Derai Upazila


Derai is an Upazila of Sunamganj District in the division of Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Geography

Derai is located at. It is bounded by Dakshin Sunamganj and Jamalganj on the north, Sullah, Baniachong and Nabiganj on the south, Jagannathpur on the east, Sullah, Khaliajuri and Jamalganj on the west.

Demographics

As of the 2001 Bangladesh census, Derai has a population of 202791; male 105252, female 97539; Muslim 144136, Hindu 58576, Buddhist 33 and others 46. Males constitute 51.38% of the population, and females 48.62%. Derai has an average literacy rate of 25.3%, and the national average of 32.4% literate.

Administration

Derai thana was formed in 1942 and it was turned into an upazila in 1982. There are 1 municipality, 9 wards, 29 mahallas, 9 union councils, 165 mouzas and 222 villages in Derai. The union councils are:
Derai has a rich culture. Especially because of its music and literature. Baul samrat Shah Abdul Karim was born here. There are 80 clubs, 2 libraries, 2 cinema halls, 1 theatre stage, 4 jatra groups, 2 women organisations, and 5 cultural organisations in Derai.