Gomostapur

Coordinates: 24°46′53″N 88°16′46″E / 24.78139°N 88.27944°E / 24.78139; 88.27944

Gomostapur is a prominent village in Bangladesh located in the northwestern district of Chapai Nawabganj. In 1991, the village had a population of 192,000, with an average literacy rate of 32.9%. Gomostapur is also the name of the local police station, and the name of the local administrative unit or Upazila. The name is often (mis)spelled as Gomastapur.

Economy

The majority of the population derives its living from agriculture, construction and private service. Employments in the Gulf countries and Southeast Asian countries are also key components of the local economy. Unemployment is high and jobs are scarce in Gomostapur. Banks, NGOs, schools, colleges, and local government offices are the formal employers in this area. Gomostapur does not have significant manufacturing or mechanized industries. Agricultural products from Gomostapur are superior in quality.

Languages

The local people speaks Bangla. Bangla and English languages are taught in the schools and the educated part of the population can understand and speak in English.

Schools and Colleges

There are a number of educational facilities around Gomostapur, these include:

Sulaiman Ali Mia College (Grades 10-12)
Gomostapur Pilot High School (Grades 6-10)^[1]
Abdul Hamid Girls High School (Grades 6-10)^[2]
Nayadiari High School (Grades 6-10)
Gomostapur Primary School (Grades 1-5)
Balugram Primary School (Grades 1-5)
Nayadiari Primary School (Grades 1-5)
Balugram Madrasha (Grades 1-5)

Health Facilities

There is a small public health facility in the village with a doctor and first aid support. A hospital is located about 14 miles away in the district headquarters of Chapai Nawabganj. A private ambulance is available for renting. For serious health problems, hospitals in Rajshahi or Dhaka provide fuller services.

Communications

Gomostapur is served by major cellular networks. Phones are available for making calls. Internet services are available. The data bandwidth is poor.

Local Endangered Species

The Hilsha fish of the Mohananda river is very distinct. Although people have reported seeing the fish in early 2013, the Mohananda Hilsha is near extinction.

Major Issues

Poor infrastructure, lack of minimally adequate public services, unreliable power, arsenic poisoning, environmental damages, and unplanned urbanization are only few of the major issues for Gomostapur.

Local Attractions

Gomostapur is a major mango producing region in Bangladesh. Mango orchards attract many people in the area. Lengra and Fazli are among the best varieties of mangoes in this area. The village is located only about 15 miles away from the medieval capital of Bengal, Gaur. Although the city center of Gaur lies in India, many medieval ruins are located in Bangladesh not far from Gomostapur. In addition, Gomostapur is located about 15 miles south of the medieval Grand Trunk Road, which was an ancient major highway renovated by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century. During his rule, the road spanned thousands of miles and connected the Bangladeshi port city of Chittagong to Kabul.