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Revision as of 14:45, 14 December 2011

This article is about the city. For the district, see Rajshahi District. For the division, see Rajshahi Division.
Rajshahi,Bangladesh
রাজশাহী
Metropolis
Panoramic view of Rajshahi from Sadharan Bima Bhaban
Panoramic view of Rajshahi from Sadharan Bima Bhaban
Nickname(s): 
Education City, Silk City
Country Bangladesh
DivisionRajshahi Division
DistrictRajshahi District
EstablishmentSometimes in between 1700-1725
Establishment of Municipality1876
Granted city status1991
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • MayorA H M Khairuzzaman Liton
Area
[1]
 • Metropolis
37.33 sq mi (96.68 km2)
Elevation
59 ft (18 m)
Population
 (2008 est.)[2]
 • Metropolis
775,495
 • Density12,700/sq mi (4,890/km2)
 • Metro
472,775
Time zoneUTC+6 (BST)
Postal code
6000
National Calling Code+880
Calling Code0721
WebsiteOfficial Website

Template:IndicText

The city of Rajshahi (Bangla: রাজশাহী) 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.[2] Its total area is 96.69 km2 (37.33 sq mi)[3] 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.[4]

Rajshahi was formerly known as Rampur Boalia.[5] 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.[6] Rajshahi Municipality, which was one of the first municipalities in Bangladesh, was established in 1876.[7] Rajshahi Municipality was renamed as Rajshahi Pourashabha, and finally, Rajshahi Pourshava was declared Rajshahi City Corporation in 1991.[8] 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.[9]

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. Rajshahi was dominated by various Rajas, Maharajas and Zamindars.[10]

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).[11]

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 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 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.

Transport

Transportation in Rajshahi is very good. Rajshahi is connected to the rest of country through roads,air,rail and water.Now United Airways starts dhaka-rajshahi-dhaka air transport service in every Thursday.

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

The New Rajshahi Railway Station

Recently, three new Inter-City train services have been inaugurated by Bangladesh Railway, named "Silk City Express" "Padma Express" and "Dhumketu 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 three trains are:

From Rajshahi:

At 7:15 am Silk City at 4:00 pm Padma Express and 11:20 pm Dhumketu Express

From Dhaka:

At 2:40 pm(Komlapur)Silk City at 10:40 pm (Dhaka Cantonment)Padma Express and 6:00 am (Komlapur).

There are also a number of intercity express trains which runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh.

Shah Makhdum Airport

Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi

An airport named after the famous Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city, Domestic flights from Dhaka & Saidpur 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 which 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 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

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.Rajshahi Railway Station is Very Nice.

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.

Radio Foorti

Radio Foorti has started its regional FM station in Rajshahi from 2010. The station transmits its Broadcasting on 88.00 MHz from the Rajshahi studio. The station airs 24 hour everyday. The station is getting increasingly popular to the young generation in very short period of time. The station broadcasts very high quality programs and music round the clock.

=== Radio Padma === 99.2 FM === Rajshahi, Oct 7- Bangladesh formally entered the era of community radio with the launch of Radio Padma FM 99.2, a community radio station initiated by the Centre for Communication and Development (CCD). After preparatory work by BNNRC with support from UNESCO and UNDP, the government announced the Community Radio Installation, Broadcast and Operation Policy in 2008 under which 14 stations received approval to operate community radio across the country. Radio Padma is the first to formally take to the airwaves.

Program content of Radio Padma would include news, views and entertainment with a focus on addressing crucial social issues at community level. Community Radio - for the community, of the community and by the community - has been gaining popularity in the world of development and social communication in recent years. Countries like India and Nepal have made strides in community radio, which, according to development experts, is an important tool to give voice to the marginalized. This is potentially a powerful tool for the people in the remote rural areas.

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 & 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

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. This days kazihata becomes more important area. It can called vip area also. Because of most famous teachers and professors of Rajshahi are living in this area. As Sopon kumar, Nitto gopal and many more. The famous government laboratory high school, Model school and college are also part of Kazihata. It will be probably the future commercial area of rajshahi

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 respect on him. Gov women collage & some Gov. and Private school are situate here.

Uposhahar

Mango round about

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. Tarokhadi is situated here.

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

Old Hindu Temple at Sopura, Rajshahi

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, a place 4 km to the west side, is famous for mango archerd (Roy para). Rajshahi court is in here. A rail station is also here. In a recent days city corporation established a two stored shopping mall named ' Horogram New Market'. Horogram bazar famous for green vegetable marketing.oldest sporting club ' Degonto posary" is 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:

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava –2001" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
  2. ^ a b "Statistical Pocket book 2008, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"
  3. ^ "Rajshahi City Facts in The Daily Star"
  4. ^ "Census results by Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"
  5. ^ "Rajshahi. (2009). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved April 18, 2009, from Encyclopædia Britannica Online"
  6. ^ "An introduction to Rajshahi, the heartland of Varendra by Dr. Nazimuddin Ahmed"
  7. ^ "Rajshahi Jela Samity Web Page"
  8. ^ "City Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 1991"
  9. ^ "hi Rajshahi_Civil Administration"
  10. ^ Encyclopedia of Bangladesh pp 6
  11. ^ BBSgov..org

Advocate Abdul Hadi (former Mayor RCC)

External sources

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