Kutubdia Upazila is an administrative region (upazila) of Cox’s Bazar District in the Chittagong Division of Bangladesh. It is situated on Kutubdia Island, a coastal island in the Bay of Bengal, and serves as the southernmost upazila of the district.
Geography
The upazila occupies the entirety of Kutubdia Island, covering an area of approximately 215 km² (about 83 sq mi). The island lies at the mouth of the Hooghly River (also known locally as the Piyali River) and is separated from the mainland by the Bay of Bengal. The terrain is low‑lying and largely composed of sandy beaches, tidal flats, and mangrove vegetation. The climate is tropical monsoon, with a pronounced rainy season (June–October) and a dry season (November–May).
History and Administration
Originally established as a police outpost (thana) during the British colonial period, the region was upgraded to an upazila in 1983 as part of Bangladesh’s administrative reforms. Kutubdia Upazila is divided into five union parishads, which function as the lowest tier of local government:
- Ali Akbar Dhali Union
- Barama Union
- Burirhat Union
- Dhergaon Union
- Kata Union
These unions are further subdivided into mauzas and villages. The upazila is administered from the Kutubdia Upazila Parishad (council) headquartered in the town of Kutubdia.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Population and Housing Census of Bangladesh, Kutubdia Upazila had a total population of 125,358, with a nearly equal gender distribution (approximately 50 % male and 50 % female). The population density is modest due to the island’s limited land area. The majority of residents are Bengali Muslims, with a small minority of Hindus and indigenous communities. The literacy rate reported in the 2011 census was around 45 %, lower than the national average.
Economy
The island’s economy is predominantly based on marine and agricultural activities:
- Fishing and Aquaculture – The surrounding waters are rich in fish, shrimp, and crab, making capture fisheries the principal source of livelihood. Many households also engage in small‑scale fish processing.
- Agriculture – Limited arable land is used for rice, vegetables, and cash crops such as coconut and betel nut.
- Tourism – The natural beauty of the coastline, the historic Kutubdia Lighthouse, and the presence of marine turtles have attracted a growing number of domestic tourists, especially during the winter months.
Infrastructure and Transport
Kutubdia Island is connected to the mainland primarily by sea transport. Regular ferry services operate between the island’s main jetty and the port of Cox’s Bazar, as well as other nearby coastal points. Within the island, a network of paved and unpaved roads links the union parishads and the central market area. Electricity and telecommunication services have expanded in recent years, though some remote villages still experience limited access.
Education and Health
The upazila hosts a number of primary schools, several secondary schools, and a few higher secondary colleges, providing basic education to the local population. Health facilities include a Upazila Health Complex, community clinics, and several private dispensaries, which together deliver primary health services.
Landmarks
- Kutubdia Lighthouse – Constructed in 1916 during the British period, the lighthouse stands 48 m (approximately 158 ft) tall and remains an important navigational aid for vessels entering the Bay of Bengal. It is also a notable tourist attraction.
- Marine Turtle Nesting Beaches – Certain stretches of the island’s shoreline serve as nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley and Green turtles, prompting modest conservation initiatives by local NGOs and government agencies.
See also
- List of upazilas of Bangladesh
- Cox’s Bazar District
- Islands of Bangladesh
References
- Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Population Census 2011, District Census Handbook: Cox’s Bazar.
- Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, “Administrative Units of Bangladesh.”
- Government of Bangladesh, “Upazila – Parishad (Local Government) System.”
Note: All data reflect officially published statistics and government records available up to 2023.