{{Short description|Upazila in Chittagong Division, Bangladesh}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}{{Infobox settlement | official_name = Sonagazi | native_name = সোনাগাজী | settlement_type = [[Upazilas of Bangladesh|Upazila]] | image_skyline = Feni River Closure Dam.jpg | image_caption = Feni river closure dam | image_map = Sonagazi in Chattogram division (Bangladesh).svg | coordinates = {{coord|22|51|27.44683|N|91|23|44.02031|E|display=inline,title}} | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{flag|Bangladesh}} | subdivision_type1 = [[Divisions of Bangladesh|Division]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Districts of Bangladesh|District]] | subdivision_type3 = <!-- Capital --> | subdivision_name1 = [[Chittagong Division|Chittagong]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Feni District|Feni]] | subdivision_name3 = | leader_title = [[Upazila#Upazila parishad|Upazila parishad chairman]] | leader_name = Jahir Uddin Mahmud | leader_title1 = [[Upazila Nirbahi Officer]] | leader_name1 = Kamrul Hasan | area_total_km2 = 284.9 | area_metro_km2 = | elevation_m = | elevation_ft = | population_total = 290667 | population_as_of = [[2022 Bangladeshi census|2022]] | population_footnotes = <ref name="census2022">{{Cite book |url=https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/b343a8b4_956b_45ca_872f_4cf9b2f1a6e0/2024-01-31-15-51-b53c55dd692233ae401ba013060b9cbb.pdf |title=National Report |date=November 2023 |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |isbn=978-9844752016 |series=Population and Housing Census 2022 |volume=1 |location=Dhaka |pages=397}}</ref> | population_density_km2 = auto | postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Bangladesh|Postal code]] | postal_code = 3930<ref name="postalcode">{{Cite web |url=https://bdpost.portal.gov.bd/site/page/9dab35ba-dee7-4870-acb4-99a01a6263ad |title=Bangladesh Postal Code |date=20 October 2024 |publisher=Bangladesh Postal Department under the Department of Posts and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology of the People's Republic of Bangladesh |location=Dhaka}}</ref> | area_code = 0331<ref name="areacode">{{Cite web |url=https://en.chahaoba.com/Bangladesh |title=Bangladesh Area Code |date=18 October 2024 |publisher=Chahaoba.com |location=China}}</ref> | website = [https://sonagazi.feni.gov.bd/en Official Website of Sonagazi Upazila] | utc_offset = +6 | timezone1 = [[Bangladesh Standard Time]] | coor_pinpoint = Sonagazi upazila parishad | leader_party = {{Party index link|Bangladesh Awami League}} | seat = Sonagazi }} [[File:Sonagazi Upazila mauza geocode map - Small Area Atlas Feni.svg|thumb|Sonagazi Upazila mauza geocode map]]
'''Sonagazi''' ({{langx|bn|সোনাগাজী}}) is an [[upazila]] (sub-district) of [[Feni District]] in [[Chittagong Division]], Bangladesh, located on the coast of the [[Bay of Bengal]].
At the 2022 census, its population was 290,000, making it the second most populous upazila in Feni District. The upazila comprises one [[Pourasava|municipality]] and nine [[Union councils of Bangladesh|union councils]].
== History == {{See also|Feni District#History|History of Noakhali}}
=== Etymology === Legend has it that Sona Ghazi Bhuyan, a notable figure from the Ghazi family of landowners belonging to the [[Baro-Bhuyan]] confederacy, played a pivotal role in developing a market for salt trade in the coastal area. The name Sonagazi was selected for the [[thana]] established with the market at its center.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=147}} === Mughal period === Upon his accession to the throne, Mughal Emperor [[Shah Jahan]] appointed his son, [[Shah Shuja (Mughal prince)|Shah Shuja]], as the [[subahdar]] (governor) of Bengal. Upon assuming this role, Shuja swiftly took action to safeguard the coastal areas from [[Arakan]]ese naval attacks by constructing a fort in Sonagazi among various strategic initiatives. The area surrounding the fort continues to be known as Sujapur in his honor.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|page=|pages=111-112}}
=== Establishment of thana === When the [[Mughal era]]-established thanas (police jurisdictions) of Jugidiya and Amirgaon in the then [[Bhulua Kingdom|Bhulua]] region of [[Noakhali District|Noakhali]] near the coast of the [[Bay of Bengal]] were submerged by the [[Feni River]], a new thana named Sonagazi was established in 1886 to reinstate law enforcement measures in the southern region of Feni.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Ahmed |first=Jamir |title=Phenīra itihāsa |date=March 1990 |publisher=Samatata Publication |year= |location=Chittagong |publication-date= |pages= |language=bn |script-title=bn:ফেনীর ইতিহাস |trans-title=History of Feni |lccn=91901208 |oclc=25204071}}</ref>{{Rp|page=147}} Around this period, the governor of Feni mahakuma, [[Nabinchandra Sen]], undertook the construction and improvement of the Feni{{Ndash}}Sonagazi road to accommodate bullock carts.{{R|name=khan2014|page=52}}
=== Liberation war–present day === Around the time of the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]], Sonagazi was one of the four thanas within the Feni [[mahakuma]], alongside Feni Sadar, Chhagalnaiya, and Parshuram.<ref name="khan2014">{{Cite book |title=Bangladesher Lokaja Sangskriti Granthamala |date=June 2014 |publisher=[[Bangla Academy (Bangladesh)|Bangla Academy]] |isbn=9840758535 |editor-last=Khan |editor-first=Shamsuzzaman |series=Present State of Folklore in Feni District |location=Dhaka |language=bn |script-title=bn:বাংলাদেশের লোকজ সংস্কৃতি গ্রন্থমালা |trans-title=Bangladesh Folk Culture Series |editor-last2=Hossain |editor-first2=Md. Altaf}}</ref>{{Rp|page=25}} During the conflict, guerrilla warfare-trained freedom fighters were dispatched to various areas of Sonagazi, where they carried out numerous operations targeting the residences of collaborators of the invading forces and local [[Razakars (Pakistan)|razakar]] militias in locations such as Nababpur, Ahammadpur, Majlishpur, Bogadana, Char Darbesh, Char Chandia, and Motiganj.{{R|name=khan2014|pages=80-81}}
On 28 July 1971, during a confrontation between freedom fighters and the Pakistani army at Nababpur, an enemy military commander was killed. On 15 August, approximately 50 Pakistani soldiers were killed when mines planted by the freedom fighters exploded near the Satbaria Bridge. In retaliation, agitated Pakistani soldiers killed five innocent individuals from Boks Ali and Sujapur Dasgram villages. Additionally, the Pakistani army engaged in looting and set fire to numerous houses in the area.<ref name="Banglapedia" />
Following the war, mass graves were uncovered in areas like the Kazir Haat sluice gate, indicating the burial of hundreds of individuals who had been subjected to torture,{{R|name=khan2014|page=91|pages=}} and memorial monuments were erected at eight locations within the upazila.<ref name="Banglapedia" />
In 1983, Sonagazi Thana was upgraded to the status of an upazila,<ref name="Banglapedia">{{Cite Banglapedia|article-url=Sonagazi_Upazila|article=Sonagazi Upazila|year=2023|first=Mahiuddin Hossain|last=Mahin}}</ref> one year before Feni was established as a district.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|page=190}}
==Geography== [[File:সোনাগাজী মুহুরী সেচ প্রকল্প, ফেনী.JPG|thumb|Sonagazi Muhuri Irrigation Project, Feni|left]] Sonagazi Upazila is bounded by [[Feni Sadar Upazila|Feni Sadar]] and [[Daganbhuiyan Upazila|Daganbhuiyan]] upazilas on the north, Bay of Bengal on the south, [[Mirsharai Upazila]] on the east, and [[Companiganj Upazila, Noakhali|Companiganj Upazila]] of [[Noakhali District]] and [[Daganbhuiyan Upazila]] on the west. Situated in the southern part of the district, Sonagazi is the only upazila in Feni District with a coastline along the [[Bay of Bengal]].<ref name="Banglapedia" /> It covers a total area of {{Convert|284.89|km2}}, making it the largest upazila in Feni District, accounting for almost 28.77% of the district's total area.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/c645bd51_3cb5_4f53_86f9_7d29244caa4e/2023-03-20-04-10-1f0c5368e424690b35824baaf764f857.pdf |title=District Report: Feni |date=December 2022 |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |isbn=9789844751330 |series=Agriculture Census 2019 |location=Dhaka}}</ref>
=== Physical geography === The [[Feni River]] flows to the east of Sonagazi, while the Little Feni River flows to the west. The estuaries of both rivers converge in the Bay of Bengal, south of Sonagazi.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|page=34}} Extensive alluvial lands, known locally as "char," have formed due to the erosion caused by the Feni and [[Muhuri River|Muhuri]] rivers, resulting in the displacement of numerous settlements. Examples of such areas include Char Chandia, Char Khondkar, and Char Narayan.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|page=35}}
==Governance and politics== {{Further|Local government in Bangladesh#Sub-District Administration}}
Jahir Uddin Mahmud is the presently elected [[Upazila#Upazila parishad|upazila council]] (upazila parishad) chairman of Sonagazi Upazila<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-03-14 |title=সোনাগাজীতে উপজেলা চেয়ারম্যান বিনা প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বিতায় নির্বাচিত |trans-title=Sonagazi upazila chairman elected unopposed |url=https://www.abnews24.com/country-news/33334/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%87%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9A%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4/print |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=ABNEWS24 |language=bn}}</ref> and Kamrul Hasan the appointed [[Upazila Nirbahi Officer|upazila executive officer]] (upazila nirbahi officer or UNO).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Officer List: Sonagazi Upazila |url=https://sonagazi.feni.gov.bd/en/site/officer_list/Nzbh-%E0%A6%8F-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4 |access-date=2024-02-26 |website=[[Bangladesh National Portal]] |series=}}</ref> The upazila is encompassed by the [[Feni-3]] constituency of the [[Jatiya Sangsad]] (national parliament).<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 January 2024 |title=Feni-3: JaPa candidate served show-cause notice for breaching electoral code |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/election/335843/feni-3-japa-candidate-served-show-cause-notice |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=[[Dhaka Tribune]]}}</ref>
=== Unions === Sonagazi Upazila comprises nine unions, each administered by its respective [[union parishad|union council]] (union parishads), which includes a chairman and 12 elected ward councillors. The general councillors represent their nine respective wards, with three additional reserved seats for women on the council. Cumulatively, the unions comprise a total of 94 [[mauza]]s and 95 [[Villages of Bangladesh|villages]].<ref name="district-stats">{{Cite book |url=http://203.112.218.65:8008/WebTestApplication/userfiles/Image/District%20Statistics/Feni.pdf |title=District Statistics 2011 |date=December 2013 |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |isbn=9789845190459 |edition= |volume=Feni |location=Dhaka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320152055/http://203.112.218.65:8008/WebTestApplication/userfiles/Image/District%20Statistics/Feni.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2023}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+List of union councils in Sonagazi Upazila<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |url=http://203.112.218.65:8008/WebTestApplication/userfiles/Image/National%20Reports/Union%20Statistics.pdf |title=National Report |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |series=Bangladesh Population and Housing Census 2011 |volume=2 |location=Dhaka |publication-date=March 2014 |pages=149-150 |oclc=946030979 |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |url=https://www.feni.gov.bd/en/site/page/%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A6%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%A8-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF |title=Enumerated Population (Provisional) of Feni District |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |year=2022 |language=bn, en |access-date=29 June 2024}}</ref> !Number !Name !Area (in acres) !Area (in km<sup>2</sup>) !Population (2022) |- |1 |Char Majlishpur |{{Convert|4331|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|30265}} |- |2 |Bogadana |{{Convert|3337|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|25964}} |- |3 |Mangalkandi |{{Convert|3156|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|24476}} |- |4 |Motigonj |{{Convert|3364|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|28843}} |- |5 |Char Dorbesh |{{Convert|12171|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|37899}} |- |6 |Char Chandia |{{Convert|14271|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|45215}} |- |7 |Sonagazi |{{Convert|11008|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|22640}} |- |8 |Amirabad |{{Convert|10921|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|30805}} |- |9 |Nababpur |{{Convert|6523|acre|km2|abbr=on|disp=table|sigfig=4}} |style="text-align:right"|{{nts|19754}} |} Char Chandia is the largest and most populous union, whereas Mangalkandi is the smallest in size. Nonetheless, Nababpur Union has the smallest population.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
=== Municipality === Sonagazi Upazila contains one municipality, Sonagazi Municipality (also Sonagazi Paurashava, {{Langx|bn|সোনাগাজী পৌরসভা|links=no}}), established in 2002 and spanning an area of {{Convert|5.04|km2}}.<ref name="district-stats" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=এক নজরে পৌরসভা: সোনাগাজী উপজেলা |trans-title=Municipality at a Glance: Sonagazi Upazila |url=https://sonagazi.feni.gov.bd/bn/site/page/mYvH-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8C%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE |access-date=29 March 2024 |website=[[Bangladesh National Portal]] |language=bn}}</ref> At the 2022 census, it had a population of 24,808 residents.<ref name="2022census" /> The municipality is bordered by Motigonj Union to the north, Sonagazi Union to the east, and Char Chandia Union to the west and south. It comprises nine numbered [[Ward (electoral subdivision)|wards]], encompassing six villages, seven mauzas and 14 [[Mahallah|mahallas]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name="district-stats" /> Rafiqul Islam Khokan serves as the municipal mayor, elected in the 2021 municipal elections. Each ward is represented by a councillor, with an additional three seats allocated for female councillors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-20 |title=সোনাগাজী পৌরসভা নির্বাচনে কাউন্সিলর হলেন যারা |trans-title=Councillors elected in the Sonagazi municipal elections |url=https://www.amarsangbad.com/sara-bangla/news-197153 |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Daily Amar Sangbad |language=bn}}</ref>
==Demographics==
According to the [[2022 Bangladeshi census]], Sonagazi Upazila had 67,309 households and a population of 290,667. 10.48% of the population were under 5 years of age. Sonagazi had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 75.84%: 77.83% for males and 74.18% for females, and a sex ratio of 86.33 males for every 100 females. 40,759 (14.02%) lived in urban areas.<ref name="2022census">{{Cite book |url=http://203.112.218.101/storage/files/1/Publications/PHC_2021/Chattogram%20Division/District%20Report%20Feni.pdf |title=Population and Housing Census 2022 - District Report: Feni |date=June 2024 |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |isbn=978-984-475-246-7 |series= District Series |location=[[Dhaka]] |pages=}}</ref>
Sonagazi Municipality has a total population of 24,808 and a literacy rate of 81.11%.<ref name="2022census" />
=== Religion === {{bar box |title=Religions in Sonagazi Upazila (2022)<ref name="2022census"/> |titlebar=#Fcd116 |left1=Religion |right1=Percent |float=right |bars= {{bar percent|[[Islam in Bangladesh|Islam]]|green|94.65}} {{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hinduism]]|darkorange|5.29}} {{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.06}} }}
According to the 2022 census, the population of followers of different religions in Sonagazi Upazila is as follows:<ref name="2022census"/>{{Rp|page=54}} * [[Islam]] (275,116) * [[Hinduism]] (15,382) * [[Christianity]] (15) * [[Buddhism]] (146) * Other (8) Since the [[2011 Bangladesh census|2011]] census, the populations of [[Islam in Bangladesh|Muslims]] and [[Buddhism in Bangladesh|Buddhists]] have increased, whereas the numbers for other religious groups have decreased.<ref name="district-stats" />{{Rp|page=14}}
=== Language === {{Further information|Feni District#Language|Noakhailla language}}
The language spoken in Sonagazi Upazila shares core characteristics with other upazilas in Bangladesh, but some variations exist. Notably, [[aspirated consonant]]s are less prevalent in spoken language, suggesting a trend towards linguistic simplification. The regional dialect of Sonagazi Upazila shows similarities to languages spoken in Feni, Noakhali, and Mirsarai. Experts attribute these linguistic features to the geographical influence of the Little Feni and Feni rivers, as well as the coastal environment of Sonagazi.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ভাষা ও সংষ্কৃতি |trans-title=Language and culture |url=https://sonagazi.feni.gov.bd/bn/site/page/6dXx-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%93-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=[[Bangladesh National Portal]] |series={{Langx|bn|সোনাগাজী উপজেলা|Sonagazi Upazila|label=none}} |language=bn}}</ref>
== Economy == Agriculture constitutes a significant portion of the sources of income for Sonagazi, contributing approximately 36.40% to the economy.<ref name="Banglapedia" /> The primary crop cultivated in the upazila is rice (paddy).<ref name="district-stats" />{{Rp|page=17}}
Other major sources of income include commerce (12.67%), services (15.62%), rent and remittance (14.04%), and various other activities such as non-agricultural labor (3.35%), industry (1.58%), transport and communication (4.40%), construction (2.11%), and religious services (0.56%).<ref name="Banglapedia" /> Some important marketplaces in Sonagazi include Kuthirhaat, Boktarmunshi Bazar, Mongolkandi, Olama Bazar, Saudagar Haat, Bhairab Chowdhury Bazar, Mongazi Bazar, Sonagazi Bazar, Amirabad Bazar, Nababpur, Bhorbazar, Kazir Haat, Naar Miar Haat, Bagher Haat, Koramia Haat, Motiganj Bazar, Kashmir Bazar etc.{{R|name=khan2014|page=41}}
In the coastal "char" areas surrounding the expansive Feni River, agriculture, fish farming, and harvesting marine fish from the river constitute the primary livelihood sources for the local populace. Additionally, residents engage in raising cattle, buffaloes, and sheep in the grazing lands. Buffalo milk and cow's milk from these areas are distributed to other regions. The grazing lands are renowned for the production of buffalo milk and yogurt. Residents of the grazing lands typically reside in tin houses. However, their daily lives are often disrupted by raids and attacks by pirates, posing risks to fishermen and livestock keepers alike. Law enforcement agencies conduct periodic raids in response to these incidents.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|page=35}}
Due to its heavy reliance on agriculture, Sonagazi Upazila has witnessed the emergence of artisans specializing in crafting tools from bamboo and canes for agricultural and household needs. These artisans produce a variety of baskets in different sizes and shapes, suitable for carrying items ranging from fish and crops to laundry.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|page=121}} In numerous villages, young women engage in crafting woven handicrafts using jute leaves and jute fiber, employing skills inherited through generations. These handcrafted items are then sold in nearby markets.{{R|name=khan2014|pages=125-126}}
== Infrastructure == Sonagazi is renowned for its sluice gate referred to as [[Muhuri Irrigation Project]]. Constructed in the late 1980s, this infrastructure serves the purpose of regulating the water flow of the Feni River and irrigating nearby farmland. Later in 2005, a now-defunct 900-kilowatt wind power plant consisting of four wind turbines was constructed near the river. The area has garnered attention as a notable tourist destination in the region.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-21 |title=Country's first big leap in wind energy from December |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/countrys-first-big-leap-wind-energy-december-462702 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-26 |title=পর্যটনের সম্ভাবনা মিরসরাইয়ের মুহুরী প্রজেক্ট |trans-title=Tourism potential of Muhuri project at Mirsarai |url=https://nagorik.prothomalo.com/travel/tbfphonqey |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |website=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}</ref>
Sonagazi currently hosts a solar farm generating 75 megawatts of power, with additional plans underway to establish more.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-03 |title=Another 100MW solar power plant in Feni on the cards |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/326982/another-100mw-solar-power-plant-in-feni-on-the |website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sonagazi 75MW solar power plant to start generation soon |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/sonagazi-75mw-solar-power-plant-to-start-generation-soon |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, there are proposals for the constructions of several more wind and combined-cycle power stations to meet the rising energy demand of the nearby [[Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar]] economic zone.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-12 |title=Govt moves for more power plants in Feni to feed economic zones |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/energy/govt-moves-more-power-plants-feni-feed-economic-zones-698938 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref>
In 2018, a highly anticipated {{Convert|478|m|ft|adj=mid|-long}} bridge spanning the Little Feni River was inaugurated with the aim of improving connectivity with [[Noakhali District|Noakhali]] and [[Lakshmipur District|Lakshmipur]] districts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-01 |title=সোনাগাজীবাসীর কাংখিত 'ছোট ফেনী নদী সেতু' উদ্বোধন |trans-title=Inauguration of the much-awaited Little Feni River Bridge |url=https://www.abnews24.com/country-news/18992/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%96%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A4-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%A8 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=ABNEWS24 |language=bn}}</ref>
=== Muhuri Irrigation Project === {{Main articles|Muhuri Project}} The Muhuri Irrigation Project completed in 1986 stands as the nation's second-largest irrigation venture. Its primary objectives include regulating flooding during the monsoon season and provide supplementary irrigation for rice cultivation in most of Feni District including Sonagazi Upazila. The project features a [[Barrage (dam)|closure dam]] located in Sonagazi Upazila tasked with regulating the combined flow of the Feni, Muhuri, and Kalidas-Pahalia rivers.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|pages=37}}
Over the years, Muhuri Irrigation Project area has emerged as a popular recreation and picnic spot. During the winter season, tourists from various parts of the country visit the area. The dam is surrounded by an artificial water body enclosed by embankments, [[afforestation]], bird-watching spots, and fish sanctuaries. During boat rides on the river, visitors can observe various species of ducks and thousands of birds belonging to various species.<ref name="khan2014" />{{Rp|pages=38}}
=== Transportation and communication === Sonagazi is located {{Convert|26|km}} from Feni District headquarters.<ref name="district-stats" />{{Rp|page=17}} CNG-powered auto-rickshaws, electric rickshaws, and minibuses constitute the primary modes of transportation.{{R|name=khan2014|page=35}} As of 2011, Sonagazi Upazila had two bus stops and a network of roads spanning a total distance of {{Convert|520|km}}.<ref name="district-stats" />{{Rp|page=67}}
== Schools and colleges == * Al-Helal Academy Sonagazi * Sonagazi Government College * Sonagazi Girls' Pilot High School * Bakter Munshi High School * Sonagazi Islamia Fazil Degree Madrasah * Khadijatul Kobra Mohila Madrasah * Sonagazi Md saber Gov't pilot high school * Mongazi Fatema Karim School & College
==Notable people== *Haque family **[[Abu Belal Shafiul Haque]] (born 1958), former Chief of Bangladesh Army **[[Annisul Huq]] (1952–2017), former Mayor of North Dhaka * [[Zahir Raihan]], filmmaker, was born at Majupur village in 1935.<ref>{{cite book |last=Khan |first=Abu Sayeed |year=2012 |chapter=Raihan, Zahir |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Raihan,_Zahir |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> * [[Shahidullah Kaiser]], writer, was born at Majupur village in 1927.<ref>{{cite book |last=Alam |first=Muhammad Shamsul |year=2012 |chapter=Kaiser, Shahidullah |chapter-url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Kaiser,_Shahidullah |editor1-last=Islam |editor1-first=Sirajul |editor1-link=Sirajul Islam |editor2-last=Jamal |editor2-first=Ahmed A. |title=Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh |edition=Second |publisher=[[Asiatic Society of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> * [[Selim Al Deen]], playwright, was born at Shenerkhil village in 1949.<ref>{{cite news |title=Selim Al Deen no more |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-19320 |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=15 January 2008}}</ref> * Lt. Gen. [[Masud Uddin Chowdhury]], ndc, psc, MP and Diplomat{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} <!-- need source to show connection to Sonagazi Upazila --> * [[Shomi Kaiser]], actress{{citation needed|date=February 2018}} <!-- need source to show connection to Sonagazi Upazila --> * [[Rokeya Prachy]], actress<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 April 2023 |title=সব মাধ্যমেই সফল রোকেয়া প্রাচীর পথচলা |script-title= |trans-title=Rokeya Prachy's successful journey across all media |url=https://www.newsg24.com/feature-news/11304/ |access-date=2024-03-19 |website=newsg24.com |language=bn}}</ref> * [[Mahbubul Alam Tara]] was the Member of Parliament from constituency [[Feni-3]] from 1991 until 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parliament.gov.bd/index.php/en/mps/members-of-parliament/former-mp-s/list-of-5th-parliament-members-bangla |title=List of 5th Parliament Members |website=Bangladesh Parliament |language=bn}}</ref>
==See also== * [[Upazilas of Bangladesh]] * [[Districts of Bangladesh]] * [[Divisions of Bangladesh]]
==References== <references />
== External links == * [https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Sonagazi_Upazila Sonagazi Upazila - Banglapedia] {{Commons category|Sonagazi Upazila}}{{Feni District}} {{Upazilas of Chittagong Division}}
[[Category:Sonagazi Upazila]]