(Dhaka)

Old Dhaka

The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture. Known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin. It has attracted travellers from far and near through ages. It has history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about eight million people with an area of about 1353 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the center of industrial, commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, yatchs, country boats, motor launches, paddle - steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity. Colorful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors. Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are :

Mosque :
Dhaka has several hundred mosques. Prominent are the seven Domed Mosque (17th century), Baitull Mukarram-National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century), Chawkbazar Mosque and Huseni Dalan Mosque.
 

Dhakweshari Temple

Hindu Temples:
Dhakeshwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission.

 

Churches:
Armenian Church (1781 A.D.) St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former Holy Rosary Church (1677A.D.) at Tejgaon.
 

Lalbagh Fort :
It was built in 1678 A.D. by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh are the tomb of Pari Bibi , Lalbagh Mosque, Audience Hall and Hammam of Nawab Shaista Khan now housing a museum.
 

Bahadur Shah Park:
( Bahadur Shah Park) Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857-59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged.
 

Bangabandhu Memorial Museum :
The residence of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi has been turned into a musuam. It contains rare collection of personal effects and photographs of his lifetime.

 

Mukti Juddha (Freedome fight) Museum :
Situated at Segun Bagicha area of the city the museum contains rare photographs of Liberation war and items used by the freedom fighters during the period.
 

Ahsan Manzil Museum :
On the bank of the river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. The renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab

Curzon Hall :
Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.




Old High Court Building:
Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.
 

Dhaka Zoo:
Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.
 

National Museum:
Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.
 

Botanical Garden:
Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka Zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip.
 

National Park : Situated at Rejendrapur, 40 km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres) national recreational forest with facilities for picnic and rowing etc.

Central Shahid Minar : Symbol of Bengali nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language movement of 1952. Hundreds and thousands of people with floral wreaths and bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.


Buddhist monastery:
Kamalapur Buddhist Monastery.

National Poet's Graveyard:
Revolutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam died on the 29 August 1976 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University Mosque.

Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden):
Popular Park. The oath of independence of Bangladesh was taken here and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman gave clarion call for independence on this occasion on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Eternal Flame to enliven the memory of the martyrs of our Liberation war has been blown here recently.


Mausoleum of National Leaders:
Located at the southwestern corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimuddin.
 

Banga Bhaban :
The official residence of the President, located in the city . One can have an outside view of this grand palace.
 

Baldha Garden:
Unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of Dhaka city, the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists.

Ramna Green:
A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.

National Assembly:
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis I. Kahn, has distinctive architectural features, It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

Science Museum:
Located at Agargaon, the museum is a modern learning center related to the latest scientific discoveries.

National Memorial:
Located at Savar, 35, km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain is dedicated to the sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation.

Rajshahi

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

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 (14 km) 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 (90–98°F) during the months of April, May, June and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about 7 °C to 16 °C (45–61°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).^[2]

Civil Administration

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, the former mayor of Rajshahi and organising secretary of Bangladesh Nationalist Party central committee, has been acquitted on appeal of charges of extortion ^[3].

A city centre is established beside 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 authority under their 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 on behalf of the government to implement their plan in every level.

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

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

Transportation in Rajshahi is very good. Rajshahi is connected to the rest of country through roads, rail and water. Unfortunately no air transportation is presently in operation in Rajshahi.

Road Transport

It takes about 4 to 5 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka from Rajshahi. A number of bus services including AC and non-AC buses are available from and to Dhaka. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi.

Railway

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

From Rajshahi:

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

From Dhaka:

At 3:12 pm(Airport)Silk City and at 11:45 pm (Dhaka Cantonment)Padma Express.

There are also a number of intercity express trains which 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, but unfortunately it is not in service at present. No domestic or International flights from this airport 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, 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

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.Md Abdul Matin khan

It was one of the first initiative of non government initiative for building a museum by some enlightened people with Kumar Sarat Kumar Roy during British era .

This museum has the biggest collection of statue of Lord Surya & some very unique masterpieces to know the history of that locality & 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.

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 of Engineering and 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.

ChotoBongram

Chotobongram is the largest area in the Rajahahi.The many working people live in Chotobongram.Children park,Bonghobondhu Collage,Highway Road & on of the great mosque are stand this village. Written by Raha

BoroBongram

This is a large are on the northern region of Rajshahi city just north of Chhoto Bonogram. Rajshahi city is developing along its northern side and BoroBonogram is going to be the heart of New Rajshahi city in near future. Noudapara is the main market place of BoroBonogram and is situated beside the crossing of Rajshahi bypass road and Airport road. The crossing is well known by the name 'Aam Chottor' as large concrete mango remics (like silk, mango is also the symbol of Rajshahi) have been built and placed at the center of the crossing.

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.

Here is also a institute called Institute of Health Technology(IHT) Situated. It is second institute of health technology among three govt. institute. Its standing in no.1 according to its result in Bangladesh.

In addition, tehere are 25 private health technology in Bangladesh.

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 .

Shaheb Bazar

The municipal office, 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. 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, 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 & 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, Talaimari

Two prestigious and renowned public universities, the University of Rajshahi (established in 1953) and the University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) 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

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 NIIT Rajshahi Center, the Railway Station and the old Bus Terminal. The "Shiroil Govt. High School, Rajshahi" (one of the three govt. high school for the boys in Rajshahi city) 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.

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.The river Padma & non commercial importance and also old traditional impact of buddhism may be a cause for the people of Rajshahi to be identified as the happiest city people.

Food growing strength also made people living with less stress & a pollution free air to breath .

Educational institutions

Rajshahi is also an important educational center in Bangladesh. Major educational institutes include:

• Rajshahi University
• Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology
• Rajshahi College
• Rajshahi Medical College
• Rajshahi New Govt. Degree College
• Barendra College
• Shah Mokhdum College
• Rajshahi City College
• Rajshahi Cadet College
• Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute
• Teacher's Training College
• Rajshahi Collegiate School (First Modern School in Bangladesh)
• Government Laboratory High School Rajshahi
• P.N Govt. Girls School
• Rajshahi Lokenath High School
• Rajshahi Muslim High School
• Rajshahi High Madrasa
• Sarda Police Academy
• Postal Academy of Bangladesh
• Asian University, Rajshahi Campus
• Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology,Rajshahi Campus
• Northern University, Rajshahi Campus
• Islami Bank Madical College
• Rajshahi Model School and college
• Rajshahi Mohila polytechnique Institute
• Shiroil Govt. High School Rajshahi
• Agarani school & college
• Paramount School and College (English-Medium)
• Masjid Mission Academy, Rajshahi
• International Hifjul Quraan Academy
• NIIT Rajshahi Center
• APTECH Rajshahi Centre
• ACME IT Rajshahi Center

Notable People

Famous people associated with Rajshahi include:

• Professor Shamsuzzoha
• Ila Mitra
• Hasan Azizul Huq
• Ramaprasad Chanda
• Bondey Ali Miah
• Dr.Enamul Hoque
• Dr. Asaduz Zaman
• Sir Jadunath Sarkar
• Akshay Kumar Maitreya
• Khaled Mashud
• A. H. M. Kamaruzzaman Hena
• Amir Ali Miah, M.L.A
• Kamalesh Kumar Das
• Sree Ragunath Das
• Sharmili Ahmed
• Juned Siddique, Cricketer
• James, Musician
• Musfique Babu, Cricketer