Background, Geographic Area and Location: Madaripur was one of the sub-divisions of former Faridpur district. It was turned into zila on the 1st March, 1984. It is not known how the name Madaripur came into existence. There is hearsay that in the long past a Sufi (saint) named Bodiuddin Shah Madar came to the present area of the zila and set up hermitage inorder to preach Islam. It is believed that the zila has been named after the name of the Sufi. The zila is bounded on the north by Faridpur and Munshiganj zilas, on the east by Shariatpur zila, on the south by Gopalganj and Barisal zilas and on the west by Faridpur and Gopalganj zilas. The total area of the zila is 1125.69 sq.km. (434.00 sq. miles) of which 108.08 sq.km. (41.73 sq.miles) is reverine. The zila lies between 23º 00' and 23º 30' north latitudes and between 89º 56' and 90º 21' east longitudes.
Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 35.8°C, minimum 12.6°C. Total rainfall is 2105 mm.
Administration: Madaripur subdivision was established in 1854 under the district of Bakerganj. In 1873 it was separated from Bakerganj and annexed to Faridpur district. Madaripur subdivision was turned into a district in 1984. The zila consists of 4 upazilas, 59 unions, 479 mauzas, 1062 villages, 3 paurashavas, 27 wards and 89 mahallas. The upazilas are MADARIPUR SADAR, SHIBCHAR, RAJOIR and KALKINI.
Historical Events: The most important historical event is the FARAIZI MOVEMENT led by Haji Shariatullah (1781-1840). During the War of Liberation many direct encounters were held between the freedom fighters and the Pakistan army. The freedom fighters of Madaripur captured 40 Pakistani soldiers including a Major and a Captain.
Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Aoliapur Neelkuti, Algi Kazibadi Mosque, Ram Mandir at Khalia, Senapati Dighi and the tomb of Shah Mazar.
Main Crops: Jute, paddy, peanut, onion, garlic, chilli, sugarcane, mustard, pulse and wheat.
Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, banana, coconut, guava, litchi, watermelon.
Main Exports: Jute, jute-goods, date molasses, sugarcane molasses, cotton, betel nut.
