The district is known for its agricultural production, particularly rice, jute, and vegetables, and is situated at the confluence of several major rivers, including the Jamuna, Teesta, and Brahmaputra.
The more widely accepted theory dates back around five thousand years to the time of King Birat, ruler of the Matsya Kingdom, which had its capital in the Gobindaganj area.
[3] In ancient times, this region was submerged under water, gradually filled by the silt deposits of the Teesta, Brahmaputra, and Jamuna rivers.
Significant natural events, such as the 1787 flood and the 1898 earthquake, dramatically altered the area's landscape, redirecting the flow of the Teesta River.
These changes filled a vast 15-mile stretch between Ghoraghat Upazila in Dinajpur and Tulshighat in Gaibandha, leading to the formation of smaller rivers like the Kartoa, Ghaghot, and Katakhali.
During the British colonial period, Governor Warren Hastings established 24 police outposts (thanas) under the Rangpur district collectorate in 1793.
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 made it difficult to contain rebel activities in Rangpur, prompting the establishment of Bhabaniganj thana along the banks of the Brahmaputra River for better administrative control.
Eventually, through government intervention, the administrative building and courthouse were established in the Baharbondo pargana, on land donated by Queen Swarnamoyee.
Gaibandha experiences a monsoonal climate, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity during the rainy season.
Gaibandha's climate, part of the tropical monsoon system, leads to periodic flooding, which significantly impacts agriculture and infrastructure.
[5] According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, the population of Gaibandha District was recorded at 2,562,233, comprising 1,241,113 males, 1,320,967 females, and 153 individuals identifying as third gender.
The high rural population in Gaibandha is consistent with other districts in northern Bangladesh, which remain heavily dependent on agriculture.
Minority communities make up 0.25% of the population, totaling 4,150 individuals (2,044 males and 2,106 females), who mainly live in Gobindaganj Upazila.
[8][9]The majority of Gaibandha's population speaks dialects of Bengali that belong to the Rangpur linguistic group, commonly referred to as Rangpuriya.
Residents of the chars—the temporary river islands formed by the shifting Jamuna River—speak dialects closely related to those from the Mymensingh region, a result of the historic migrations of communities along the riverbanks.
The district's main crops include paddy, wheat, jute, sugarcane, potatoes, eggplant, mustard, chili, onions, garlic, and various vegetables.
While the production of aush rice and tobacco has declined in recent years, banana cultivation has increased significantly, particularly in Gobindaganj and Palashbari.
Approximately 89% of the population has access to basic sanitation facilities, which marks significant progress in healthcare infrastructure.
Limited boat services are available, offering short trips along the river, though road and rail remain the preferred modes of travel .