Rajshahi
The city of Rajshahi is the divisional headquarters of Rajshahi division as well as the administrative district that bears its name and is one of the six metropolitan cities of Bangladesh. Often referred to as Silk City and Education City, Rajshahi is located in the north-west of the country and has an estimated population of around 475,000 people. Its total area is 96.69 km2 (37.33 sq mi) and is situated on the northern banks of the river Padma (or Ganges which is one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent). Rajshahi consists of 4 Thanas, 35 Wards and 175 Mahallahs.
Rajshahi was formerly known as Rampur Boalia. Though an epigraphic record engraved on the Dargah (mausoleum) of the famous saint Hazrat Shah Makdhum (Rh.) indicates that the antiquity of Rajshahi goes back to at least 1634 A.D. The town was given importance in 1825, when the East India Company shifted the administrative headquarters of the district of Rajshahi from Natore to then Rampur Boalia, mainly for the ease of communication from Calcutta through the Hooghly river, Bhairab River and Padma river. Rajshahi Municipality, which was one of the first municipalities in Bangladesh, was established in 1876. Rajshahi Municipality was renamed as Rajshahi Pourashabha, and finally, Rajshahi Pourshava was declared Rajshahi City Corporation in 1991. Besides the City Corporation, a governing body named Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho (Rajshahi Development Authority-RDA) is there to plan the development of the city and to coordinate all the development related work.
Rajshahi is famous for its silk industries. Fine and cheap silk products of Rajshahi have earned it the nickname Silk City. Rajshahi is also well known for its fruits, especially for Mango and Lychee. Besides the beautiful Mango Orchards and river beaches, it is home to renowned educational institutions covering almost all of professional and cultural fields available within the country. This is why Rajshahi is sometimes referred to as Education City in Bangladesh. Rajshahi is an important tourist destination because of a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around the city.
| Rajshahi | |
|---|---|
| — Metropolis — | |
 | |
| Nickname(s): Education City, Silk City | |
  Rajshahi | |
| Coordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′E / 24.367°N 88.6°ECoordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′E / 24.367°N 88.6°E | |
| Country |  Bangladesh |
| Division | Rajshahi Division |
| District | Rajshahi District |
| Establishment | Sometimes in between 1700-1725 |
| Establishment of Municipality | 1876 |
| Granted city status | 1991 |
| Government | |
| - Type | Municipality |
| - Mayor | A H M Khairuzzaman Liton |
| Area[1] | |
| - Metropolis | 37.3 sq mi (96.68 km2) |
| Elevation | 59 ft (18 m) |
| Population (2008 est.)[2] | |
| - Metropolis | 775,495 |
| - Density | 12,665/sq mi (4,890/km2) |
| - Metro | 472,775 |
| Time zone | BST (UTC+6) |
| - Summer (DST) | BDST (UTC+7) |
| Postal code | 6000 |
| National Calling Code | +880 |
| Calling Code | 0721 |
History
Rajshahi district was a part of the Pundra region of ancient Bengal. The capital of Vijay Sen, the king who led military operations in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was located 9 miles (14 km) to the west of Rajshahi town. In medieval times, the region came to be known as "Rampur Boalia". The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation in 1876. It was made a city corporation in 1991. During the British Raj, it was also known as "Beuleah" and was the administrative headquarters of Rajshahi district in Eastern Bengal and Assam. It was originally chosen as a commercial factory for the silk trade, which was being officially encouraged by the agricultural department of that time. The town contained a government college, and an industrial school for sericulture. Most of the public buildings were severely damaged by the earthquake of 12 June 1897. Throughout much of the early part of the twentieth century there was a daily steamer service on the Ganges which connected it to railheads that led to the then provincial capital of Calcutta as well as other cities in the province of Bengal. Along with all of Bangladesh, Rajshahi witnessed both great atrocities by the Pakistan army and heroic struggles by the freedom fighters during the liberation war in 1971. The largest mass grave in Bangladesh is located in Rajshahi University, which was used as an army camp during the war. On the other hand, one of the great battles of the war took place near Rajshahi. Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, who died in battle, was awarded the highest honor (Bir Shrestho) by the Bangladesh government after the war.
Climate
Under Koppen climate classification, Rajshahi has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with monsoons, high temperature, considerable humidity and moderate rainfall. The hot season commences early in March and continues till the middle of July. The maximum mean temperature observed is about 32 to 36 °C (90 to 97 °F) during the months of April, May, June and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 to 16 °C (45 to 61 °F). The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about 1,448 millimetres (57.0 in).
| [hide]Climate in Rajshahi | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Average Temperature (°C) | 18° | 20° | 25° | 30° | 36° | 35° | 35° | 38° | 36° | 30° | 25° | 16° | |
| Average Precipitation (cm) | 1.6 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 2.9 | 11.1 | 24.4 | 36.1 | 25.4 | 21.2 | 11.4 | 1.4 | 0.1 | |
| Source: WeatherBase.Com|[National news papers] | |||||||||||||
Civil Administration
Rajshahi is one of six metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. A mayor and 30 ward commissioners are elected for a five year period by direct votes. Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu, was the first elected mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation. The present mayor is Mr Khairuzzaman Liton.
A new city hall, or City Corporation Building, has been built beside the Greater Road to provide all municipal services under one roof. The building, commonly known as Nogor Bhobon is a good and one of the few examples of modern architecture in Rajshahi.
The city corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to Rajshahi city corporation under its jurisdiction. Deputy Commissioner (DC), administrative chief of Rajshahi District, and a Divisional Commissioner, administrative chief of Rajshahi Division, have their own offices here, which functions as part of the government administrative set up.
In addition, a governing body called Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho (Rajshahi Development Authority) plans the development of the city and coordinates the development related works. RDA owns one of the major markets of Rajshahi which is known as RDA market.
Economy
Rajshahi itself is an important tourist destination with the beautiful river beaches of Padma and its vast mango orchards. Other attractions in and near Rajshahi include:
- Varendra Research Museum
- Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum Ruposh (R). It is located besides the river Padma, in the Dargah Para of the city. The name Dargah Para is derived from the word Dargah which means shrine and refers to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum Ruposh (R).
- Bara Kuthi (16th century Dutch establishment)
- Temple of King Kangsa Narayan
- Shona Dighi (Golden Pond)
Apart from the usual agricultural products of Bangladesh, such as rice, wheat, potatoes and lentils, Rajshahi and its neighboring regions are specially suited from various crops such as Watermelons, Sugarcanes, Mangoes and Lichies.
In spite of being an important city and located on a riverbank, industrial development in Rajshahi has not taken place to any great extent. Locals have claimed that this is due to lack of attention from the central government in Dhaka. In the 60's an Industrial Park had been established in Rajshahi, which is now mainly home to industries producing products of the famous Rajshahi silk. Rajshahi is also home to a jute mill, a sugar mill and mango based industries.There will be rapid industrial development in Rajshahi if gas is supplied through pipeline which the people of Rajshahi have been demanding for a long time. The government has taken steps to supply gas to Rajshahi quickly and a project towards this end has already begun.
It was recently declared that Rajshahi will be the first "Digital City" in the country though what this description implies is still unclear.
Transport
Transportation in Rajshahi is very good. Rajshahi is connected to the rest of country through roads, rail and water. Unfortunately no air transportation is presently in operation in Rajshahi.
Road Transport
It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka from Rajshahi. A number of bus services including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses are available from and to Dhaka. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi.
Railway
Recently, two new Inter-City train services have been inaugurated by Bangladesh Railway, named "Padma Express" and "Silk City Express". These trains (broad gauge) run between Dhaka and Rajshahi regularly. The coaches of trains are brand new luxury ones imported from Indonesia. The time schedules of these two trains are:
From Rajshahi:
At 7:15 am Silk City and at 4:00 pm Padma Express
From Dhaka:
At 3:12 pm(Airport)Silk City and at 11:45 pm (Dhaka Cantonment)Padma Express.
There are also a number of intercity express trains which runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh.
Shah Makhdum Airport
An airport named after the famous Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city, but unfortunately it is not in service at present. No domestic or International flights from this airport are available.
Some important information on Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi:
- Airport Code : VGRJ IATA: RJH
- Runway Length : 6000/100 ft.
- Runway Elevation: 55 ft (17 m).
- Longitude : 88° 36' 59E
- Latitude : 24° 26' 14N
- World Area Code : 703
Heritage
Rajshahi is famous for its characteristic sweetmeats, not to be found anywhere else in the country. These special preparations include Roshkodom, Khaja, Raghobshahi and Kachagolla (Natore is specially famous for this particular sweetmeat). Along with neighboring Chapai Nababganj, Rajshahi is the home of the regions best mangoes and lichis. Rajshahi is also the home of Barendra Museumwhich is famous for its collection of local sculpture and other artifacts dating from medieval times, and of Rajshahi silk, the finest silk produced in Bangladesh.
Major Places
Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.)
A Majar or Dorga (Shrine) is established around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) at Dargahpara in Rajshahi city. It is said that Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi region. It is also said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma riding on a crocodile. Even now, some crocodiles are reserved in the Dighi (Large Pond) next to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.).
Dargahpara
Dargahpara is famous for the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) and for the large bank of river Padma.Two famous educational institute,Rajshahi Govt.College and Rajshahi Collegiate School, are also situated in this area.There is also another shrine of Shah Turkan (Rh.) which is older than the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.).
Varendra Research Museum
The Varendra Research Museum, one of the oldest museums in this subcontinent, is situated in the heart of Rajshahi city. Its library contains 22,000 printed books and journals and 6000 manuscripts in Bengali, Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian languages. The library has been moved from the Museum building to a new, modern structure. Md Abdul Matin khan
It was one of the first non government initiatives for building a museum by some enlightened people with Kumar Sarat Kumar Roy during the British era. This museum has a large collection of statues of Lord Surya and some unique masterpieces illustrating the history of the locality and its civilization.
![[Paharpur Museum]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tVr2NKw2J_yjPOnApfy5fIW_wXTshfjHnO4zdtXVfuXU4G9NOQQOD2c5Z2IYuIOAVS1IOllXFkzNruda02R6oYC1mTXEomifZrk5ltxC48g-98e8E0bcsfMTisAXzmluAIvKePmQ=s0-d)
Eighteen miles (29 km) east of Rajshahi town, in the village of Puthia, is a fascinating but little-known group of medieval Hindu temples. Besides the imposing Maharani's Palace (Puthia was formerly a large estate) there is an interesting variety of temples. At the entrance to the village is a large white stucco temple dedicated to Shiva, following a typical north Indian design and dating from 1823. To the left of the main facade of the palace is the Govinda Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, which follows a typical Hindu temple shape prevalent in Bengal at the time. It is decorated with delicate terra-cotta panels depicting scenes from the Radha Krishna and other Hindu epics. At the back of the palace is another delightful Bangla style miniature temple, which is in the shape of a Bengali bamboo hut but built of brick and adorned with some exquisite terra-cotta designs. Across a large tank to the right of the palace are a further pair of temples exhibiting a variation of styles. One, the Jagaddhatri Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga, is a combination of the Bangla style and the Chau-chala style, or hut-shaped roof with four slopes. The other temple alongside is also of the Chau-chala style. Both temples are liberally decorated with terra-cotta designs.
Other ruins fan out within a semicircle radius of about five miles (eight km), making it one of the most important of all ancient sites in the region. It is worth walking up onto the platform of the citadel, which stands above the surrounding countryside, to see the extent of the site and to take a closer look at some of the recently exposed rampart walls. Outside and beyond the citadel on the right of the road is another interesting site where the remains of a brick Hindu temple, the Govinda Bhita, have been exposed. They stand on the bend of the Karotoya, which was said to have been the widest river in Bengal; today it is just a backwater. Opposite is the fine Mahasthan Site Museum, filled with finds from local archaeological excavations. About four miles (six km) west of Mahasthan are the ruins of Vasu Bihar, an early Buddhist monastic site recorded by the famous Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang in the seventh century. Recent excavations have shown several changes during its 500 year history.
![[Paharpur]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_vcV35vgg6Z9arYjT-IPvEHHShyJhV606-IvaEm24BwUK7cXBJIUI-b3B5KTK6zZctSJO4khwit8pDxw1HGAE6CgGkVDaz5JsNgkDWaT68LwfSpSILRYF8SZ2X4SPc=s0-d)
Following the Buddhist creed and ritual, the monastery was built in the wilderness - but not too far from a town to enable the inmates to beg from the nearby town - alongside a river which ran along the southern side. Today, the remains of the bathing and toilet facilities beyond the outside wall can also be seen in the southeastern corner.
![[Buddhist Panel at Paharpur]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uYAdb_w_KwD9o9lNotD94iLNIf06SF055jlKwzVsLzPSSUWFyZ6DOpihNdXBcjr8eES9BbHJDHl1phrhw3xp7mCelTxbn7SrYFGIfrphMng-WudT96u9voo43YOUg=s0-d)
Inside the courtyard there are the remains of several ancillary buildings and it is possible to make out the refectory, a miniature version of the main temple and a large well which the locals believe provides waters with great healing powers.
During recent exploratory excavations, an important archaeological find of a large bronze Buddha dating from the Gupta period was accidentally discovered in one of the monks cells. It is considered to be one of the most splendid specimens of mature Pala art of the ninth century, cast using the 'wax loss' process.
Paharpur's later history is uncertain but it seems to have been abandoned in the 12th century A.D., probably due to flooding. Today the site is under water during the monsoon.
In 1979, the government joined forces with the United Nations and UNESCO to prepare a conservation program to safeguard this priceless site. There is a small site museum close to the monastic complex containing, amongst other finds, some interesting stone images/scenes which are representative of over 55 in situ pieces hidden below present ground level at the base of the temple.
A few hundred yards from the monastery, on the eastern side, are the ruins of Satyapir Bhita, a Buddhist temple complex apparently dedicated to Tara, the female consort of the Dhyani Buddha.
Bangladesh Railway
The headquarter of Bangladesh Railway (Western Zone) is in Rajshahi. Rajshahi Railway Station is being modified and developed to house more passengers and to offer more services to the city dwellers.
Bangladesh Betar
Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) has a regional station in Rajshahi which transmits various programs of mass interest. Rajshahi station has a broadcasting house and transmitters in different locations. Two transmitters of 100 kW and 10 kW transmitting capacity transmit the programs developed at the broadcasting house. The Rajshahi station transmits its programs in Medium Wavelength. The popularity of the radio is low in Rajshahi like other places of Bangladesh because of the low quality programmes of Bangladesh Betar.
Bangladesh Television
Bangladesh Television, commonly known as BTV, is the national television channel of Bangladesh. It has a relay center in Rajshahi city.
Central Park and Zoo
A central park and zoo is one of the main attractions of Rajshahi city. A wide area with lush green trees and grasses also houses different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma.
Baliapukur
Its situated between the Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) and The Bus Terminal. A residential area, Padma Housing State has also been established beside this area. It is one of the largest but less well planned residential areas in Rajshahi.
Borokuthi
In the compound of the Barakuthi there is a small cemetery with groves dating back to the years of the nineteenth century. There are 14 tombs with thirteen epitaphs within the cemetery. Here also some natureral calimetari which make people enjoy for time being.
Bulonpur
The district and divisional offices, the civil and criminal courts are situated in this particular area.
ChottoBongram
Chottobongram is the largest area in Rajshahi. There are two Children parks, Bonghobondhu College, Highway Road & 7 great masjids etc. It boasts of having a large mango and lychee garden. It has become a nice professional residential area with a unique communal and academic atmosphere that makes it one of the most desirable residential locations in the city.
BoroBongram
This is a large are on the northern region of Rajshahi city just north of Chhoto Bonogram. Rajshahi city is developing along its northern side and BoroBonogram is going to be the heart of New Rajshahi city in near future. Noudapara is the main market place of BoroBonogram and is situated beside the crossing of Rajshahi bypass road and Airport road. The crossing is well known by the name 'Aam Chottor' as large concrete mango remics (like silk, mango is also the symbol of Rajshahi) have been built and placed at the center of the crossing.
Laxmipur
The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, the Laboratory High School, the New Government Degree College, Teachers' Training College, Rajshahi Government Medical College and Hospital and the Varendra Research Museum are located in this area. Another institute called Institute of Health Technology (IHT) situated here. It is one of the three government institute of health technology.this part are arbaniged by mohajer from India during the rule of Murshid kuli Khan that its name was Mahadi pur.
Kazihata
Kazihata is a small part of the town but quite known for the presence of quite a lot of government & private institutions like Bangladesh Bank, Radio Bangladesh,TV studio (non functional), Christian mission hospital, House building finance corporation, Soil Research Institute and others.
The people Kazihata is proud of are famous singer Andrew Kishor many eminent teachers Professor Dr. Golam Shabbir Sattar (Tapu). Professor Nurullah, cricketers, hockey players & professionals like doctor, engineer & lawyers.
Shaheb Bazar
The municipal office, Rajshahi Collegiate School, Rajshahi College, Masjid Mission Academy, Loknath school, Deaf and Mental schools are located here. The Shaheb Bazar mosque is situated just on the junction of the Natore road with Shaheb Bazar Road. Here also an ancient Establishment called Amir Ali Avenue which is under a waquf state called Salamot miya waquf state. which is engaged in various social work before 50 year.The old municipality building is also situated here by the side of an old pond Named Sona Dighi (gold pond).
Kadirgonj
It is one of the oldest place in Rajshahi. It situated besides Shaheb Bazar. Rajshahi City Corporation is situated in that place.Shahid Kamrujjaman lived here. Many people come here to see their respct on him. One Gov. collage & some Gov. and Private schoole are situate here.
Uposhahar
An outstanding residential area. First built for the Bihari Refugees, but later it turns into one of the posh area among the city. Divisional headquarters of some notable company including Grameenphone, Aktel, Citycell, Social Marketing Company (SMC) and Indian assistant high commission office is located here. Rajshahi Cantonment is located beside this area. Here is located a Govt. primary school (Upashahor Govt. Model Primary School) & a High school (Govt. Satellite High School).There is a graveyard & 3 mosques. The main one is named Upashohor Koroitola Boro Moszid(mosque). 6 playgrounds & an Eid gah are situated there.
Motihar
Motihar is nearly declared thana under Rajshahi city corporation. Some parts of Charghat Thana is also included in its area. The Rajshahi University is situated here on large campus surrounded by mango groves that presents a panoramic view.
Kazla, Talaimari
Two prestigious and renowned public universities, the University of Rajshahi (established in 1953) and the Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET - established in 1964 as BIT, Bangladesh Institute of Technology and in 2002 it became the University) are located in Kazla-Talaimari area. Rajshahi is called the Educational Capital of Bangladesh and these two are the major educational institutions here in Rajshahi. Keeping pace with, peripheral campuses of several private universities have also been established in this area of Rajshahi city.
Sopura
Recently a new township has grown up here on the northern side of the railway station. Here lie the district stadium and the Polytechnic institute.Now it is also a popular living area for the city dwelers.
Shiroil
is the famous place in Rajshahi for the Railway Station and the old Bus Terminal. "Shiroil Govt. High School, Rajshahi" is located here.
Harian
Harian, a place few Kilometers away from the city, is famous for a sugar mill which was established by B.I.D.C. It has been founded by the great initiative of the Mridha Family, a renowned family of the locality. Late Mamtaz Uddin Mridha, the then Chairman of the Harian Union Parishad, was one of the leading persons to make this history happened.
There is also a rail station, some high schools and primary schools are here.
horagram bajar
horagram, aplace few km to the west side, is famous for mango archerd. rajshahi court is in here. a rail station is also here.
Educational institutions
Rajshahi is also an important educational center in Bangladesh. Major educational institutes include:
- Rajshahi University
- Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
- Rajshahi College
- Rajshahi Medical College
- Islami Bank Medical College, Rajshahi
- Rajshahi New Govt. Degree College
- Barendra College
- Shah Mokhdum College
- Rajshahi City College
- Rajshahi Cadet College
- Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute
- Teacher's Training College
- Shahid Mamun Mahamud high school& college(police line)
- Rajshahi Collegiate School (First Modern School in Bangladesh)
- Government Laboratory High School Rajshahi
- Shiroil Govt. High School, Rajshahi
- P.N. Govt. Girls School
- Rajshahi Loknath High School
- Rajshahi Muslim High School
- Rajshahi High Madrasa
- Sarda Police Academy
- Postal Academy of Bangladesh
- Rajshahi Model School and college
- Rajshahi Mohila polytechnique Institute
- Agarani school & college
- Paramount School and College (English-Medium)
- Project Headway, English Training Center, 381/2 Uposhahar.
- Masjid Mission Academy, Rajshahi
- International Hifjul Quraan Academy
- Shardah Government Pilot High School
- Shahid Najmul Huq Girls' High School
Notable people
Famous people associated with Rajshahi include:
- Prof. Dr. Md. Shahidullah, BSc, MBBS, MPhil (1937–2008), Scholar, Professor of Anatomy Rajshahi
Medical College. Student of 1st Batch of Rajshahi Medical College.
- A.H.M. Kamrujjaman "Hena"
- Professor Shamsuzzoha
- Ila Mitra
- Hasan Azizul Huq
- Ramaprasad Chanda
- Dr.Enamul Hoque
- Dr. Asaduz Zaman
- Sir Jadunath Sarkar
- Akshay Kumar Maitreya
- Abul Hasnat Mohammad Kamruzzaman (1926–1975), Politician
- AKM Rezaul Haq Khan [Islamic Thinker]
- Khaled Mashud, Cricketer
- Amir Ali Miah, M.L.A
- Pandit Radhika Mohan Maitra
- Kamalesh Kumar Das
- Sree Ragunath Das
- Sharmili Ahmed
- Juned Siddique, Cricketer
- James, Musician
- Mrinal Haque, Sculptor
- Ferdousdoula Babul (Freedom fighter, killed by Pakistan Fores on 26 November 1971
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