Naogaon district are considerably fertile compared to other regions of Bangladesh. As a result, different types of cultivation are seen. Based on the 2018 Bangladesh Agriculture Survey, here are the various types and quantities of cropping land:

  • Single cropped land: 74,123.88 acres
  • Double cropped land: 421,035.83 acres
  • Triple cropped Land: 29,836.78 acres
  • Four or more cropped land: 1,641.91 acres
  • Fish land: 490.35 acres

This chart represents the different types of cultivated land in Naogaon district. The amount of land is stated in acres.

The state-run Regional Duck Breeding Farm (নওগাঁ আঞ্চলিক হাঁস প্রজনন খামার) situated on Santahar Road.
Government run Regional Duck Breeding Farm (নওগাঁ আঞ্চলিক হাঁস প্রজনন খামার) located on Santahar Road.

Fisheries in Naogaon

Fish Production Overview of 2021-2022

  • Registered Fishermen: 17,751
  • Fish Farmers: 33,276
  • Trained Fish Farmers (Fiscal Year 2021-22): 3,550
  • Government Fish Hatcheries: 3 (Including 2 rural hatcheries)
  • Private Fish Hatcheries: 28
  • Juvenile Fish Traders: 356
  • Total Fish Production: 83,861 Metric Tons8
Live fish on a tray with water at Naogaon town fish market.
A tray of lively fish in water at Naogaon town fish market.

Fish Production and Demand Chart (2021-2022)

Hover over bars of the chart to see their data.

This chart represents the fish production, demand, and surplus in Naogaon District for the year 2021-2022. The data is stated in metric tons.

Fish Demand Calculation Method

The total fish demand was calculated based on the daily per person requirement of 60 grams, and given that the total population of Naogaon district was 2,784,598, the annual total fish demand amounted to 60,982.69 metric tons for the 2021-2022 year.

OMS Dealers In Naogaon District

For individuals and families with limited financial ability, the government offers essential items like rice, pulses, flour, cooking oil, salt, etc., at reduced prices through the Open Market Sales (OMS) program. This program operates nationwide, including in Naogaon, and is concurrently managed by the Department of Food. Below, for instance, are the names, addresses, and phone numbers of OMS dealers in the Naogaon district.9

Dealer NameDealer AddressMobile Number
Al HelalChalkdev para, Khanpara, Naogaon01824-886393
Shyamal Kumar BiswasArji Naogaon, Naogaon01728-268389
Subrata Poddar (Naru)Dabpatti (ডাবপট্টি), Naogaon01740-866882
Rahmat Ali MollaAratdarapatti (আড়তদারপট্টি), Naogaon01713-781379
Ariful IslamPar-Naogaon, Naogaon01718-882565
Mamunur Rahman MilonHat Naogaon, Naogaon01312-474408
A.B.M. Shamim KabirMadhyadurgapur (মধ্যদূর্গাপুর), Naogaon01931-174123
Hosen AliChokpran, Taltali, Naogaon01711-249979
Abdul WahedKhalishakuri, Naogaon01710-136340
Asaduzzaman (Sohel)Chalk Enayet, Naogaon01718-431678
Utpal PalArji Naogaon, Naogaon01712-982590
Palash Kumar DasHat-Naogaon, Naogaon01676-096852
Azmal Hosen (Badsha)Boalia, Naogaon01712-652149
Abdul MannanKazir Mor, Naogaon01711-267933
Mosharaf Hosen (Shanto)Chalk Gobind(চকগৌবিন্দ), Naogaon01711-937070
Sukhen SardarParail, Raninagar, Naogaon01759-036121

Main Fruits

Banana, mango, jackfruit, guava, litchi, orange, coconut etc.

Recently, Naogaon district has made great progress in mango production. Below is a chart of annual mango production progress.

This chart represents the yearly mango production in Naogaon District. The production is stated in metric tons.

Haats and Bazaars in Naogaon District

Naogaon district is home to many haats and bazaars. A haat is a type of marketplace that sets up on one or several specific days of the week, while bazaars open every day. Both haats and bazaars are essential trading spots in rural areas, where people buy and sell a range of items, from daily necessities to other goods. In some of the larger haats, people also trade in livestock and furniture.

As of the 2011 census, the district has 248 haats and bazaars. Here is an upazila-wise chart of haats and bazaars in each upazila:

A traditional Bengali snacks shop in Balubhara Haat, Badalgachhi Upazila.
Traditional Bengali snacks shop at Balubhara Haat (বালুভরা হাট) in Badalgachhi Upazila, Naogaon.

Upazila-wise Haats and Bazaars Chart

This chart represents the number of Haat and bazaar in each Upazila of Naogaon district as per the 2011 census.

Health Facicities in Naogaon

Doctor’s Fees

Below is a health related chart based on the 2011 census data. It displays the consultation fees patients were required to pay in non-government clinics, hospitals, or consultation centers during that period. The fees at that time varied depending on the type of doctor consulted. It’s worth noting that today’s doctor fees are significantly higher than that time.

This chart represents the average doctor’s fee in Naogaon district per patient as per the 2011 census. The fee is stated in taka.

Health Centres in Naogaon District

District hospital 1, Medical College 1, upazila heath complex 10, union heath centre 35, family planning centre 42, christian missionary hospital 1.

Frequently Asked Questions about Naogaon

Naogaon District

Why is Naogaon famous?

Naogaon is famous for its historical monuments, such as the Somapura Mahavihara, Kusumba Shahi Mosque, Patisar Rabindra Kachari Bari, Jagaddal Mahavihar, and Dubalhati Rajbari. Additionally, the district plays a significant role in agriculture, including rice production, with numerous rice mills in the area. Recently, Naogaon has also gained recognition for its mango production.

How many upazilas are there in Naogaon district?

There are 11 upazilas in Naogaon district. The names of the upazilas are Atrai, Badalgacchi, Dhamoirhat, Manda, Mohadevpur, Naogaon Sadar, Niamatpur, Patnitala, Porsha, Raninagar, and Sapahar.

How many union councils are there in Naogaon district?

There are 99 union councils in Naogaon district. Union councils are also called Union Parishads.

What type of town is Naogaon?

Naogaon town is the headquarters of the Naogaon district and the location of the Naogaon Sadar Upazila headquarters. It is located near the Choto Jamuna River and is home to the newly established Naogaon Medical College. The town does not have a railway station.

How many police stations and upazilas are there in Naogaon district?

‘Thana’ refers to both a police station and an upazila (sub-district). Naogaon district has 11 police stations, 3 police outposts, and 11 upazilas.

What is the NWD code of Naogaon?

The NWD code for Naogaon is 074. The NWD code also refers to the TNT/BTCL code.

How many rivers are there in Naogaon district?

Naogaon district has 10 rivers. The main river of Naogaon district is Atrai.

Source and References

  1. Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics – 2021 ↩︎
  2. District Statistics 2011, Naogaon ↩︎
  3. Statistical Yearbook Bangladesh 2022 ↩︎
  4. District Statistics 2011, Naogaon ↩︎
  5. Statistical Yearbook Bangladesh 2022 ↩︎
  6. District Statistics 2011, Naogaon ↩︎
  7. Statistical Yearbook Bangladesh 2022 ↩︎
  8. জেলা মৎস্য কর্মকর্তার কার্যালয়, নওগাঁ, At a Glance ↩︎
  9. Office of the District Food Controller, Naogaon – OMS Naogaon Dealer List ↩︎

Some data sourced from: Naogaon District Portal

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18 Comments

  1. […] Naogaon is a northern district of Bangladesh which is renowned for its rich agriculture. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy. This district belongs to the Barind region and the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is responsible for its agricultural development. The farmers here produce a diverse range of agri products, and the agricultural output of this district significantly contributes to the country’s agriculture sector. According to the Year Book of Agricultural Statistics of Bangladesh 2022, the district has 6,11,822 holdings. Of these, 63.83% have farming facilities where they grow different kinds of crops.1 […]

  2. […] Upazila (Bangla: আত্রাই উপজেলা) is a southern upazila (sub-district) of Naogaon district. Previously, Atrai was a thana (Bangla: থানা) that established in 1916. It has an area of […]

  3. […] Naogaon district has a total of 48 union land offices. These offices provide essential land services at the local level. They are the final layer in the Bangladesh Government’s land-related administrative structure. Each office consists of one or more Union Parishad areas. As a result, this integration has led to the union land offices being named after the unions they serve. […]

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