Rajshahi রাজশাহী | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames: Education City, Silk City[1] | |
 Interactive map outlining Rajshahi | |
  Rajshahi Location in Rajshahi Division Show map of Bangladesh Rajshahi division Rajshahi Location in Bangladesh Show map of Bangladesh Rajshahi Location in Asia Show map of Asia.svg) Rajshahi Location on Earth Show map of Earth | |
| Coordinates:24°22.476′N88°36.027′E / 24.374600°N 88.600450°E /24.374600; 88.600450 | |
| Country |  Bangladesh |
| Division | Rajshahi |
| District | Rajshahi |
| Establishment | 1634 |
| Municipality | 1876 |
| Granted city status | 1991 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| • Body | Rajshahi City Corporation |
| • Administrator | Khondoker Azim Ahmed |
| • City Council | 30 constituencies |
| • Parliament | 2 constituencies |
| Area | |
| • Urban | 121 km2 (47 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 377.1 km2 (145.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Population (2022)[5] | |
| • Urban | 552,791 |
| • Urban density | 4,570/km2 (11,800/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 1,007,000 |
| • Metro density | 2,670/km2 (6,916/sq mi) |
| • Metro rank | 4th in Bangladesh |
| Demonym | Rajshahian |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Bengali • English |
| • Regional | Rajshahi dialect |
| Time zone | UTC+6 (BST) |
| Postal code | 6000, 6100, 620x |
| Calling code | +880 721 |
| UN/LOCODE | BD RJH |
| Calling Code | 0721 |
| HDI (2022) | 0.688[8] medium ·6th of 20 |
| Police | Rajshahi Metropolitan Police |
| Airport | Shah Makhdum Airport |
| Planning Authority | Rajshahi Development Authority |
| Water Supply and Sewerage Authority | Rajshahi WASA |
| Website | erajshahi |
Rajshahi (Bengali:রাজশাহী,pronounced[radʒ.ʃaɦi]ⓘ) is ametropolitan city and a majorurban, administrative, commercial and educational centre ofBangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of the eponymousdivision anddistrict. Located on the north bank of thePadma River, near theBangladesh–India border, the city is surrounded by the satellite towns ofNowhata andKatakhali, which together build an urban agglomeration of about 1 million population.[10] ModernRajshahi lies in the ancient region ofPundravardhana.[11] The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum ofSufi saintShah Makhdum. The area hosted aDutch settlement in the 18th century.[12] The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during theBritish Raj in 1876.
Rajshahi is a historic center ofsilk production.Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh, is located in the city. Sometimes the city is referred to as theCity of Education,[13] on account of being home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh. The head office ofRajshahi Agricultural Development Bank andBarind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is situated in the city.The Shah Makhdum Airport serves Rajshahi.
According toThe Guardian, Rajshahi is the cleanest city of Bangladesh,[14] and it is also the most environmentally friendly city in the country.[15][16]
The name "Rajshahi" originates from the Bengali words "Raj" (meaning "kingdom") and "Shahi" (meaning "royal"), reflecting its historical association with ruling dynasties and governance. The region was historically part of thePundra Kingdom and later saw rule by various empires, including theMaurya andGupta empires.[17]
Rajshahi has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region was a significant center during the Mauryan period, and archaeological evidence suggests it was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. The area was later part of thePala Empire, which contributed to itsBuddhist andHindu heritage.[17] It was also under the rule of theSena dynasty before theMuslim conquest in the 13th century.[17]
During themedieval period, Rajshahi came under the rule of theDelhi Sultanate and later theBengal Sultanate. The region saw the influence ofPersian andMughal culture, which is still reflected in its architecture and traditions. The Mughal Empire played a crucial role in developing Rajshahi as a trade center, especially forsilk production.[18]
UnderBritish rule, Rajshahi became an important administrative and commercial hub. The British established educational institutions and modern infrastructure, including railways, which boosted trade and connectivity.[18][19] The region was particularly known for its silk industry, which flourished under British patronage.[18] However, it was also a center of nationalist movements, with local leaders actively participating in the struggle for independence.[19][20]
After the partition ofIndia in 1947, Rajshahi became part ofEast Pakistan and later, following theLiberation War in 1971, an integral part of independent Bangladesh. The city continued to grow as a major educational and cultural center, housing prestigious institutions such as theUniversity of Rajshahi.[18][19] Today, Rajshahi is recognized for its contributions to education.[19][20]
Geographically Rajshahi is situated withinBarind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level, and lies at24°22′26″N88°36′04″E / 24.37389°N 88.60111°E /24.37389; 88.60111. The city is located on the alluvial plains of thePadma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. It is bounded on the east, north, and west byPaba Upazila (a subdivision of a district) of the district.[21]
Rajshahi District is bounded byNaogaon District to the north,Natore District to the east, andChapai Nawabganj District and the river Padma &Kushtia District to the south.[21]
Under theKöppen climate classification, Rajshahi has ahumid subtropical climate (Cwa), with its coldest month being below 18 °C (64 °F). The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked withmonsoons, high temperature, considerablehumidity 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 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).[22]
Climate data for Rajshahi (1991–2020, extremes 1883-present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 31.6 (88.9) | 36.8 (98.2) | 40.5 (104.9) | 42.7 (108.9) | 45.1 (113.2) | 43.6 (110.5) | 39.7 (103.5) | 38.3 (100.9) | 37.9 (100.2) | 36.5 (97.7) | 34.3 (93.7) | 30.3 (86.5) | 45.1 (113.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.7 (74.7) | 27.9 (82.2) | 33.0 (91.4) | 35.8 (96.4) | 35.3 (95.5) | 34.3 (93.7) | 33.0 (91.4) | 33.2 (91.8) | 33.0 (91.4) | 31.9 (89.4) | 29.4 (84.9) | 25.4 (77.7) | 31.3 (88.3) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 16.2 (61.2) | 20.0 (68.0) | 25.0 (77.0) | 28.7 (83.7) | 29.3 (84.7) | 29.5 (85.1) | 28.9 (84.0) | 29.1 (84.4) | 28.5 (83.3) | 26.7 (80.1) | 22.4 (72.3) | 18.0 (64.4) | 25.2 (77.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 10.4 (50.7) | 13.4 (56.1) | 18.2 (64.8) | 22.9 (73.2) | 24.6 (76.3) | 26.0 (78.8) | 26.3 (79.3) | 26.4 (79.5) | 25.8 (78.4) | 23.1 (73.6) | 17.4 (63.3) | 12.7 (54.9) | 20.6 (69.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 3.4 (38.1) | 4.6 (40.3) | 8.6 (47.5) | 10.8 (51.4) | 14.4 (57.9) | 20.3 (68.5) | 19.4 (66.9) | 18.3 (64.9) | 15.8 (60.4) | 11.4 (52.5) | 7.0 (44.6) | 4.2 (39.6) | 3.4 (38.1) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 7 (0.3) | 13 (0.5) | 25 (1.0) | 58 (2.3) | 143 (5.6) | 231 (9.1) | 289 (11.4) | 222 (8.7) | 255 (10.0) | 114 (4.5) | 12 (0.5) | 7 (0.3) | 1,376 (54.2) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1 mm) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 17 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 97 |
| Averagerelative humidity (%) | 78 | 71 | 63 | 65 | 75 | 83 | 87 | 86 | 86 | 83 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 201.7 | 226.0 | 252.6 | 236.7 | 220.6 | 173.1 | 152.1 | 163.8 | 173.3 | 228.3 | 235.5 | 211.0 | 2,474.7 |
| Source 1:NOAA[23] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2:Bangladesh Meteorological Department (humidity 1981-2010)[24][25] | |||||||||||||
Although once noted for itsair pollution, since 2014 the levels ofparticulates 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.[14] 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.[14] 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.
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 thePadma 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 DutchBoro Kuthi building and Lalonshah Park near Shahmukhdum Eidgah was built bordering the bank[26] to provide residents a place to enjoy the views of the Padma river.
Rajshahi is the headquarters of one of the eight administrativedivisions 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.[28]
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.[29]
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.[30]
Rajshahi Cantonment is a military base and the headquarters of theBangladesh Infantry Regiment. The city is home to two battalions ofBGB, a battalion ofBangladesh Ansar, a headquarter ofRAB and a camp ofRiver Police.[31][32][33]
| Religions in Rajshahi city (2022)[34] | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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%[34]
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.[35]
Rajshahi’s economy is composed of trade (42%), transportation and storage (23%), education (17%), manufacturing (8%), accommodation (6%), health (2%), and other sectors (2%).[36]
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.[37]
The Silicon Tower in Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park has attracted significant interest from investors, with 16 different companies currently occupying the facility, includingStarlink. 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 andIoT Research Center within the park.[38]
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.[39]
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 ofNorth Bengal.[40]
Rajshahi is famous forRajshahi 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 ofBarendra 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, andPahela Falgun, the first day ofspring of the Bengali monthFalgun, in theBengali calendar, is festively celebrated in the city. There are widespread celebrations ofMuslim festivals ofEid ul-Fitr,Eid ul-Adha, andMuharram; Hindu festivals ofDurga Puja, the Buddhist festival ofBuddha Purnima; and the Christian festival ofChristmas across the city.
There are many Bengali daily newspapers published in the city, includingSonali Sangbad,Uttorbongo Protidin,[41] Shadhin Janapad,[42]Sunshine,Dainik Barta,Sonar Desh,Natun Provat, andAmader Rajshahi.[43] There are also many online news portal such as Uttarkal, Padmatimes24, AjkerRajshahi, rajshahinews24.com, silkcitynews.com, Priyojon TV and others.
State-ownedBangladesh Television andBangladesh Betar have transmission centers in Rajshahi. The BTVrelay station in Rajshahi is headquartered in the Kazihata neighborhood and has been operating since 2001.[44]
A local FM radio station,Radio Padma, transmits at 99.2MHz frequency andRadio Foorti transmits at 88.0MHz.
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.
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There are three 15,000+ capacity stadiums in the city. One is at the center of the city which is normally called theRajshahi District Stadium, another is inside the Rajshahi University and the last one used for cricket is located at Terokhadia calledShaheed Qamaruzzaman Stadium. This is the home ground ofRajshahi Division cricket team. There is also an international standard tennis complex and a few sports training academies in the city.[45][46]
Many national-level footballers groomed in the city such as formerBangladesh national team captainMohammed Mohsin and recent midfielderManik Hossain Molla. The city is the home of several national-level club teams like Diganta Proshari Sangha[47] and Sonali Otit Club. There are also a few football training academies including one in Rajshahi's centraleidgah (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 ofBangladesh Premier League teamRajshahi Kings. The city has two cricket academies, Banglatrack and Clemon, to grow and train upcoming cricketers.[48]
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.
Rajshahi is connected to most other parts of the country via theN6 national highway. There are two intercity bus terminals in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital cityDhaka. 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.[49]
Rajshahi has a central railway station with a total of five platforms. This station is the home of five intercity trains.[50]
Four inter-city train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, namedSilk City Express,Padma Express andDhumketu Express, andBonolota Express between Dhaka andRajshahi railway station regularly.[51] There are other inter-city trains operated from Rajshahi toKhulna and other regions of the country. There are also mail/express trains.[52]
There are two other railway stations in the city,Rajshahi Court andRajshahi University.
The city is served byShah Makhdum Airport, named after the Islamic preacherShah Makhdum Rupos, situated at Nowhata, a commuter town of the city.Biman Bangladesh Airlines,Novoair, andUS-Bangla Airlines operate domestic flights to and fromDhaka.[53]
Auto rickshaws andcharging rickshaws are the main modes of transport within the city and metro area.[54] Once there was plenty ofTomtom (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 likeUber andObhai are also available in the city.
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.[55][56]
Rajshahi, commonly referred to asEducation City(Sikkha Nogori), is home to many government, private and autonomous educational institutions.
Thesecondary andhigher secondary institutions in the city fall under the jurisdiction of theBoard of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Rajshahi.
The city is home to theRajshahi College- which is the third oldest college in Bangladesh afterDhaka College, andChittagong College.Rajshahi Medical College is the second oldest medical college in erstwhile East Pakistan. TheUniversity of Rajshahi is the second oldest and one of the largest public universities in the country. Rajshahi Engineering College, now known asRUET, was the second engineering college established in East Pakistan in 1964. For Technical EducationRajshahi Polytechnic Institute was Established in 1963, This Institute is under theBangladesh Technical Education Board.
Rajshahi consistently leads in pass rates and GPA 5 achievements inSSC andHSC results.[57][58][59]
Major educational institutes include:
Universities:
Medical colleges:
Polytechnic institutes:
Higher secondary institutions :
Secondary institutions:
Other institutions:
Rajshahi's twin town andsister cities are:
Kristiansand, Norway (1979)[63][64]
Yiyang, China (2018)[65][Every three years Kristiansands schools and kindergartens hold an action for Rajshahi in Bangladesh, our sister city since 1979.]
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