It is the administrative headquarter and the largest town of Barguna district and a part of Barisal Division.

Located on the bank of Khakdon river, the town covers an area of 15.57 square kilometres (6.01 sq mi) with a population of 32,235, as of the 2011 census.

The remote past wood traders from the northern region had to wait here for Baragun (high tide) to pull their boats against strong current of the Khakdon river.

It is said that during the reign of Nawab Ali Vardi Khan, a group of Rakhine people settled permanently in Baliatoli near the present town, clearing the bushes and jungles and starting cultivation there.

It was claimed by the Nawab of Dacca as belonging to Aila-Fuljhuri, but was ultimately decreed to Government by the Privy Council in 1870.

There was a Khas Mahal Tashil cutchari under the supervision of a Sub-Deputy Collector (Circle Officer).

With the influx of population from the districts of Dhaka, Faridpur and Barisal a good market, a middle English school, a post office and a charitable dispensary were gradually established and trading firms opened up business.

There is a bus station and a launch terminal in the town which maintains communication with the other districts of the country.