Bhola District () is an administrative district of Barisal Division in south-central Bangladesh, which includes Bhola Island, the largest island of Bangladesh. It has an area of 3,403.48 km<sup>2</sup>. It is bounded by Lakshmipur and Barisal District to the north, the Bay of Bengal to the south, by Lakshmipur and Noakhali districts, the (lower) Meghna river and Shahbazpur Channel to the east, and by Patuakhali District and the Tentulia river to the west.
The district is intersected by several rivers, among which the Ilisha River plays a vital role in shaping the local geography and livelihoods. Flowing as a distributary of the Meghna River, the Ilisha River runs through the western part of Bhola before merging with the Tentulia river and eventually draining into the Bay of Bengal. Along its course, the river forms part of the natural boundary that separates Bhola Island and contributes to the sedimentation that sustains the island’s landmass. However, the Ilisha River is also a major source of erosion, threatening settlements and agricultural land in its path, particularly in areas like Mehendiganj and Rajapur Union.
Bhola is also known as the Home of Ilish, and rivers like the Ilisha provide crucial habitat for the iconic hilsa fish that the district is famous for.
History
thumbnail|left|250px| South Shahbajpur Island ( marked as DECCAN SHABAZPOUR l.) which is now Bhola in 1778 map by [[James Rennell]]
The previous name of Bhola district is Ashutosh. J. C. Jack stated in his "Bakerganj Gazetier" that the island started creating in 1235 and cultivation in this area started in 1300. In 1500, Portuguese and Mog pirates established their bases on this island. The Arakan and Mog pirates established their bases in the southern part of Shahbajpur also.
Shahbajpur was a part of Bakerganj district till 1822. At the beginning of 19th century, it became difficult to connect to the southern Shahjadpur from the district headquarter due to the expansion of Meghna River. Government then decided to include south Shahbajpur and Hatia in Noakhali District. Bhola was included in Noakhali till 1869. In 1869, it was included again in Barisal District as a sub-division. In 1876, the administrative headquarter was moved from Daulatkhan to Bhola. In 1984, it was established as a district.
Etymology
The canal situated in the Bhola Sadar was very wide in ancient times. The canal was known as Betua river. People used boat to cross the river. There was a very old boatman who used to cross the river daily. His name was Bhola Ghazi Patni. The name of the district is derived from the name of this famous boatman, Bhola Ghazi. The other sub-districts of this districts are also named according to the names of famous persons as well.
According to the 2022 Census of Bangladesh, Bhola District had 449,057 households and a population of 1,932,518 with an average 4.27 people per household. Among the population, 427,671 (22.13%) inhabitants were under 10 years of age. The population density was 568 people per km<sup>2</sup>. Bhola District had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 67.30%, compared to the national average of 74.80%, and a sex ratio of 1041 females per 1000 males. Approximately, 27.65% of the population lived in urban areas. The ethnic population was 773.