The 145th founding anniversary of Khulna district was celebrated on Saturday in a festive atmosphere, with participation from people of all walks of life as well as various political and cultural organizations.
A colourful procession, accompanied by traditional drums and musical instruments, turned the city into a vibrant celebration ground.
The programmes were organized by the Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee. Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju inaugurated the daylong events and addressed a discussion as the chief guest. The session was presided over by Convener of the organizing committee Sheikh Ashraf Uz Zaman.
Among others, Member of Parliament Advocate Sheikh Jahangir Hossain Helal, District Council Administrator SM Monirul Hasan Bappi, City BNP President Shafiqul Alam Mona, and city Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Professor Md Mahfuzur Rahman also spoke at the event.
Speakers highlighted the historical significance of Khulna and called for united efforts to ensure the city’s planned and sustainable development.
According to historical records, Khulna emerged as an administrative centre in 1842, centred around Noabad Thana and Kismat Khulna on the banks of the Bhairab and Rupsha rivers. Following the establishment of Khulna subdivision, the area gained importance due to its strategic location and the expansion of British administration.
Later, on April 25, 1882, Khulna was officially declared a district through a gazette notification, comprising Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira, with an area of 4,630 square miles and a population of 43,500. Prior to that, Khulna was part of Jessore district. British officer WM Clay served as the first magistrate of the district.
Marking the anniversary, a colourful banana tree raft race was also held on the Moyuri River on Friday afternoon. Large crowds gathered along the riverbanks to enjoy the lively event.