Land for Sale in Barishal

Barishal District is an important district of Barisal Division, Bangladesh. Located in south-central Bangladesh on the banks of the Kirtankhola River, it was historically known as Bakla-Chandradwip. The district was established in 1797 as Bakerganj District and became the headquarters of Barisal Division in 1993. The district covers an area of 2,784.52 square kilometers, and according to the 2022 census, the population is 2,570,371. Barishal city serves as the district headquarters and is known as the "Venice of South Bengal." The district is bordered by Chandpur, Madaripur, and Shariatpur districts to the north; Jhalokati, Barguna, and Patuakhali districts to the south; Laxmipur District and the Meghna River to the east; and Pirojpur, Jhalokati, and Gopalganj districts to the west. The district comprises 10 upazilas, 1 city corporation, 6 municipalities, and 87 union parishads.

Barishal's economy is robust in agriculture, fisheries, and industry. The district is one of Bangladesh's leading rice-producing regions, cultivating the famous Balam (basmati) rice on a very large scale. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, total paddy production reached 519,889 metric tonnes. The district also plays a leading role in fish production—113,257.60 metric tonnes of fish were produced, including 38,518 metric tonnes of Hilsa. Barishal's 'Chyapa Shutki' (dried fish made from pool barb) has gained nationwide popularity. Approximately 3,000 tonnes of dried fish worth Tk 5-6 crore are produced in Agailjhara and Ujirpur upazilas, employing around 200 people. Pulse production is also significant—66,019 metric tonnes in 2019-20. In the industrial sector, the Barishal BSCIC Industrial Estate was established in 1960 on 131 acres, featuring 470 industrial plots with 377 allocated. Fortune Shoe Factory has invested over Tk 500 crore and employs more than 5,000 workers. However, due to the lack of industrial gas connections and other infrastructure, only 115 plots are currently in full production. If fully operational, the estate could create 50,000 jobs. Economic activities are supported by 16 banks and 77 NGOs. Barishal is known as the second-largest river port in Bangladesh.

Revolutionary developments are underway in Barishal's transportation infrastructure. Since the opening of the Padma Bridge in 2022, the Barishal-Dhaka highway has seen 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles daily. However, a 20 km stretch from Bhurghata to Batajor Kobibari in Gournadi Upazila is severely damaged with potholes, taking twice as long to traverse. The government has announced a six-lane highway from Bhanga to Patuakhali via Barishal, along with a rail link from Bhanga to Patuakhali through Barishal. Land acquisition for the Bhanga-Barishal railway has been completed, and the DPP has been submitted. However, the riverine terrain between Barishal and Patuakhali requires significant investment, with finalization expected to take 2-3 years. Barishal Airport currently operates only one weekly flight to Dhaka, though expansion plans are underway. Barishal River Port, the second largest in Bangladesh, serves as a vital water transport hub connecting to Dhaka and other districts. LGED continues to develop the internal road network, which currently includes 2,621 km of paved roads and 6,175 km of unpaved roads.

Barishal District is a major educational hub in Bangladesh. According to the 2022 census, the literacy rate is 79.85 percent, significantly higher than the national average of 74.80 percent. The district has 1,572 government primary schools, 426 non-government secondary schools, 5 government secondary schools, 61 non-government colleges, 8 government colleges, 1 public university, and 237 madrasas. Notable institutions include the University of Barishal (public university), Barishal Government College, Brojomohun College, Government Hatem Ali College, Government Women's College, Barishal Polytechnic Institute, and Barishal Cadet College. BRAC operates 102 pre-primary schools and 62 community libraries (Gonokendros) in the district. Education has spread across 1,116 villages and 1,001 mouzas in the district. Recent initiatives include increasing the number of digital learning materials and multimedia classrooms to improve education quality.

Barishal District has both government and private healthcare facilities. The district has 12 hospitals. Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (Shebachim) serves as the primary government healthcare center. Upazila health complexes and numerous private clinics also provide services. Under BRAC's health, nutrition, and population program, 130 health workers and 903 health volunteers are deployed, with 2 health centers operating in the district. Healthcare infrastructure development is ongoing, particularly to increase bed capacity and service quality at the medical college hospital. As a coastal district, the Navy and private organizations regularly conduct medical camps to ensure emergency healthcare post-cyclone. Several community clinics have recently been established in remote areas to ensure primary healthcare access.

Barishal District presents highly promising investment opportunities, particularly in the BSCIC Industrial Estate, agro-processing, and renewable energy sectors. The Barishal BSCIC Industrial Estate, established on 131 acres, could create approximately 50,000 jobs if fully operational. Fortune Shoe Factory has already invested over Tk 500 crore. Government initiatives to bring gas connections from Bhola to Barishal, once implemented, will significantly reduce production costs and attract new investment. Agro-processing industries—particularly rice, pulse, and fish processing—offer substantial investment potential. "Chyapa Shutki" has gained nationwide popularity, with current prices ranging from Tk 8,000 to 18,000 per tonne, demonstrating strong profitability. The planned Bhanga-Barishal-Patuakhali six-lane highway and railway projects will reduce transport costs and time, making the region more attractive for investment. The tourism sector also offers potential—Guthia Mosque, Durgasagar, Kirtankhola River, Bangabandhu Udyan, and the Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Museum can be further developed as tourist destinations. The government has recently announced plans to establish an Economic Zone (EPZ) in Barishal, creating new opportunities for investors.

Future development priorities for Barishal include the six-lane highway and railway connectivity, industrial gas connection, full operationalization of the BSCIC Industrial Estate, airport expansion, and tourism sector development. The government has initiated plans for a six-lane highway from Bhanga to Patuakhali via Barishal and a rail link, which will transform Barishal into a major transportation hub for the southern region. Successful implementation of gas connections from Bhola to Barishal will bring revolutionary changes to the industrial sector. Barishal Airport, currently operating only one weekly flight, is planned for expansion with regular flight operations. LGED and RHD are working to improve the district's road network, particularly addressing the deteriorated condition of the Barishal-Dhaka highway. Plans are underway to develop the Barishal BSCIC Industrial Estate as a model industrial hub. Newly appointed advisers have committed to creating an industry-friendly environment and are regularly meeting with entrepreneurs. Government and private initiatives continue toward building Barishal as a sustainable and developed district.