Barguna
Barguna is an administrative region and district in the southern part of Bangladesh, under the Barisal Division. To its south lies Patuakhali and the Bay of Bengal, to the north are Jhalokati, Barisal, Pirojpur, and Patuakhali, to the east is Patuakhali, and to the west are Pirojpur and Bagerhat. The district is composed of 6 upazilas, 6 police stations, 4 municipalities, 42 unions, and 2 parliamentary constituencies. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Barguna district was 892,781.
The economy of Barguna is primarily based on agriculture. The main crops grown here include rice, peanuts, mustard, sunflower, and different types of pulses. Jute was once cultivated in this region, but over time it lost its popularity as a cash crop. Being a coastal district, a large portion of the local people depend on fishing for their livelihood. In 2007, Barguna was one of the worst-affected districts when Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh, causing massive devastation.
The origin of the name Barguna does not have any definitive historical record, but there are several popular beliefs. One story suggests that timber traders from the northern region used to bring wood here and had to wait for high tide (locally called Boro Gona) to cross the strong current of the Khakdon River. Over time, Boro Gona gradually transformed into Barguna. Another belief is that boats had to be pulled with ropes (Goon) against the current, which gave the place its name. Yet another opinion holds that the district may have been named after a powerful Rakhine resident once known as Barguna.
Barguna is famous for coconuts and betel nuts. The district also has a rich food heritage. Traditional delicacies include Chuiya Pitha, Chaba Pitha, Muitto Pitha, Allan, Bisky, Tal-er Morobba (preserved palm fruit), Shirni, coconut milk sweets, rice bread, Hilsa fish dishes, and various desserts. Among them, Hilsa recipes hold special significance—fried Hilsa, spiced Hilsa (Bhuna), Hilsa in mustard sauce (Shorshe Ilish), and Hilsa cooked in banana leaf (Paturi) are especially popular, thanks to the district’s location at the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and several rivers where fresh Hilsa is abundant.
Other notable dishes include local freshwater fish curries, prawn Malai Curry, stir-fried greens with ash gourd (Patshak & Chal Kumra Ghonto), raw banana kofta, and different types of rice cakes and puddings made with coconut and molasses. Sweets like Moa, Chitai Pitha, Bhapa Pitha, and palm cakes (Tal Pitha) are also beloved by the locals. These foods not only delight the taste buds but also represent the cultural and culinary traditions of Barguna.
Barguna also boasts a number of historical and natural attractions. These include the Bibi Chini Mosque at Betagi, established during the Mughal period; the Buddhist Temple and Buddhist Academy in Taltali; Laldia Beach at Patharghata’s Haringhata; Sonakata Sea Beach and Sonakata Eco Park; the Fatrar Forest, which is part of the Sundarbans; Bihongo Island (Dhanshiri Char); and the picturesque Shubho Shondhya Beach.
