As of the 2022 Census, the population of the Sylhet Division is approximately 11 million. While the population density (around 880 people per km²) is high by global standards, it is notably lower than the national average of Bangladesh.
Demographically, Sylhet is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Bengalis, most of whom identify as Sylhetis. They speak the Sylheti language, which has its own distinct script (Sylheti Nagri, though rarely used today) and vocabulary, often considered by linguists as either a distinct language or a highly divergent dialect of Bengali.
The region is religiously diverse. Muslims form the vast majority (over 80%), with a significant and vibrant Hindu minority. Sylhet is also home to several indigenous communities, most notably the Khasi, Manipuri, Garo, and Patra peoples, who primarily reside in the hilly border regions and contribute deeply to the area's cultural tapestry. The widespread diaspora means that many families have members living abroad, heavily influencing local education, income, and lifestyle aspirations.
