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Rajshahi - The Silk City
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One of the most peaceful areas of Bangladesh is Rajshahi. It is the divisional headquarter of Rajshahi division and one of the six metropolitan cities of the country. Its nickname is ‘The Silk City’, as the silk of Rajshahi is very unique, cheap and couldn’t found anywhere in the world. It is the home to prominent educational institutions covering almost all professional and cultural fields available within the country. This is why Rajshahi is often referred to ‘The Education City’ in Bangladesh. The city of Rajshahi was declared as the happiest city in the world by the World Happiness Survey in 2006(source). So you can realize how peaceful its environment is. This is one of the reasons why you should visit Rajshahi. Rajshahi is also well known for its fruits, especially for Mango and Lychee. Besides the beautiful Mango Orchards and River Beaches, Rajshahi is an important tourist destination because it is located near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably 'Lakhnoiti' or 'Lokhnaboti' and 'Pundra' and a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples are located in and around the city.

The city of Rajshahi is located at the North-Western zone of the country. The greater Rajshahi (i.e. the Rajshahi district) has an estimated population of 3.88 million and spans over 96.69 km2 (37.3 sq mi) 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. The ancient name of Rajshahi was Rampur Boalia. Though an epigraphic record engraved on the Dargah (mausoleum) of famous Hazrat Shah Makdhum (Rh.) shows 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 their administrative center from Natore to then Rampur Boalia, mainly for the easiness of communication from Calcutta through the Hooghly river, Bhairab River and Padma river. Rajshahi Municipality, which was one of the first municipalities in Bangladesh, was established in 1876. Rajshahi Municipality was renamed as Rajshahi Pourashabha, and finally, Rajshahi Pourshava was declared Rajshahi City Corporation in 1991. 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.

History

Rajshahi was a very important part of the ancient civilizations. It 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 sited 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 recognized 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. 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 observed 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.

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Weather

The weather of Rajshahi is generally marked with a typically tropical monsoon climate with high temperature, substantial humidity and reasonable rainfall. The hot season starts 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).[9]

Climate in Rajshahi

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average Temperature (°C)

18°

20°

25°

28°

28°

29°

29°

29°

29°

27°

24°

19°

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

Places to See

  • River Side: There is an attractive sightseeing by the bank of river Padma. At rainy season, water comes up and it looks really gorgeous.
  • Chhota Sona Mosque: One of the most elegant monuments of the Sultanate period is the Chhota Sona Masjid (or, in eng translation Small Golden Mosque) at Gaur in Rajshahi. Built by one Wali Muhammad during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah (1493-1519). Initially it was roofed over with 15 gold-gilded domes including the 3 Chauchala (English?) domes in the middle row, from which it derives its curious name.
  • Varendra Research Museum: Located at Rajshahi, this museum has a wealthy collection of objects of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is dedicated to the study of ancient history and culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority. The year of its formal establishment is 1910 A.D. Admission is free.
  • Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.): A Majar or Dorga (Shrine) is built around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) in Rajshahi city. It is said that he was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi region. It is said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma riding two crocodiles. Even now, some crocodiles are kept in the Dhighi (Large pond) next to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh).
  • Central Park and Zoo: A central park and zoo is one of the major attractions of Rajshahi city. A wide area with lush green trees and grasses also houses different animal species. It is sited by the bank of river Padma.
  • Bangladesh Betar: Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh) has a regional station in Rajshahi which transmits a variety of programs of mass interest. Rajshahi station has broadcasting house and transmitter in different campus. Two transmitters of 100kW and 10kW transmitting capacity transmits the programs development at the broadcasting house. Bangladesh betar, Rajshahi station transmits its programs in Medium Wavelength.
  • Puthia Palace: Placed a little far away from the city, it’s an ancient palace which attracts all to visit.
  • Shahid Zia Park: An amusement park for enjoyment. It has mono rail, bumping cars and many other exciting things for amusement. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
  • Bagha Mosque: A historical mosque located in Bagha of Rajshahi. There is a picture of this mosque in one side of 50 taka note. (check)
  • Rajshahi University: You must see this well-planned magnificent green campus before leaving Rajshahi. It is within a few kilometers from the city centre and easily reachable.

Things to Do

Except site-seeing you should go for shopping and buy some silk. You should eat the sweets found here which are delicious.

Buy

Shopping Mall & Fashion Stores: These fashion clothing stores and mall are situated in the center of the city. Both traditional and western style clothes are available here.

  • New Market
  • Style Zone
  • Look Me
  • Nanking Bazar
  • Index plaza

Transportation

Rajshahi is well connected to the rest of the country through roads, water, rail and air.

By air

Shah Mokhdum Airport is the only airport of Rajshahi and its named after the famous Preacher Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.) is located a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic flights from and to Dhaka (Capital city of Bangladesh) is available here. (Contact Info)

By bus

It takes about 5 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka. A number of bus services including AC and non-AC buses are available from and to Dhaka via Natore. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi. Buses for Dhaka- Greenline, Hanif Enterprise, NP Elegance, Modern Enterprise, National Travels etc. (Contact Info)

By train

A luxurious intercity express train named Silk City Express runs between Dhaka and Rajshahi. There are also number of intercity express trains’ runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh. Another intercity train running between Dhaka and Rajshahi is the Padma Express. Silk City Express Start from Dhaka to Rajshahi at 03:00PM and Start from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 07:15AM. Padma Express Start from Dhaka to Rajshahi at 11:45PM and Start from Rajshahi to Dhaka at 04:00PM. Weekly Holiday Silk City Express: Sunday and Padma Express: Tuesday (Tabular information)

In the city

"Rickshaw (a tri-cycle human paddled vehicle)" is the main means of transportation in the city. Taxicabs and "auto-rickshaw" are also available. Taking a rickshaw is a good way to travel around when you have time at hand. The travel expenses are much cheaper than the capital city of Dhaka, and the most important thing is you won't find any road traffic-jam or snitcher around the streets of Rajshahi. (check snitcher)

Communication and Network

As Rajshahi is a divisional headquarters it has a highly developed communication and network system. All the mobile phone operators (Grameen Phone, Aktel, Banglalink, Warid, Citycell, Teletalk) have their stations here. It also has connection to the high speed internet.

Rajshahi has always been a very important place for its rural arts and handicrafts. So if someone wants to see our cultural and rural features Rajshahi a place one must visit.

Eat

Restaurants and Bakery: Some fine restaurants and fast food places are available in the city. Some are -

  • Nanking Chinese Restaurant
  • Chilis fast food
  • Chilis Kabab
  • McDonalds Restaurant
  • Bishal Bakery & Confectionary
  • Ruchita confectionary
  • Charping Chinese Restaurant
  • Chang Pai Chinese Restaurant
  • China Garden Chinese Restaurant
  • Safa Wang Chinese Restaurant
  • Eligance Chinese Restaurant
  • Meatloaf Fast Food
  • Fresh and wild fast food
  • Young King Chinese Restaurant
  • Just Inn Fast food
  • Goodys Fast Food
  • Sun Sea Chinese Restaurant
  • Razia Chinese restaurant
  • Aristocrat Chinese Restaurant and Fast Food
  • Hilsha Bangla Foods
District Commissioner

Office - (0721) 772050

Residence - (0721) 772040

District Judge

Office - (0721) 772080

Residence - (0721) 772070

Civil Surgeon

Office - (0721) 772030

Residence - (0721) 772644

Sadar Hospital

Office - (0721) 776001-8

Residence - (0721) -

District Jail

Office - (0721) 772924

Residence - (0721) -

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