Background, Geographic Area and Location: Bhola zila, the largest riverine delta of the world became a sub-division in 1845 bearing the name of South Shahbazpur. At that time it was a part of Noakhali zila which was then transfered to Barisal zila in 1869. The sub-division was renamed as Bhola in 1876 when its headquarter was shifted from Daulatkhan to Bhola. It was upgraded to a zila in 1984. It is bounded on the north by Barisal zila, on the east by Lakshmipur and Noakhali zilas, on the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Barisal and Patuakhali zilas. It lies between 21° 00' and 22° 00' north latitudes and between 90° 03' and 91° 01' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 3403.48 sq.km (1314.00 sq.miles) of which 1456.87 sq.km. is under forest.
Zahiruddin, Patila, Dhalchar, Kukri-Mukri and such other chars of different sizes have formed at the river mouths.
Temperature and Rainfall: Annual average temperature - maximum 32.7°C and lowest 11.6°C and rainfall 2360 mm.
Administration: Bhola sub-division was established under Noakhali zila in 1845. At that time its administration centre was at Amania of Daulatkhan. The sub-division was included in Barisal zila in 1869. The sub-division was then consisted of Daulatkhan and Burhanuddin Hat Thanas and three outposts such as Taltali, Gazipur and Tazumuddin. The sub-divisional head quarters was shifted from Daulatkhan to Bhola in 1876. It was elevated to a zila on 1 February 1984. Bhola Municipal town was established in 1920. The zila consists of 7 upazilas, 62 unions, 409 mauzas, 473 villages, 5 paurashavas, 45 wards and 63 mahallas. The upazilas are BHOLA SADAR, DAULATKHAN, BURHANUDDIN, TAZUMUDDIN, MANPURA, LALMOHAN and CHARFASSON.
Historical Events: Many people of the zila, especially of Charfasson and Tazumuddin, lost their lives in a devastating cyclone and tidal bore in 1970. During the WAR OF LIBERATION a battle between the freedom fighters and the Pak army was fought at Ghuigarhat (Bhola Sadar) in which 121 freedom fighters were killed. In another encounter at Bangla Bazar about 80 members of the Pak army were killed.
Marks of War of Liberation: Memorial sculpture at Char Jangla.
Mineral Resources: A gas field has been traced at Kachi Union under Burhanuddin Upazila. It has been named Shahbazpur Gas Field. Quantity of gas 0.5938 TCF of which 0.3340 TCF gas is procurable.
Main Crops: Paddy, potato, onion, chilli, garlic, mustard seed, nut, betel leaf, betel nut. Extinct and nearly extinct crops are Tobacco, linseed.
Main Fruits: Coconut, jackfruit, papaya, amra, banana.
Traditional Transports: Bullock cart.
