'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], 93.46% of the total population are
Muslims, 5.51% are
Hindus, 0.62% are
Christians, 0.02% are
Buddhists and 0.39% others.
History
Ruins at Puthia, Rajshahi
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". 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. 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
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]
Civic 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. 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.
Economy
Padma River flows besides 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.
It was recently decided that Rajshahi will be the first "Digital City" in the country.
Transport
Rajshahi is connected to the rest of country through roads, water, rail and air.
Road Transport
It takes approximately 3 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.
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.
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
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 language. The library has been shifted from the Museum building to a new modern house.
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.
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 Rajshahi University and Bus Terminal. A residential area padma housing state is also inside this area. It is one of the largest residential area. Alsu exjrhfb bnbbfsvhjgyegysheiuejkghiuegheuge8uijgnjehgeu
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
The village are very interested point.this village cross the by pass road.This village Stand by Children park..
Laxmipur
The board of intermediate and secondary education, the laboratory high school, the government degree college, Microsoftbd computer training, teacher's training college, medical college and hospital and the varendra research museum are located in this area.
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 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 and Indian assistant high commission office is located here. Rajshahi
cantonment is located beside this area. Here is located a Govt. primary school & a High school.
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, Talaimary
Tow universities are located here. One is the Rajshahi University (established in 1953) and the other is Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology. Rajshahi is called the Educational Capital of Bangladesh and these two are the major educational institutions here in Rajshahi.
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.
Harian
Harian, a place few Kilometers away from the city, is famous for a
sugar mill which was established by B.I.D.C.
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.
Educational institutions
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 of Engineering and Technology
★
Rajshahi University
★
Rajshahi College
★
Rajshahi Medical College
★
Asian University, Rajshahi Campus
★
Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology,Rajshahi Campus
★
Northern University, Rajshahi Campus
★
Islami Bank Madical College
★ Rajshahi City College
★ Rajshahi New Degree Govt. College
★ Rajshahi Cadet College
★ Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute
★ Teacher's Training College
★ Shiroil Govt. High School Rajshahi
★
Rajshahi Collegiate School (First Modern School in Bangladesh)
★ Rajshahi Govt. Laboratory high School
★ Rajshahi Residential Model High School and college
★ P.N Govt. Girls School
★ Rajshahi Lokenath High School
★ Rajshahi Muslim High School
★
Masjid Mission Academy, Rajshahi
★ Rajshahi High Madrasa
★ Sarda Police Academy
★ Postal Academy of Bangladesh
★ International Hifjul Quraan Academy
Notable People
Famous people associated with Rajshahi include:
★ Md. Prof. Ekramul Huq
★ Muhammad Enamul Hoque
★
Shamsuzzoha
★
Ila Mitra
★
Hasan Azizul Huq
★
Dr.M. Asaduzzaman
★ Ramaprasad Chanda
★ Bondey Ali Miah
★
Sir Jadunath Sarkar
★
Mohiuddin Jahangir
★
Akshay Kumar Maitreya
★ Madarbux
★
Khaled Mashud
★ A. H. M. Kamaruzzaman Hena
★ Amir Ali Miah, M.L.A
★ Kamalesh Kumar Das
References
1. [1]
2. [2]
★
★
class=wikiexternal target=_blank>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
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