Background, Geographic Area and Location: Jhalokathi was formally a sub-division of Barisal zila. It was upgraded to a zila on February 1, 1984. It is generally believed that the present area of the zila headquarters was full of dense forest. Once a group of Jelay (meaning fisherman in Bengali) settled here cutting the forest, the name of the zila is said to have been derived from the combination of the above words Jelay and Cutting. Jhalokathi zila, is situated on the bank of the Sugandha river. It is bounded on the north by Pirojpur and Barisal zilas, on the east by Barisal zila, on the south by Barguna zila and on the west by Pirojpur zila. It lies between 22° 20' and 22° 47' north latitudes and between 90° 01' and 90° 23' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 706.76 sq.km (272.00 sq.miles).
Temperature and Rainfall: Annual average temperature - maximum 33.3°C, minimum 12.1°C and rainfall 2506 mm.
Main Rivers: Bishkhali, Sugandha, Dhansiri, Gabkhan, Jangalia and Bamanda.
Administration: Jhalokathi subdivision was established in 1972 and was turned into a zila in 1984. The zila consists of 4 upazilas, 33 unions, 400 mauzas, 452 villages, 2 paurashavas, 18 wards and 68 mahallas. The upazilas are JHALOKATHI SADAR, KANTHALIA, NALCHITY and RAJAPUR.
Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Sujabad Kellah (fort), remnants of the Ghosal Rajbari, Old Municipal Building, Civil Court Building (1781), Surichora Jami Mosque, Madabar Mosque.
Historical Events: During the British rule 17 Muslims were killed in an encounter with the British army at Kulkati. Due to navigation facilities the area attracted the Europeans; the East India Company, the Dutch and the French established their trade centres in phases. Because of its commercial importance Jhalokathi was called the 'second Kolkata'. During the War of Liberation Rezaul Karim of village Besain Khan (Jhalokathi Sadar Upazila) formed the Manik Bahini consisting of 24 members to resist the Pak army. On 16 June 1971, the Pak army in collaboration with some local Razakars captured and killed them. On 27 April the Pak army set on fire in Jalokhati Town and caused heavy damages.
Marks of the War of Liberation: Mass killing site 2, memorial plate 2, memorial sculpture 1.
Main Crops: Paddy, betel leaf.
Main Fruits: Mango, banana, palm, lichi and coconut.
Traditional Transport: Palanquin (extinct), boat.
