BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu has pledged that his party will prioritise elevating Noakhali to divisional status should it return to power.
Speaking at a press conference organised by the Noakhali District Association at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Monday, Bulu highlighted Noakhali’s historical, economic, and strategic importance.
“Noakhali’s land area is expanding by nearly 2,000 square kilometres due to natural accretion, and it is emerging as a vital seaport region,” Bulu said. “Since the birth of Bangladesh, leaders from Noakhali have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s destiny. Sirajul Alam Khan, a key architect of the Liberation War, hailed from this region. ASM Abdur Rab, who hoisted the first flag of independent Bangladesh at Dhaka University, was also from Noakhali. The district has produced renowned journalists and hosted the first district committee formed after the creation of Pakistan.”
He added, “Begum Khaleda Zia, the most prominent political figure in contemporary Bangladesh, also belongs to Greater Noakhali. Given these contributions, it is only right that Noakhali be recognised as a full-fledged division.”
In response to a question, Bulu noted that during previous BNP administrations, the creation of new divisions, such as Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh, was prioritised. “Now, Noakhali must be next. If the BNP assumes office, making Noakhali a division will be our top administrative priority.”
In a written statement read aloud at the event, KM Mozammel Haque—former secretary and senior vice-president of the Noakhali District Association in Dhaka—underscored the district’s demographic and economic significance. “Noakhali has a 3,000-year-old historical legacy. It is approximately 1,200 square kilometres larger than Comilla and home to over four million people. The district hosts key government offices and is the ancestral home of numerous national figures.”
He further stressed Noakhali’s role in Bangladesh’s blue economy, citing its river ports and maritime potential. “Industrialists from Noakhali contribute nearly 30% to the nation’s GDP through trade and industry. Establishing a division here would not only honour its legacy but also decentralise governance and improve public service delivery.”
The event was moderated by Noakhali District Association General Secretary Md. Abdul Mabud Dulal and attended by leaders from various political and civil society organisations, including representatives from the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Ganatantrik Adhikar Suraksha Mancha (Ganadhikar).