# Meghna River

> river in Bangladesh

**Wikidata**: [Q1125242](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1125242)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meghna_River)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meghna-river

## Summary

The Meghna River is a major river in Bangladesh, one of the most significant waterways in the country as part of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta system. It flows through Bangladesh and empties into the Bay of Bengal, playing a crucial role in the nation's geography, agriculture, and ecosystem. The river is situated entirely within Bangladesh, a sovereign state in South Asia that gained independence on March 26, 1971.

## Key Facts

- **Type:** River (larger natural watercourse)
- **Location:** Bangladesh, South Asia
- **Coordinates:** 22.643055555556°N, 90.815833333333°E (primary); also 25.4725°N, 94.2881°E; 22.8333°N, 90.8333°E
- **Country:** Bangladesh (inception: March 26, 1971)
- **Wikipedia Title:** Meghna River
- **Wikidata Description:** river in Bangladesh
- **Sitelink Count:** 52
- **Bordering Country Context:** Bangladesh shares borders with India and Myanmar; the Meghna River is one of Bangladesh's major river systems

## FAQs

**What is the Meghna River and where is it located?**

The Meghna River is a major river in Bangladesh, situated in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the principal rivers in Bangladesh and forms part of the extensive river network that characterizes the country's deltaic terrain.

**How does the Meghna River relate to Bangladesh's geography?**

Bangladesh occupies 147,570 square kilometres in the eastern Indian subcontinent and features a predominantly low-lying deltaic terrain, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta being the largest river delta in the world. The Meghna River is an important component of this river system, contributing to Bangladesh's extensive network of seven major river systems and thousands of smaller waterways.

**What is the significance of rivers in Bangladesh?**

Bangladesh has seven major river systems and thousands of smaller rivers and waterways, making rivers central to the country's geography, agriculture, and economy. The rivers originate from the Himalayas and flow through the country, supporting agriculture through irrigation and fertile silt deposits, providing water for domestic and industrial use, and forming crucial transportation routes.

**What is the broader context of Bangladesh as a nation?**

Bangladesh is a parliamentary republic with Dhaka as its capital and largest city. The country has a population of approximately 171 million people as of 2023, making it the eighth most populous nation in the world with a population density exceeding 1,200 people per square kilometre. Bangladesh joined the United Nations on September 17, 1974, and the Commonwealth of Nations on April 18, 1972.

## Why It Matters

The Meghna River matters significantly within Bangladesh's broader river system context because rivers are fundamental to the country's existence and prosperity. Bangladesh's geography is defined by its river systems, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta being the largest river delta in the world. This deltaic environment has shaped the nation's agricultural productivity, settlement patterns, and economic activities for centuries.

The rivers in Bangladesh, including the Meghna, serve multiple critical functions: they provide irrigation water for the country's rice production (Bangladesh is nearly self-sufficient in rice), support the transportation network across the deltaic terrain, deposit fertile silt that sustains agricultural productivity, and connect rural communities to urban centres. The country's location at coordinates 24.0167°N, 89.8667°E places it in a region where river systems are not merely geographical features but the lifeblood of the nation's economy and society.

Bangladesh's experience with river management, flood control, and climate adaptation has gained international recognition. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its low-lying geography, the nation has developed innovative solutions for disaster management and climate-resilient agriculture. The river systems, including the Meghna, are central to these adaptation strategies and are studied worldwide as models for river management in deltaic regions.

## Notable For

- Part of the world's largest river delta system (Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta)
- One of seven major river systems in Bangladesh
- Located in one of the most river-dense countries in the world
- Situated in Bangladesh, which is home to the largest river delta globally
- Contributes to Bangladesh's extensive waterways network spanning thousands of rivers

## Body

### Geographic Context and Location

The Meghna River is situated in Bangladesh, a country located at the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. Bangladesh occupies 147,570 square kilometres at coordinates 24.0167°N, 89.8667°E. The country shares borders with India to the west, north, and east, and Myanmar to the southeast, with the Bay of Bengal forming the southern border. The Meghna River's coordinates include 22.643055555556°N, 90.815833333333°E as its primary location, with additional coordinate points at 25.4725°N, 94.2881°E and 22.8333°N, 90.8333°E.

### River Systems in Bangladesh

Bangladesh features seven major river systems and thousands of smaller rivers and waterways. The country is characterized by its predominantly low-lying deltaic terrain, with the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta being the largest river delta in the world. This extensive river network defines Bangladesh's geography, with rivers originating from the Himalayas and flowing through the country before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river systems support the country's agricultural sector, with rice being the staple crop and Bangladesh achieving near self-sufficiency in rice production.

### Bangladesh's Political and Administrative Structure

Bangladesh operates as a parliamentary republic under the Westminster system, with the President serving as head of state and the Prime Minister holding executive powers as head of government. The country gained independence on March 26, 1971, following a liberation war against Pakistan, and officially became independent on December 16, 1971. The Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament) is the unicameral legislative body with 300 elected members. Bangladesh is divided into eight administrative divisions: Dhaka Division, Chattogram Division, Khulna Division, Rajshahi Division, Barisal Division, Sylhet Division, Rangpur Division, and Mymensingh Division.

### Economic Significance of Rivers in Bangladesh

The river systems in Bangladesh, including the Meghna, are integral to the country's economy. Agriculture contributes approximately 14% of Bangladesh's GDP, with rice being the staple crop. The rivers provide essential irrigation water and deposit fertile silt that sustains agricultural productivity. Additionally, water transport is important for internal travel, particularly in the deltaic regions, with several river ports and ferry services operating throughout the country. The GDP (purchasing power parity) was $966,485,000,000 in 2021, with a GDP per capita (PPP) of $5,811.57.

### Demographic and Social Context

Bangladesh has a population of approximately 171 million people as of 2023, making it the eighth most populous country in the world. The population has grown from around 66 million at independence in 1971. The country has a population density exceeding 1,200 people per square kilometre, one of the highest globally. The median age is approximately 27 years, indicating a young population. Dhaka, the capital, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, with a metropolitan population exceeding 20 million.

### Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation

Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change due to its low-lying geography, with the lowest point being the Bay of Bengal at sea level. The country has developed comprehensive climate adaptation strategies and is considered a global leader in climate resilience. The river systems, including the Meghna, play central roles in these adaptation strategies, with programs for flood management, cyclone shelters, and climate-resilient agriculture. The country has implemented innovative solutions for disaster management that are studied worldwide as models for climate adaptation.

### International Recognition and Memberships

Bangladesh is a member of the United Nations since September 17, 1974, and the Commonwealth of Nations since April 18, 1972. The country joined the World Trade Organization on January 1, 1995, and is a founding member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Bangladesh is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation since 1974 and participates actively in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide.

### Cultural and Historical Significance

Bengali culture is the dominant culture of Bangladesh, with its roots in the Bengal region. The official language is Bangla (Bengali), the seventh most spoken language in the world. The national anthem is "Amar Sonar Bangla" (My Golden Bengal), written by Rabindranath Tagore. The country has a rich literary tradition and a vibrant film industry, often called "Dhallywood," producing hundreds of films annually. Traditional Bengali cuisine includes rice, fish, dal (lentils), and various vegetables, with tea being the national beverage.

### Infrastructure and Transportation

Bangladesh has made significant progress in infrastructure development. Water transport is important for internal travel, particularly in the deltaic regions, with the country having several river ports and ferry services. The country uses left-hand traffic for vehicles, with the railway also operating on the left side. The emergency telephone number is 999, and the country uses Type K electrical plugs with standard voltage of 220V at 50Hz.

### Environmental and Ecological Context

Bangladesh has several protected areas, including wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with India, serves as a habitat for the Bengal tiger and provides protection from cyclones. The country faces environmental challenges including deforestation, water pollution, and air pollution, but has been proactive in environmental conservation and has established numerous protected areas. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons: summer (March-May), monsoon (June-October), and winter (November-February).

## References

1. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q342562)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. GeoNames