Madhumati River

Madhumati River is one of the important rivers of Bangladesh. It is a branch of the Padma river flowing over Magura, Faridpur, Narail, Gopalganj and Bagerhat in the south-western part of Bangladesh. It originates from the river Garai flowing in Nakol union of Sreepur upazila of Magura district, flows along the border of Magura-Faridpur district and flows as Madhumati in Narail and Atharbeki of Khulna district. The spiral Madhumati river is 137 km long, 500 m wide and 10.5 m deep. Mohammadpur in Magura district, Boalmari, Alfadanga in Faridpur district, Lohagara and Kalia in Narail district, Gopalganj Sadar, Kashiani and Tungipara in Narail district and Mollarhat, Chitarshari and Kachua upazilas in Bagerhat district are important places in the course of the river. Madhumati bridge has been constructed on the Madhumati river on the Dhaka-Khulna highway. And the Navaganga-Madhumati irrigation project of the Water Development Board is running in the river basin. During the dry season, the water flow of the green Madhumati river decreases, but during the rainy season, the water overflows both banks of the river. Once upon a time, Bawalis from the Sundarbans region used to collect honey through this river and supply it to different regions. And so according to many local people, this river bearing the sweet water or honey is named Madhumati. On the banks of the river many townships have been built including old bazaars, buildings, temples, mosques and fishing villages. Besides, many types of delicious fish are available in Madhumati river including Hilsa, Bacha, Baghair, Chital, Shrimp, Bele, Id, Rui and Katal. And the area along the river being very fertile is very conducive to the production of various cash crops including rice and jute.