Rajshahi

This article is about the city. For the district, see Rajshahi District. For the division, see Rajshahi Division.

Rajshahi
Nickname(s): Education City, Silk City
Rajshahi Location of Rajshahi in Bangladesh
Coordinates: 24°22′0″N 88°36′0″E / 24.36667°N 88.6°E / 24.36667; 88.6
Country	Bangladesh
Administrative District	Rajshahi District
Government
- Mayor	A H M Khairuzzaman Liton
Area
- City	377.09 km2 (145.6 sq mi)
- Urban	280.41 km2 (108.3 sq mi)
- Metro	96.68 km2 (37.3 sq mi)
Elevation	18 m (62 ft)
Population (2007 est.)
- City	727,083
- Density	1,928/km2 (4,993.5/sq mi)
- Metro	727,083
Time zone	BST (UTC+6)

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Rajshahi (Bangla: রাজশাহী) is the divisional headquarter of Rajshahi division and one of the six metropolitan cities of Bangladesh. Often nicknamed The Silk City and The Education City, Rajshahi is located at the North-Western zone of the country, has an estimated population of 3.88 million^[1] and spans over 96.69 km2 (37.3 sq mi)^[2] 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^[3].

Rajshahi was formerly known as Rampur Boalia^[4]. Though an epigraphic record engraved on the Dargah (mausoleum) of famous 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 their administrative center from Natore to then Rampur Boalia, mainly for the ease of communication from Calcutta through the Hooghly river, Bhairab River and Padma river.^[5]. Rajshahi Municipality, which was one of the first municipalities in Bangladesh, was established in 1876.^[6]. Rajshahi Municipality was renamed as Rajshahi Pourashabha, and finally, Rajshahi Pourshava was declared Rajshahi City Corporation in 1991^[7]. 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.^[8].

Rajshahi is famous for its silk industries. Fine and cheap silk products of Rajshahi have earned it the nickname The 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 often referred to The 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.

History

Ruins at Puthia, Rajshahi

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 the 12th of 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

Parjatan Motel, Rajshahi

The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with a typically tropical monsoon climate with 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 °C to 36 °C (90–98°F) during the months of April, May, June and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 °C to 16 °C (45–61°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).^[9]

Civil Administration

Rajshahi City Centre (Nogor Bhobon)

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 (2009) 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

Padma River flows beside Rajshahi City

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 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 hasn't been fast. Locals have claimed this is due to lack of attention from the central government in Dhaka. In 90's an Industry Park has been established in Rajshahi, 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 and the people of Rajshahi are demanding supply of gas as soon as possible.The government has taken steps to supply gas in Rajshahi quickly and a project has started to supply gas.

It was recently decided that Rajshahi will be the first "Digital City" in the country.

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 4 to 5 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka from Rajshahi. A number of bus services including AC and non-AC buses are available from and to Dhaka. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi.

Railway

The New Rajshahi Railway Station

Recently, two new Inter-City train services has 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 Museum, one of the foremost museums in South Asia, 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.) 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.).

Varendra Research Museum

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.

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

Rajshahi Central Park

Rajshahi 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 and 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.

ChotoBongram

Chotobongram is the largest area in the Rajahahi. There are two Children park, Bonghobondhu Collage, Highway Road & 7 great mosque etc.

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. Late Amir Ali, MLA is first motuwalli of waquf state. His elder son Md. Khorshed Alam is now continue the position. Md. Khorshed Alam 3 sons. Advocate Khirul Bashar, Sharier Naseer Alam & Amir Sadat Prince.

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. Satelite High School).There is a graveyard & 3 mosques. The main one is named Upashohor Koroitola Boro Moszid(mosque). 6 playgrounds & a 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 and 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 NIIT Rajshahi Center, the Railway Station and the old Bus Terminal. The "Shiroil Govt. High School, Rajshahi" (one of the three govt. high schools for the boys in Rajshahi city) 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.

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

Administrative building of Rajshahi University

Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the liberation war.

Rajshahi College, One of the famous educational Institutes of Rajshahi

Rajshahi is also an important educational center in Bangladesh. Major educational institutes include:

• Rajshahi University
• Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology
• Rajshahi College
• Rajshahi Medical College
• Rajshahi New Govt. Degree College
• Barendra College
• Shah Mokhdum College
• Rajshahi City College
• Rajshahi Cadet College
• Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute
• Teacher's Training College
• Rajshahi Collegiate School (First Modern School in Bangladesh)
• Government Laboratory High School Rajshahi
• P.N Govt. Girls School
• Rajshahi Lokenath High School
• Rajshahi Muslim High School
• Rajshahi High Madrasa
• Sarda Police Academy
• Postal Academy of Bangladesh
• Asian University, Rajshahi Campus
• Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology,Rajshahi Campus
• Northern University, Rajshahi Campus
• Islami Bank Madical College
• Rajshahi Model School and college
• Rajshahi Mohila polytechnique Institute
• Shiroil Govt. High School Rajshahi
• Agarani school & college
• Paramount School and College (English-Medium)
• Masjid Mission Academy, Rajshahi
• International Hifjul Quraan Academy
• APTECH Rajshahi Centre
• ACME IT Rajshahi Center^[10]
• Shardah Government Pilot 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.

• 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
• Khaled Mashud, Cricketer
• A. H. M. Kamaruzzaman Hena
• Amir Ali Miah, M.L.A
• Kamalesh Kumar Das
• Sree Ragunath Das
• Sharmili Ahmed
• Juned Siddique, Cricketer
• AKM Rezaul Haq Khan, Islamic Thinker.01719977864
• James, Musician
• Ferdousdoula Babul(Freedom fighter, killed by Pakistan Fores on 26 November 1971)
• Sir Jadunath Sarkar(1870-1958) Historian
• Akram Khan engineer of siriusbroadband(BD)Ltd.
• Abdul Waheed Mohammad Kabel, Principal of Teacher's Training College, Rajshahi 1966 - 1974
• Mohammad Gholam Kibriya, Inter-University tennis Champion 1964, 3rd son of Abdul Waheed Mohammad Kabel

References

1. ^ "Statistical Pocket book 2008, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"
2. ^ "Rajshahi City Facts in The Daily Star"
3. ^ "Census results by Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"
4. ^ "Rajshahi. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved April 18, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online"
5. ^ "An introduction to Rajshahi, the heartland of Varendra by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed"
6. ^ "Rajshahi Jela Samity Web Page"
7. ^ "City Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 1991"
8. ^ "hi Rajshahi_Civil Administration"
9. ^ bbsgov.org
10. ^ Himadri

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
• > News about LSE survey
• For Information on Bangladesh Betar Bangladesh Website
• on Shah Mokhdum Airport
• Page on Shah Mokhdum Airport

See also

• Discovery Bangladesh
• Rajshahi University
• RUET
• A rajshahi based agriculture bank
• Map of Rajshahi
• Fallingrain page on Rajshahi
• Page of Diocese of Rajshahi from Bangladesh Christian online