Rangamati District Information

Rangamati is a district which is a part of the Chittagong Hill Tracts and it is in South-eastern Bangladesh. Rangamati subdivision was turned into a district in 1983. It consists of 10 upazilas, 1 municipality, 9 wards, 35 mahallas, 50 union parishads, 162 mouzas and 1347 villages .The upazilas are Baghaichhari, Barkal, Kawkhali, Belaichhari, Kaptai, Juraichhari, Langadu, Nannerchar, RajasthaliRangapani and Rangamati sadar. The combination of Hill- Lake-Plain land is wonderful. 1291.5 sq. km is riverine ,4824.63 sq.km.is under forest vegetation and the lake area is about 650 sq. km.

Area: 6116.13 sq km. Rangamati is the largest district of the country.

Boundary: It is bounded by the Tripura state of India on the north, Bandarban District on the south, Mizoram State of India and Chin State of Myanmar on the east, and Khagrachari and Chittagong Districts on the west.

Population: Total population is 5,08,182 (2005 census ). Among them tribal 52% and Bangalee 48%. Males are 2,87,060 and the females are 2,38,043 (Census 2001). Male constituted 53.59% and female constituted 46.41% of the population.

Density: 83 per square kilometer (Census 2001).

Ethnic community:52% population of this district is divided into 11 tribes . they are Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, Tripura, Pankua, Lushi, Khiang, Murang, Rakhain, Chak, Bowm,Khumi. As per census of 2005, the population of Chakma is 1,86,395, Marma-44,727, Tanchanga-18,607, Tripura-6,697, Pankho- 2,118, Bowm-1,053, khyang- 791, Lusai- 217, Chak- 177, Rakhain-70, Khumi-50,Gurkha-03,Etc-174.

Religion: Buddhist 53.83%,Muslim 39.28%, Hindu 5.62% and Christian 1.12%.

Main crops:Paddy, jute, potato, cotton, corn, mustard seed. Main occupations is Agriculture 41.94%.

Main fruits: Mango, jackfruit, banana, pineapple, litchi, black berry.

Rangamati Town :Rangamati town is the Administrative Headquarter of Rangamati District in the Chittagong Hill Tracts . It’s a travel destination of Bangladesh which is known as “Lake City” for its marvelous beauty. The town is mainly divided into 13 areas. They are Vedvedi, Collegegate, Rajbari, Newmarket, Banarupa, Kathaltoli, Fishery Ghath, Reserve Bazar, Launch Ghath, Pathor Ghata, Tabalchori, Mazher Basti, Asam Basti. The town is 77 km away from Chittagong.
The town is on the western bank of the Kaptai lake. For tourists, the attractions of Rangamati are numerous. Rangamati is a favourite holiday destination also for its beautiful scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribal life, tribal museum, its flora and fauna, hanging bridge, homespun textile products and ivory jewelery etc .
Educational Institutions :
Government college 2, non-government college 13, government high school 6, non-government high school 45, junior school 22, government primary school 291, non-government primary school 120, madrasa 61, technical school 7.
Other institutions:
There are 155 Cultural organisations Club,3 public library, 5cinema hall, 2officers club, 2shilpakala academy. Major industries includes Chandraghona Paper and Rayon Mill, Plywood Factory, Hydro-electric Project, Satellite Station at Betbunia, Ghagra Textile Mills etc. there are 10 Upazila health complex, 28 union health centre and 48 family planning centre.

Places of interest:
The only Tribal Cultural Museum in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region is in this district. It was established at Rangamati town in 1978 and run by the Tribal Cultural Institute. It preserves valuable objects and articles of different tribes representing their socio-economic, cultural and historical tradition. They are typical tribal dresses, ornaments, arms and ammunitions, coins, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals, musical instruments, ivory products, handicrafts, paintings on tribal life etc.
Hanging Bridge(Jhulonto Bridge in Bengali)is one of the most attactive site. It is the landmark icon of Rangamati. It’s a popular tourist spot and a must go destination.
Kaptai lake is a wonderful spot for boating and cruising. One can go to various scenic spots in Shuvalong, Barkal, Longadu, Mainimukh and other areas by boat from Rangamati town.
Palace, dighi and mosque of Raja Jan Bashk Khan and remnants of the residence of Raja Harish Chandra Roy are places of interest.
Chakma Raj Bari (King’s palace), Weekly Hat (market) or any tribal village is a place to see. For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous like observing tribal life, fishing, speedboat cruising, water-skiing or hiking .

The tribal handicraft factory and sales center run by BSCIC produces many varieties of souvenirs made of bamboo, cane, straw, textile and leather. These are very attractive to the tourists.