Barisal is a district in southern Bangladesh. It is also the headquarter of the Barisal Division. The city lies in the Padma (Ganges) River delta on an offshoot of the Kirtonkhola River. In 1876, Barisal was incorporated into a municipality and later upgraded to city corporation consisting of 30 wards in 2002.

Due to its location and easy access to both riverine and marine navigation channels, it has become a transshipment center for rice, hides, and pulses. Bakery, textile, pharmaceutical products are output of a few industrial installation. It is linked by steamer with Dhaka (73 miles [117 km] north) and with Chittagong to the southeast. Road communication improved in last decade with building of few bridges.

The city is also home to some of the country's most prestigious colleges including Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, Barisal Medical College (est. 1889), Barisal BM College, Oxford Mission High School, Barisal Zila School, Banaripara Union Institution (est. 1889), Pinglakathi Government Model Primary School (est. 1882), Bheduriarchar Government Primary School (est. 1892).

Subdivisions

Barisal District is divided into the following Thanas (formerly called Upazilas): Barisal Sadar, Agailjhara, Babuganj, Bakerganj, Banaripara, Gaurnadi, Hizla, Barisal Sadar, Mehendiganj, Muladi, and Wazirpur.