Rajshahi

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Rajshahi
Nickname: "Silk City, Education City"
Rajshahi's Location
Rajshahi's Location
Coordinates: 24°22′00″N, 88°35′60″E
Government
 - Mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu
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 (1991)
 - City 507,435
 - Density 1,346/km² (3,486.1/sq mi)
 - Urban 213,379
 - Metro 294,056
 - Metro Density 3,042/km² (7,878.7/sq mi)
Time zone BST (UTC+6)
Padma River flows besides Rajshahi City
Padma River flows besides Rajshahi City

Rajshahi (Bangla: রাজশাহী) is a city in Rajshahi District in northwestern Bangladesh. The river Padma, one of the major rivers of Indian subcontinent runs along the city.

Rajshahi is the headquarter of Rajshahi Division, one of the six administrative divisions in Bangladesh. Rajshahi Municipality was established in 1876, one of the first in Bangladesh. Rajshahi is located near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably Lakhnoiti or Lokhonaboti and Pundra. Rajshahi is home to many educational institutes, and is often referred to in Bangladesh as the education city. It is famous for pure silk, mango and lichi. Attractive silk products are cheaper in Rajshahi and it is often referred to as silk city. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi.

Rajshahi has a population of 700,000. According to the census of 1991[1], 94.46% of the total population are Muslims, 4.51% are Hindus, 0.62% are Christians, 0.02% are Buddhists and 0.39% others.

Contents

[edit] History

Ruins at Puthia, Rajshahi
Ruins at Puthia, Rajshahi

[edit] Ancient and medieval history

Rajshahi district was a part of Pundru 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 to the west of Rajshahi town. In medieval ages, the region came to be known as "Rampur Boalia".

[edit] Modern History

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. There was a daily steamer service on the Ganges.

[edit] Liberation war and Rajshahi

Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the libration war
Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the libration war

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.

[edit] Climate

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 during the months of April, May, June and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 °C to 16 °C. The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about 1448 millimeters. [2]

[edit] City Administration

Rajshahi City Centre (Nogor Bhobon)
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. Mijanur Rahman Minu is the current Mayor of the city and also a member of parliament for the city constituency.

A city centre is established besides the Greater Road to arrange all the services under one roof. The city centre, commonly known as Nogor Bhobon is a nice example of modern architecture.

The city corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to Rajshahi city. But A Deputy Commissionar (DC), administrative chief of Rajshahi district, and a Divisional Commissionar, administrative chief of rajshahi division, has their own offices here.

A governing body called Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho (Rajshahi Development Authority) was established to plan the development of the city and to coordinate all the development related works. RDA owns one of the major markets of Rajshahi which is known as RDA market.

[edit] Major establishments

[edit] 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.).

[edit] Varendra Research Museum

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 language. The library has been shifted from the Museum building to a new modern house.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Bangladesh Television

Bangladesh Television, commonly known as BTV, is the national television channel of Bangladesh. It has a relay center in Rajshahi city.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Transport

Rajshahi is connected to the rest of country through roads, water, rail and air.

[edit] Road Transport

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

[edit] Railway

An intercity express train named Silk City Express runs between Dhaka and Rajshahi. There are also a number of intercity express trains runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh.

[edit] Shah Makhdum (Rh) Airport

An airport named after the famous Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic flights to and from Dhaka are available here.

Some important information on Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi:

  • Airport Code  : VGRJ IATA: RJH
  • Runway Length  : 6000/100 ft.
  • Runway Elevation : 55 ft.
  • Longitude  : 88° 36' 59E
  • Latitude  : 24° 26' 14N
  • World Area Code  : 703

[edit] 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.

[edit] Major Places

[edit] Baliapukur

Its situated between Rajshahi University and Bus Terminal. A residential area padma housing state is also inside this area. It is one of the largest residential area.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Bulonpur

The district and divisional offices, the civil and criminal courts are situated in this particular area.

[edit] Laxmipur

The board of intermediate and secondary education, the laboratory high school, the government degree college, teacher's training college, medical college and hospital and the varendra research museum are located in this area.

[edit] Shaheb Bazar

The municipal office, collegiate school, Rajshahi College, Masjid Mission Academy, Loknath school, Deaf and Dumb school are located here. The Shaheb Bazar mosque is situated just on the junction of the Natore road with Shaheb Bazar Road.Here alos a ancient Establishment called Amir Ali Avenue which is under a waquf state called Salamot miya waquf state. which is engaged in verious 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.

[edit] 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 and Indian assistant high commission office is located here. Rajshahi cantonment is located beside this area. Her is loacted a Govt. primary shcool & a High shcoll.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Kazla, Talaimary

This is an important square of rajshahi. RUET is located here.

[edit] Sapura

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.

[edit] Harian

Harian, a place few Kilometers away from the city, is famous for a sugar mill which was established by B.I.D.C.

[edit] Tourism

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)

[edit] Agriculture

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.

[edit] Industry

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 a 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.

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

[edit] World's Happiest City

A survey, conducted in 2006 by a London-based organisation and initiated by the London School of Economics(LSE) adjudged Rajshahi as the happiest city of the world.This survey was conducted among the cities of 70 countries.

[edit] Educational institutions

Rajshahi College, One of the famous educational Institutes of Rajshahi
Rajshahi College, One of the famous educational Institutes of Rajshahi

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

[edit] People

Famous people associated with Rajshahi include:

[edit] References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ [2]

[edit] See also

Cities of Bangladesh
Barisal • Bogra • Chittagong • Comilla • Dhaka • Faridpur • Jessore • Khulna • Mymensingh • Narayanganj • Rangpur • Rajshahi • Sylhet   
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