Happy TravellerWelcome to Rajshahi, a bustling metropolitan city located in the northern part of Bangladesh. Renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, Rajshahi is a must-see destination for any traveler exploring Bangladesh.
History
Rajshahi has a long and interesting history dating back to the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The city was founded in 1634 and was once a Dutch settlement in the 18th century. During the British Raj, Rajshahi was a divisional capital of the Bengal Presidency. Today, Rajshahi is a significant administrative, educational, cultural, and business center in Bangladesh.
Geography
Rajshahi is situated within the Barind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level, and lies at 24°22′26″N 88°36′04″E. The city is located on the alluvial plains of the Padma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. The climate 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.
Points of Interest
Rajshahi is home to many renowned educational institutions, including the University of Rajshahi, the second-largest university in Bangladesh. The city is a historic center of silk production, and visitors can learn about the industry at the Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh. The Shrine of Shah Makhdum Rupos is another popular attraction. It is a dargah (tomb) established to mark the resting place of Shah Makhdum in 1635, who was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on two crocodiles. Visitors can also explore the Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo, which is located by the bank of the Padma River. The park is a wide area with green trees and grasses that houses different animal species. Other parks in the city include Bhubon Mohon Park and Captain Monsur Ali Park.
Culture
Rajshahi is famous for its Rajshahi silk, which has a special status as clothing material in the Indian subcontinent. The city is also known for its mangoes and lichis, which are considered to be the best in the region. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage at the Barendra Museum, which is known for its collection of local sculptures and other artifacts dating from medieval times. The city celebrates many festivals, including Pohela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, and Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring of the Bengali month Falgun, in the Bengali calendar, in a festive manner. There are widespread celebrations of Muslim festivals of Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Muharram; Hindu festivals of Durga Puja; Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; and the Christian festival of Christmas across the city.
Economy
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. The city has a BSIC Industrial City-02 in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi, with work underway on a leather industry area. The city is also set to have a 1,200-acre industrial zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zone (BEPZA). The Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park will play an important role in the development of IT in Rajshahi, employing about 50,000 people.
Administration
Rajshahi is the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district. The city is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh, and 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 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
