cluster of islands situated in the Meghna (Meghna River) estuary of the Padma River (Ganges 【Ganga】 River (Ganges River)) delta, southeastern Bangladesh. The largest of these, South Hatia Island, is a low-lying land mass about 23 miles (37 km) long and 4–8 miles (6.5–13 km) wide. Only partially protected by embankments from sea incursions, it frequently is subject to cyclones (cyclone) and destructive ocean waves. To the northwest, another large island of the Hatia group divides the Meghna River into two arms, the Shahbazpur River to the west and the Hatia River to the east. Smaller islands of the group lie to the west of South Hatia Island in the Shahbazpur River. The larger of the Hatia Islands are connected by ferry with the mainland.