Bangladesh gets new city corporation, five more upazilas

The government of Bangladesh has approved a major administrative expansion by granting Bogura the status of a city corporation and creating five new upazilas in different districts across the country.

The decisions were taken on Thursday at the 120th meeting of the National Implementation Committee on Administrative Reform (NICAR), held at the Bangladesh Secretariat with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair.

With the approval, Bogura officially becomes the 13th city corporation in Bangladesh, marking a significant administrative upgrade for the northern district. Officials said the move is expected to strengthen urban governance, improve civic services and support planned development in the rapidly growing region.

At the same meeting, NICAR also approved the formation of five new upazilas aimed at bringing public services closer to local communities and improving administrative efficiency.

Under the new arrangement, Mokamtala Upazila will be formed in Bogura by dividing Shibganj Upazila. In Cox’s Bazar, Chakaria Upazila will be split to create Matamuhuri Upazila. Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila will be divided into two separate administrative units named Ruhea and Bhully. In Lakshmipur, Chandrogonj Upazila will be established by dividing the district’s Sadar Upazila.

Officials concerned said the restructuring was carried out considering population growth, geographical realities and the increasing demand for local administrative services.

The approval is expected to pave the way for expanded development activities, improved infrastructure management and easier access to government services for residents in the newly formed administrative areas.