Chattogram, known during British rule as Chittagong and officially known as Chattogram since 2018, is the second-largest city in Bangladesh and the capital of the eponymous district and division. Situated along the southeastern coast of the country, by the Bay of Bengal, it is the principal maritime gateway and the largest international seaport within Bangladesh. Historically, Chattogram has been a significant port city dating back to the early centuries of the common era when it was known by various names such as 'Porto Grande' by the Portuguese and 'Islamabad' during the era of Sultanate rule.

The region around Chattogram is known for its diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. It is home to a wide array of communities, including indigenous groups such as the Chakma, Marma, and Bohmong, as well as the Bengalis who form the majority. The cultural fabric of the city is thus a tapestry of traditional Bengali practices, tribal customs, and religious festivities. Chattogram also has a significant historical legacy, being the site for the first battle of the Indian Independence War in 1930, led by Masterda Surya Sen.

Geographically, Chattogram is blessed with a varied landscape that includes hills, forests, rivers, and beaches. The city is nestled between the mouth of the Karnaphuli River and the hills of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the latter not only providing scenic beauty but also being rich in biodiversity. This topographical diversity has contributed to Chattogram being an attractive destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and adventure.

Demographically, Chattogram is a melting pot, with a population comprising an assortment of religious and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the residents are Muslim, but there exists significant Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. The city also plays an essential role in Bangladesh's economy, with its port handling the lion's share of the country's export-import trade. Apart from its importance in maritime trade, Chattogram is a hub for industrial and commercial activities, with the presence of many of the country's largest steel mills, refineries, and shipbreaking industries.

Culturally, Chattogram has made significant contributions to Bangladeshi arts, literature, and cuisine. It is famous for its culinary diversity, especially its seafood. The 'Mezban' feast, which includes servings of beef dishes, is a particularly well-known culinary tradition of the city. Chattogram's local dialect, Chittagonian, is distinctive and is considered by linguists to be a non-mutually intelligible dialect of Bengali, underscoring the region's unique linguistic identity.

In recent years, Chattogram has been undergoing rapid urbanization and development, leading to improvements in infrastructure and civic amenities. However, it also faces challenges such as congestion, pollution, and the impacts of climate change on its coastal geography. As Bangladesh strides towards further development, Chattogram will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in the nation's economy and cultural heritage, ideally while preserving its environmental assets and diverse cultural identity.