Rajshahi

Rajshahi (Template:Langx, ) is a metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh–India border, the city is surrounded by the satellite towns of Nowhata and Katakhali, which together build an urban agglomeration of about 1 million population.

Rajshahi is a historic center of silk production. Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh, is located in the city. Sometimes the city is referred to as the City of Education, on account of being 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. The Shah Makhdum Airport serves Rajshahi.

According to The Guardian, Rajshahi is the cleanest city of Bangladesh, and it is also the most environmentally friendly city in the country.

History

Modern Rajshahi lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century.

Rajshahi district was a part of the Pundra region of ancient Bengal ruled by the Pundra Kingdom. The capital of Prince Vijaya, the king who led military operations in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia was located 14 kilometres (9 mi) to the west of Rajshahi town. Rajshahi was dominated by various Maharajas, Rajas and Zamindars. During Deo Raja's period, the region was known as Mohakalgarh. In 1288-89 the Raja was defeated by Shah Makhdum Rupos. The administrative district was established in 1772 and the municipal corporation during the British Raj in 1876.

Its wealth peaked under the Pala Empire, when the Barind area became an important agricultural and cultural zone. In the Mughal period, the area gained further prominence for its silk production. Rajshahi Raj was the largest zamindari (feudatory kingdom) during the British Raj which occupied a vast position of Bengal. When Nawab Murshid Quli Khan divided the Bengal Subah into 13 divisions in 1717, Rajshahi was included as one of the divisions .

During the British raj, it was also known as "Beuleah" and was the administrative headquarters of the 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 rail-heads that led to the then provincial capital of Calcutta as well as other cities in the province of Bengal.

Rajshahi was made a city corporation in 1991.

Etymology

The region came to be known as Rampur Boalia after the establishment of an administrative office in 1825. The origin of the present name of "Rajshahi" is debated among scholars. Most say that it takes its name from Hindu Kings Rajshahi Raj (or "Rajas") as Raj and the persianised Shahi; both of which mean "royal" or "kingdom".

Geography

Topography

Geographically Rajshahi is situated within Barind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level, and lies at . The city is located on the alluvial plains of the Padma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. It is bounded on the east, north, and west by Paba Upazila (a subdivision of a district) of the district.

Rajshahi District is bounded by Naogaon District to the north, Natore District to the east, and Chapai Nawabganj District and the river Padma & Kushtia District to the south.

Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification, Rajshahi has a humid subtropical climate (Cwa), with its coldest month being below 18 °C (64 °F). 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 during April, May, June, and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about . The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about . Template:Rajshahi weatherbox Although once noted for its air pollution, since 2014 the levels of particulates have been dramatically reduced by various efforts to switch to cleaner fuels and to battery-powered vehicles, to pave earth streets, to encourage walking and bicycle transport, and to plant vegetation. The levels of PM10 dropped by 67% and PM2.5 which are particularly harmful to human health, dropped from 70 to 37 micrograms per cubic meter between 2014 and 2016. Lowest recorded temperature in Rajshahi was 3.4 °C on 9 January 2003 and highest recorded temperature was 45.1 °C on 18 May 1972.

Parks and greenery

File:Rajsahi Park.JPG

Rajshahi Central Park

Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo is one of the popular public places in Rajshahi city. A wide area with green trees and grasses houses different animal species. It is located by the bank of the Padma River. Other parks in the city are Bhubon Mohon Park and Captain Monsur Ali Park. Shahid Zia's children's park is specially designed for children's amusement. The bank of the Padma River along the city is also a destination for recreation. The bank is a planned zone in many parts of the city to accommodate city dwellers for recreation purposes. In 2015, Munsguard Park near the old Dutch Boro Kuthi building and Lalonshah Park near Shahmukhdum Eidgah was built bordering the bank to provide residents a place to enjoy the views of the Padma river.

Points of interest

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The Padma River passes by the southern side of the city

• Banks of the Padma River: One of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises.
• Varendra Research Museum: Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It has a collection of artifacts 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 center of town.
• Shrine of Shah Makhdum Rupos: A dargah (tomb) was established to mark the resting place of 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 two crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine.

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Dargah of Shah Makhdum Rupos

• Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo: The park is a wide area with trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of animal species. It is located by the bank of the river Padma.
• Shahid Zia Park: An amusement park, it has a mono rail and bumping cars. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
• University of Rajshahi: This campus is within a few kilometers of the city center. The second largest university in Bangladesh.
• Shaheb Bazar: This is the center of the city, where most of the shopping malls and commercial buildings are located.
• Ghoramara: The oldest part of Rajshahi City, consisting of most of the oldest (70 to 100 years old) buildings.
• Boro Kuthi: In the compound of the Barakuthi there is a small cemetery with groves dating back to the nineteenth century. There are 14 tombs with thirteen epitaphs within the cemetery.
• Upashohor: This is a planned model town. Rajshahi Cantonment is located beside this area.
• Motihar: Rajshahi University is situated in this area on a large campus surrounded by mango groves.
• Kashia-Danga: From this area a massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. It is in the western part of the city, near Rajshahi Court railway station.
• Santal Para: Located inside the Mahish-Bathan Area. Some Santal tribes people live here.
• Bangabandhu Novo Theatre, Rajshahi: Establishment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre, Rajshahi is being implemented.

• Saheb Bazaar Rajshahi
  Saheb Bazaar Rajshahi
• Shahid Zia Shishu Park
  Shahid Zia Shishu Park
• The site of mass grave inside Rajshahi University campus
  The site of mass grave inside Rajshahi University campus
• View of Rajshahi city from the Padma River
  View of Rajshahi city from the Padma River
• Smriti Amlan Monument
  Smriti Amlan Monument

Administration

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Rajshahi City Corporation headquarter

Rajshahi is the headquarters of one of the eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. The Divisional Commissioner, who is the administrative chief of the Rajshahi Division, the DIG for the Rajshahi division, and other divisional civil servants have their own offices in the city, which function as part of the government administrative setup. Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi District, Civil Surgeon, and other district-level civil servants have their offices in the city. District judges as well as Metropolitan magistrates have their offices within the city.

Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. One mayor and 30 ward commissioners are elected for five-year terms by direct votes. Rajshahi City Corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to city governance under its jurisdiction.

Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho/Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans and coordinates the development-related works within the metropolitan area. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for the water supply and drainage system within the city area.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the metropolitan area.

Rajshahi Cantonment is a military base and the headquarters of the Bangladesh Infantry Regiment. The city is home to two battalions of BGB, a battalion of Bangladesh Ansar, a headquarter of RAB and a camp of River Police.

Demographics

Religions in Rajshahi city (2022)
Religion			Percent
Islam			94.15%
Hinduism			5.09%
Christianity			0.51%
Buddhism			0.02%
Other or not stated			0.04%

At the time of the 2022 census, Rajshahi had a population of 553,288 in 213,467 households. Rajshahi has a sex ratio of 942 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 75.17%

Bengali is the main language for the citizens of the city. Many distinctive Bengali dialects and regional languages are also spoken. There is a minority Urdu-speaking population, who are descendants of displaced Muslims from the eastern part of British India who sought refuge during the separation of India and Pakistan in 1947.

Economy

Rajshahi’s economy is composed of trade (42%), transportation and storage (23%), education (17%), manufacturing (8%), accommodation (6%), health (2%), and other sectors (2%).

Rajshahi has been famous for its silk textiles since the British period. There are also several jute mills in Rajshahi. At present many glass-making factories have been set up in Rajshahi. Rajshahi City Corporation has constructed BSIC. Industrial City-02 in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi. And work is underway on a leather industry area. There will also be a 1,200-acre industrial zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zone (BEPZA). Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park will play an important role in the development of IT in Rajshahi. When completed, it will revolutionize information and communication technology in the region, which will employ about 50,000 people.

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Silicon Tower, Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park

The Silicon Tower in Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park has attracted significant interest from investors, with 16 different companies currently occupying the facility, including Starlink. Out of these, 11 companies are operational. Bondstein Technology, a local company involved in the infrastructure development and management for Starlink in Bangladesh, plans to establish a Robotics and IoT Research Center within the park.

In 2025, Pran-RFL revived Barendra Rajshahi Textile Mills after 22 years, creating 2,000 jobs in just 6 months. They aim to create a total of 12,000 jobs with a planned investment of 350 crore.

There is also a char on the banks of the river Padma near the city of Rajshahi. Rajshahi City Corporation has plans to build another economic zone on the char. When the construction of the char is completed, it will become the commercial center of North Bengal.

Culture

Arts and festivals

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Bengali New Year / বাংলা নববর্ষ celebration rally at Rajshahi city

Rajshahi is famous for Rajshahi silk, which has a special status as clothing material in the Indian subcontinent. Rajshahi is the home of the region's best mangoes and lichis. Rajshahi is also the location of Barendra Museum, which is known for its collection of local sculptures and other artifacts dating from medieval times. It also has some important structures made by the British like the T Dam.

Pohela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, and Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring of the Bengali month Falgun, in the Bengali calendar, is festively celebrated in the city. There are widespread celebrations of Muslim festivals of Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Muharram; Hindu festivals of Durga Puja, the Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; and the Christian festival of Christmas across the city.

Media

There are many Bengali daily newspapers published in the city, including Sonali Sangbad, Uttorbongo Protidin, Shadhin Janapad, Sunshine, Dainik Barta, Sonar Desh, Natun Provat, and Amader Rajshahi. There are also many online news portal such as Uttarkal, Padmatimes24, AjkerRajshahi, rajshahinews24.com, silkcitynews.com, Priyojon TV and others.

State-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar have transmission centers in Rajshahi. The BTV relay station in Rajshahi is headquartered in the Kazihata neighborhood and has been operating since 2001.

A local FM radio station, Radio Padma, transmits at 99.2 MHz frequency and Radio Foorti transmits at 88.0 MHz.

There are also five press clubs in Rajshahi City. Known as Rajshahi City Press Club, Rajshahi Press Club, Rajshahi Metropolitan Press Club, Rajshahi Varendra Press Club, and Rajshahi Padma Press Club.

Sports

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Shaheed Qamaruzzaman Stadium

There are three 15,000+ capacity stadiums in the city. One is at the center of the city which is normally called the Rajshahi District Stadium, another is inside the Rajshahi University and the last one used for cricket is located at Terokhadia called Shaheed Qamaruzzaman Stadium. This is the home ground of Rajshahi Division cricket team. There is also an international standard tennis complex and a few sports training academies in the city.

Many national-level footballers groomed in the city such as former Bangladesh national team captain Mohammed Mohsin and recent midfielder Manik Hossain Molla. The city is the home of several national-level club teams like Diganta Proshari Sangha and Sonali Otit Club. There are also a few football training academies including one in 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 a regular supplier of cricketers in the national team, it is also the home of Bangladesh Premier League team Rajshahi Warriors, which won the BPL title once. The city has two cricket academies, Banglatrack and Clemon, to grow and train upcoming cricketers.

Rajshahi is also known for hockey. Many local hockey practice clubs allow playing at national, inter-university, college, and 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.

It also has multiple Tennis complexes, which regularly host national and international competitions.

Achievements

Rajshahi has received the National Environment Award in 2013 and 2021, and the Environment Friendly City of the Year title in 2020. The city also earned the Prime Minister's National Award for Tree Plantation in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013.

Transport

Road

Rajshahi is connected to most other parts of the country via the N6 national highway. There are two intercity bus terminals in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital city Dhaka. Several bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and the district's headquarters are also available from Rajshahi.

Railway

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Rajshahi central railway station

Rajshahi has a central railway station with a total of five platforms. This station is the home of five intercity trains.

Four inter-city train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named Silk City Express, Padma Express and Dhumketu Express, and Bonolota Express between Dhaka and Rajshahi railway station regularly. There are other inter-city trains operated from Rajshahi to Khulna and other regions of the country. There are also mail/express trains.

There are two other railway stations in the city, Rajshahi Court and Rajshahi University.

Air

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Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi

The city is served by Shah Makhdum Airport, named after the Islamic preacher Shah Makhdum Rupos, situated at Nowhata, a commuter town of the city. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, and US-Bangla Airlines operate domestic flights to and from Dhaka.

Public transport

Auto rickshaws and charging rickshaws are the main modes of transport within the city and metro area. Once there was plenty of Tomtom (horse-driven cart) in the city, which are still found, but fewer in numbers. There are bus and minibus services in a limited number of routes, connecting suburban areas of the city. Plenty of rental car agencies operate within the city and metro area, where sedans, SUVs, and micro-buses are available to hire hourly or daily. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Obhai are also available in the city.

Healthcare

File:Islami Bank Medical College & Hospital 04.jpg

Islami Bank Medical College & Hospital

The city has many government, private and NGO-run hospitals. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) is a tertiary-level public hospital with a teaching facility for graduate and postgraduate medical education. There are two private medical college hospitals, and another two are under construction in the city. There is also a government-run children's hospital, one chest hospital, a district-level government hospital, and a Christian missionary hospital within the city area.

Education

File:Administration Building, University of Rajshahi.jpg

Administrative building of University of Rajshahi

File:Administration Building of Rajshshi College.jpg

Administrative building of Rajshahi College, one of the oldest educational institutes of Bangladesh

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Administrative building of Rajshahi Medical College

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Building of Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute

Rajshahi, commonly referred to as Education City (Sikkha Nogori), is home to many government, private and autonomous educational institutions.

The secondary and higher secondary institutions in the city fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Rajshahi.

The city is home to the Rajshahi College- which is the third oldest college in Bangladesh after Dhaka College, and Chittagong College. Rajshahi Medical College is the second oldest medical college in erstwhile East Pakistan. The University of Rajshahi is the second oldest and one of the largest public universities in the country. Rajshahi Engineering College, now known as RUET, was the second engineering college established in East Pakistan in 1964. For Technical Education Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute was Established in 1963, This Institute is under the Bangladesh Technical Education Board.

Rajshahi consistently leads in pass rates and GPA 5 achievements in SSC and HSC results.

Major educational institutes include:

Universities:

• University of Rajshahi
• Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
• Rajshahi Medical University
• Varendra University
• North Bengal International University

Medical colleges:

• Rajshahi Medical College
• Islami Bank Medical College

Polytechnic institutes:

• Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute

Higher secondary institutions:

• Rajshahi College
• Rajshahi Government City College
• New Government Degree College, Rajshahi
• Rajshahi Cadet College
• Rajshahi Collegiate School
• Masjid Mission Academy

Secondary institutions:

• Rajshahi Government Girls' High School
• Govt. Laboratory High School, Rajshahi
• Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School, Rajshahi
• Rajshahi Loknath High School

Notable residents

• A.H.M. Quamruzzaman, politician
• Ritwik Ghatak, filmmaker
• Hasan Azizul Huq, linguist
• Fazle Hossain Badsha, Politician
• Selina Hossain, novelist
• Andrew Kishore, singer
• Rajanikanta Sen, Poet
• Akshay Kumar Maitreya, historian
• A. H. M. Khairuzzaman Liton, Politician
• Khaled Mashud, cricketer
• Ila Mitra, activist
• Sabbir Rahman, cricketer
• Sir Jadunath Sarkar, historian
• Mohammad Shamsuzzoha, academic
• Mohammed Mohsin, footballer
• Manik Hossain Molla, footballer
• Junaid Siddique, cricketer
• Najmul Hossain Shanto, cricketer
• Enamul Karim Nirjhar, architect
• Mizanur Rahman Minu, Politician
• Mahiya Mahi, Actress
• Malay Bhowmick, Playwright and director
• Shahriar Alam, politician
• Mrinal Haque, sculptor
• Saleh Hasan Naqib, university professor and vice-chancellor
• Mostakim Wazed, footballer

Twin towns and sister cities

Rajshahi's twin town and sister cities are:

• Template:Flagicon Kristiansand, Norway (1979)
• Template:Flagicon Yiyang, China (2018)

See also

• List of cities and towns in Bangladesh
• Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
• Rajshahi University
• Upazilas of Bangladesh
• Districts of Bangladesh
• Divisions of Bangladesh
• Upazila
• Thana

External links

• Map of Rajshahi District
• E-Rajshahi (in English) , an online portal for information and government services managed by Rajshahi City Corporation
• FinancialExpress-bd.com, News about LSE survey
• Betar.org.be, Radio Bangladesh website for information on Bangladesh Betar
• World-Airport-Codes.com, information on Shah Mokhdum Airpor