Rajshahi
| Rajshahi রাজশাহী |
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| City | |||||||||
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| Nickname(s): Silk City | |||||||||
Rajshahi
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| Coordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′ECoordinates: 24°22′N 88°36′E | |||||||||
| Country | Bangladesh | ||||||||
| Division | Rajshahi Division | ||||||||
| District | Rajshahi District | ||||||||
| Establishment | 1700 | ||||||||
| Municipality | 1876 | ||||||||
| Granted city status | 1991 | ||||||||
| Government | |||||||||
| • Type | City Corporation | ||||||||
| • Body | Rajshahi City Corporation | ||||||||
| Area | |||||||||
| • City | 96.68 km2 (37.33 sq mi) | ||||||||
| Elevation | 18 m (59 ft) | ||||||||
| Population (2011) | |||||||||
| • City | 763,952 | ||||||||
| • Density | 7,900/km2 (20,000/sq mi) | ||||||||
| • Metro | 878,500 | ||||||||
| Time zone | BST (UTC+6) | ||||||||
| Postal code | 6000, 6100, 6203 | ||||||||
| National Calling Code | +880 | ||||||||
| Calling Code | 0721 | ||||||||
| Police | Rajshahi Metropolitan Police | ||||||||
| Airport | Shah Makhdum Airport | ||||||||
| Website | erajshahi |
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Modern Rajshahi lies in the ancient region of Pundravdhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R). The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876. It was a divisional capital of the Bengal Presidency.
Rajshahi is an important administrative, educational, cultural & business centre in Bangladesh today. It is a historic center of silk production. Varendra Research Museum, which is oldest of its kind in Bangladesh is located in the city. The city is home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh. The head office of Rajshahi Agricultural Development Bank and Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is situated in the city. Rajshahi is served by the Shah Makhdum Airport.
History
Rajshahi district was medieval times, the region came to be known as "Rampur Boalia". The origin of the present name of "Rajshahi" is debated among scholars. Most say that it takes its name from Hindu Kings and zamindars (or "Rajas") as Raj and the persianised Shahi; both of which means Royal or Kingdom.The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation in 1876. Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas and Zamindars.
The site of mass grave inside Rajshahi University campus
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 honour (Bir Shrestho) by the Bangladesh government after the war.
Geography
The Padma river passes by southern side of the city
Topography
Geographically Rajshahi is situated within Barind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level & lies at 24°22′26″N 88°36′04″E.The city is located on the alluvial planes of the Padma river, which runs through southern side of the city. It is bounded on the east, north and west by Paba Upazila (subdivision of a district) of the district.Climate
Under Köppen 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).| Climate data for Rajshahi | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 30.0 (86) |
35.4 (95.7) |
40.3 (104.5) |
45.1 (113.2) |
44.8 (112.6) |
43.6 (110.5) |
39.7 (103.5) |
35.5 (95.9) |
39.2 (102.6) |
35.3 (95.5) |
34.3 (93.7) |
30.3 (86.5) |
45.1 (113.2) |
| Average high °C (°F) | 25.4 (77.7) |
28.0 (82.4) |
33.5 (92.3) |
35.9 (96.6) |
34.8 (94.6) |
33.3 (91.9) |
32.0 (89.6) |
32.0 (89.6) |
32.3 (90.1) |
31.9 (89.4) |
29.5 (85.1) |
26.1 (79) |
31.23 (88.19) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 18.5 (65.3) |
20.6 (69.1) |
25.7 (78.3) |
28.8 (83.8) |
29.1 (84.4) |
29.4 (84.9) |
28.9 (84) |
29.1 (84.4) |
29.1 (84.4) |
27.6 (81.7) |
23.5 (74.3) |
19.4 (66.9) |
25.81 (78.46) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 10.2 (50.4) |
13.3 (55.9) |
18.0 (64.4) |
21.7 (71.1) |
23.5 (74.3) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.9 (78.6) |
26.2 (79.2) |
25.9 (78.6) |
23.4 (74.1) |
17.6 (63.7) |
12.8 (55) |
20.33 (68.6) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 1.8 (35.2) |
3.9 (39) |
8.6 (47.5) |
10.8 (51.4) |
14.4 (57.9) |
20.3 (68.5) |
19.4 (66.9) |
18.3 (64.9) |
12.6 (54.7) |
11.4 (52.5) |
7.0 (44.6) |
4.2 (39.6) |
1.8 (35.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 13 (0.51) |
15 (0.59) |
27 (1.06) |
39 (1.54) |
129 (5.08) |
272 (10.71) |
301 (11.85) |
261 (10.28) |
234 (9.21) |
112 (4.41) |
14 (0.55) |
2 (0.08) |
1,419 (55.87) |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 40 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 51 | 79 | 88 | 85 | 80 | 66 | 62 | 59 | 60.2 |
Parks and greenery
Rajshahi Central Park
Points of interest
View of Rajshahi city from the Padma river
Dargah of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R)
Shahid Zia Shishu Park
- Banks of the Padma River: A lovely sight of one of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises, along with its beauty.
- Varendra Research Museum: Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It is recognised as the oldest museum in the country. It has a rich collection of artefacts, relating to Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the University, located in the heart of town.
- Shrine of Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R) : A Dargah (Tomb) was established to mark the resting place of Hazrat Shah Makhdum in 1635. He was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on 2 crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine.
- Kamruzzaman Central Park and Zoo: The park is a wide area with lush green trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of different animal species. It is located by the bank of river Padma.
- Shahid Zia Park: An amusement park for pleasure. It has mono rail, bumping cars and many other exciting things for amusement. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
- University of Rajshahi : You must see this well-planned beautiful green campus before leaving Rajshahi. It is within a few kilometres from the city centre and easily accessible.
- Shaheb Bazar : It is the centre of the city, where most of the shopping malls & commercial buildings are located.
- Ghoramara : The oldest part of Rajshahi City, consisting most of oldest (70- to 100-year-old) buildings. 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 natural calimetari which make people enjoy for time being.
- Upashohor: This is a planned model town. Rajshahi Cantonmentis located beside this area.
- Motihar: Rajshahi University is situated in this area on large campus surrounded by mango groves that presents a panoramic view.
- Kashia-Danga: From this area massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. Anyone can have a glimpse of famous mangoe's tree of Rajshahi from this area. The area is at the west part of the city, near to Rajshahi court railway station.
- Santal Para : Located inside the Mahish-Bathan Area. Some santal tribes people lives here. Anyone can have a look to their tribal life.
Administration
Rajshahi City Corporation head office
Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. One Mayor and 30 Ward Commissioner's are elected for a five-year term by direct votes. Rajshahi City Corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to city governance under its jurisdiction. Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the metropolitan area. Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho/Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans and coordinates the development related works within metropolitan area. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for water supply and drainage system within city area.
Economy
Apart from the usual agricultural products of Bangladesh, such as rice, wheat, potatoes and lentils, Rajshahi and its neighbouring regions are specially suited from various crops such as Mango, Lichi, Sugarcane, Potato, Tomato & Watermelon. In spite of being an important city and located on a riverbank, industrial development in Rajshahi has not taken place to any great extent. There is an Industrial Park in Rajshahi, which is now mainly home to industries producing products of the famous Rajshahi silk. Head office of regulatory board for Sericulture, Bangladesh Sericulture Development Board also based in the city. Rajshahi is also home to number of jute, textile and sugar mills, pharmaceutical and mango based industries. Two 50 MW power plants have already been built at Katakhali to meet the growing electricity demand of the city.Bangladesh Bank, which is the central bank of Bangladesh has a regional office in the city. Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, a nationalised bank with its head office at Rajshahi is working in a mission to help to develop the agriculture sector of Rajshahi and Rangpur division. Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), which is a government organization for the integrated development of Rajshahi & Rangpur division has its head office in the city.Head office of Western Zone of Bangladesh Railway is located in this city.
Culture
Arts and festivals
Bengali New Year/বাংলা নববর্ষ celebration rally at Rajshahi city
Media
There are many Bengali daily newspaper published from the city, which include Sonali Sangbad, Sunshine, Dainik Barta, Sonar Desh, Natun Provat, Amader Rajshahi, upnnews24.com & many more. There are also online news portal such as Rajshahi News 24, Silkcity News etc. Government run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar have transmission centres in Rajshahi. Besides there is a local FM radio Radio Padma which transmits at 99.2 MHz frequency.Radio Foorti transmits at 88.0 MHz.Sports
Shaheed Quamruzzaman Stadium
Many national level footballers groomed in the city such as arguably the best goalkeeper in Bangladesh history. The city is the home of several national level club teams like Digonto proshari and Sonali Otit. There are also a few football training academies including one in the Rajshahi's central eidgah (large open ground used on special occasions for Muslim prayers) and in the Zilla stadium.
The city is an important place for cricket in Bangladesh. As regular supplier of cricketer in the national team, it is also the home of Bangladesh Premier League team Rajshahi Kings. The city has two cricket academies Banglatrack and Clemon, to grow and train upcoming cricketers.
Rajshahi is also known for hockey. There are many local hockey practice clubs that gives opportunity to play in National level, Inter University, college, School levels. There are National Team hockey players from Rajshahi. Late Mintu was one of them and by his name there is "Mintu Chottor" at lokkhipur mor, Rajshahi.
Transport
Rajshahi central railway station
Road
Rajshahi is connected to most other parts of the country via the N6 national highway. There are two intercity bus terminal in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital. A number of bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and districts headquarter are also available from Rajshahi.
Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi
Railway
Three Inter-City train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named "Silk City Express", "Padma Express" and "Dhumketu Express" between Dhaka and Rajshahi regularly. There are other inter-city, mail and local trains operated from here to connect Khulna and other region of the country.Air
The city is served by Shah Makhdum Airport, named after the Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (R), situated at Nowhata, which a commuter town of the city. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, US-Bangla Airlines operate domestic flights to & from Dhaka.
Tomtom
Public transport
Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws is the main mode of transport within city & metro area. Once upon a time there were plenty of Tomtom (horse driven cart) in the city, which are also found but very rare nowadays. There are bus & minibus service in limited number of routes with suburban areas of the city. Plenty of Rent A Car agencies operate within the city and metro area, where Sedan/SUV/Micro-bus are available to hire on hourly or daily basis .Healthcare
The city has many government, private & NGO run hospitals. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) is a tertiary level public hospital with teaching facility in graduate and postgraduate medical education. Other than RMCH, there is a children's hospital, one chest hospital, a district level government hospital & a Christian missionary hospital within the city area. There are two private medical college hospital and another two are under construction in the city.Demographics
Population of the city proper is about 0.77 million.Metro area (which includes satellite towns of Nowhata & Katakhali) has an estimated population of about 1 million.Bengali is the main language for the citizens of the city. Many distinctive Bengali dialects and regional languages are also spoken.However English is understood widely, especially for academic & business purposes. There is a minority Urdu-speaking population, who are descendants of displaced Muslims from eastern part of British India who sought refuge during separation of India and Pakistan in 1947.
Literacy rate of the city is 74.1%. Islam makes about 86% of total population and about 13% people follow Hinduism, 1% follow other religion like Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and Christianity.
Education
Administrative building of Rajshahi University
Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the liberation war.
Administrative building of Rajshahi College, one of the oldest educational Institute of Bangladesh.
Major educational institutes include,
- University of Rajshahi
- RUET
- Rajshahi Medical College
- Islami Bank Medical College
- Barind Medical College
- Shah Mokhdum Medical College
- Varendra University
- North Bengal International University
- Udayan Dental College
- Islami Bank Medical College Nowdapara, Rajshahi
- Rajshahi College
- New Government Degree College, Rajshahi
- Government City College, Rajshahi
- Government Women's College, Rajshahi
- Varendra Government College, Rajshahi
- Haji Abul Hossain Institute Of Technology, Rajshahi
- Mohanogor College, Rajshahi
- Shah Mokhdum College
- Rajshahi Government Collegiate School
- Government Laboratory High School Rajshahi
- Rajshahi Education Board Model School & College
- Teacher's Training College
- Higher Secondary Teacher's Training Institute
- Silk Research and Training Institute
- Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute
- Rajshahi Mohila Polytechnic Institute
- Udayan Dental College, Rajshahi
- Nowhata Degree College, Nowhata, Rajshshi
Notable residents
- Akshay Kumar Maitreya, noted Indian historian and social worker from Bengal.
- A.H.M Quamruzzaman, politician, National Leader and former Home Minister of Bangladesh.
- Ila Mitra, the leader of peasants and indigenous Santhals.
- Andrew Kishore, Singer
- Hasan Azizul Huq, Linguist, author, Story-writer.
- Khaled Masud Pilot, Former Captain of Bangladesh Cricket Team
- Mohammad Shamsuzzoha, academic, participant of Bengali Language Movement.
- Ritwik Ghatak
- Sir Jadunath Sarkar, historian
- Sabbir Rahman, Bangladeshi international cricketer
- Selina Hossain, novelist, Present Director of Bangla Academy
- Mrinal Haque, sculptor
Twin towns and sister cities
Rajshahi's twin town and sister city is:
Kristiansand, Norway (1979)
See also
- List of cities and towns in Bangladesh
- Rajshahi University
Notes and references
Notes
- Government of Bangladesh refers to administrative seat of its divisions and districts as headquarters and not as capital
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