HATIA ISLAND

island situated in the Meghna estuary of the Gangetic delta, southeastern Bangladesh. A low-lying land mass 23 miles (37 km) long and 48 miles (6.513 km) wide, it is partially protected by embankments from sea incursions and is continually subject to cyclones and tidal waves. The island divides the Meghna River into two armsthe Shahbazpur River (west), separating Hatia from Dakhin Shahbazpur Island, and the Hatia River (east), separating it from Sandwip Island. The large island to the northwest is also called Hatia; both are connected by ferry with the mainland. Below them lies South Hatia Island.