List of cities in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a South Asian country with a fast-growing urban population. The country is administratively divided into divisions and districts, and urban areas are classified as cities, municipalities (pourashavas), and towns. Cities in Bangladesh are typically governed by City Corporations or Municipal Corporations, and they serve as major hubs of economic, cultural, and administrative activity.
As of 2024, Bangladesh has 12 major City Corporations and over 300 municipalities. Below is a list of the most prominent cities in the country, categorized by City Corporation status and regional importance.
Major Cities with City Corporations
The following cities are governed by City Corporations and are considered the largest and most developed urban centers in Bangladesh.
| City | Division | Status | Population (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | Dhaka | Capital City | 21 million | Capital and largest city |
| Chattogram | Chattogram | Port City | 9 million | Major seaport and commercial hub |
| Khulna | Khulna | Industrial City | 1.5 million | Known for jute and shipbuilding |
| Rajshahi | Rajshahi | Education Hub | 1 million | Famous for mangoes and silk |
| Sylhet | Sylhet | Religious City | 700,000 | Major diaspora center (UK-Bangladesh) |
| Barisal | Barisal | River Port City | 500,000 | Known for rivers and floating markets |
| Rangpur | Rangpur | Northern City | 800,000 | Agricultural and trade center |
| Mymensingh | Mymensingh | New Division Capital | 400,000 | Declared a City Corporation in 2018 |
| Cumilla | Chattogram | Cultural City | 600,000 | Rich in archaeological heritage |
| Gazipur | Dhaka | Industrial Suburb | 2 million | Important for textile manufacturing |
| Narayanganj | Dhaka | River Port | 1.2 million | Called the "Dundee of the East" |
| Dinajpur (Proposed) | Rangpur | Emerging City | ~300,000 | Under consideration for city corporation |
Other Notable Cities and Towns
These urban centers are governed by municipalities (pourashavas) but are important due to their size, economic role, or cultural significance.
- Bogra – Historic trade city in Rajshahi Division
- Jessore – Known for agriculture and airbase
- Pabna – Industrial town with pharmaceutical plants
- Noakhali – Important in coastal administration
- Savar – Suburb of Dhaka with garment industries
- Tangail – Known for handloom sarees
- Feni – Border town with industrial zones
- Kushtia – Famous for Lalon music and Rabindra heritage
- Maulvibazar – Tea-producing region in Sylhet Division
- Cox's Bazar – Hosts the world's longest natural sea beach
Fastest Growing Urban Areas
With rapid urbanization, several towns are emerging as future cities, including:
- Madaripur
- Narsingdi
- Satkhira
- Sherpur
- Netrokona
- Chandpur
These areas are being developed under government urban development programs.
Urban Classification in Bangladesh
- City Corporation (নগরসভা): For major cities with large populations and high revenue.
- Municipality (পৌরসভা): Smaller towns with urban features and local governance.
- Metropolitan Area: Dhaka and Chattogram are the only officially recognized metro areas.
See Also
- Administrative divisions of Bangladesh
- List of cities by population
- Urbanization in Bangladesh