Background, Geographic Area and Location: Khulna zila was the first subdivision of undivided Bengal in 1842. It was upgraded to a zila in 1882. Nothing is definitely known about the zila name. Local tradition states that the area is called after Khullana, a heroine of Hindu mythology who dedicated to kali, a shrine called the temple of the Khullaneswari on the bank of the river Bhairab. The zila is bounded on the north by Jessore and Narail zilas, on the east by Bagerhat zila, on the south by the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Satkhira zila. The zila lies between 22°12' and 23°59' north latitudes and between 89°14' and 89°45' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 4394.45 sq. km. (1696.00 sq. miles) including 2348.55 sq. km. (906.78 sq. miles) forest areas.
Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 35.5°C and lowest 12.5°C; annual rainfall is 1710 mm.
Main Rivers: Rupsa-Pasur, Bhairab, Shibsha, Dharla, Bhadra, Ball, and Kobadak.
Forest: SUNDARBANS (1,66,814 hectares).
Administration: Khulna zila was established on 1882. The area of the town is 20.60 sq km. The zila consists of 14 upazilas/thanas, 68 unions, 747 mauzas, 1106 villages, 1 City Corporation, 31 city wards, 188 city mahallas, 2 paurashava, 18 wards and 20 mahallas.The upazilas are BATIAGHATA, DACOPE, DUMURIA, DIGHALIA, KOYRA, PAIKGACHHA, PHULTALA, RUPSA and TEROKHADA. The thanas are KHALISHPUR, KHAN JAHAN ALI, KOTWALI, DAULATPUR and SONADANGA.
Historical Events: In 16 December of 1971, Independent Bangladesh was established but Khulna was under the control of Pakistani Army. Next on 17 December as the Pakistani Army surrendered in the Circuit House ground, Khulna got her Independence. Pir Khan Jahan Ali came to preach Islam in this zila about 400 years ago. In 1926 Mahatma Gandhi came to Khalishpur to inspire the Swadeshi Movement.
Marks of War of Liberation: Sculpture 1 (Bir Bangali), Monument 5, Mass grave 3.
Religious Institutions: Mosque 1500, Tomb 4, Temple 646, Church 22, Place of pilgrimage 3, Monastery 1.
Main Crops: Paddy, jute, sesame, betel nut, and vegetable.
Main Fruits: Jackfruit, mango, banana.
Traditional Transport: Palanquin (extinct), horse carriage and bullock cart (nearly extinct), and boats.
Main Export Items: Paddy, rice, jute, sesame, betel nut, gur, mango, jackfruit, prawn.
