shaheb Bazar Rajshahi Bangladesh

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. Mizanur Rahman Minu, was the first elected mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation. The present mayor (2009) is Mr Khairuzzaman Liton.

A new city hall, or City Corporation Building, has been built beside the Greater Road to provide all municipal services under one roof. The building, commonly known as Nogor Bhobon is a good and one of the few examples of modern architecture in Rajshahi.

The city corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to Rajshahi city corporation under its 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 as part of the government administrative set up.

In addition, a governing body called Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho Rajshahi Development Authority(RDA)[1] plans the development of the city and coordinates the development related works. RDA owns one of the major markets of Rajshahi which is known as RDA market. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for water supply & drainage system within city area.It has started its function very recenly in 2010.
Economy
Padma River flows beside Rajshahi City

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 from 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.

Rajshahi Krishi Unnoyon Bank [2], a nationalized bank with its head office at Rajshahi is working in a mission to help the agriculture sector of Rajshahi & Rangpur division.

In spite of being an important city and located on a riverbank, industrial development in Rajshahi has not taken place to any great extent.Though locals have claimed that this is due to lack of attention from the central government in Dhaka,business community of the city also responsible for lack of initiative to build industries in the private sector. In the 60's an Industrial Park had been established in Rajshahi, which is now mainly home to industries producing products of the famous Rajshahi silk. Rajshahi is also home to number of Jute mills,Textile mills, a sugar mill and mango based industries. No doubt there will be rapid industrial development in Rajshahi if gas is supplied through pipeline which the people of Rajshahi have been demanding for a long time. The government has taken steps to supply gas to Rajshahi quickly and a project towards this end has already begun. Two 50KV power stations already built at Katakhali to meet the growing electricity demand of the city.
Transport

Transportation in Rajshahi is very good.There is bus service,taxi cabs,three wheeler auto rikshaw & horse driven tomtom are available to move within the city. Rajshahi is well connected to the rest of country through roads,air,rail and water.
Road

It takes about 7 to 8 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka from Rajshahi. A number of bus services including air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses are available from and to Dhaka. Bus services to other major districts are also available from Rajshahi.
Railway
The New Rajshahi Railway Station

Three Inter-City train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named "Silk City Express" "Padma Express" and "Dhumketu Express" between Dhaka and Rajshahi regularly.

Schedules of intercity trains between Dhaka & Rajshahi

Rajshahi

    7:15 am Silk City,
    3:00 pm Padma Express,
    11:20 pm Dhumketu Express.

Dhaka

    2:40 pm(Komlapur)Silk City,
    10:40 pm (Dhaka Cantonment)Padma Express,
    6:00 am (Komlapur)Dhumketu.

There are also a number of intercity express trains which runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh.
Shah Makhdum Airport
Shah Makhdum Airport, Rajshahi

An airport named after the famous Islamic preacher Hazrat Shah Makhdum (Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city, Domestic flights from Dhaka & Saidpur 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

Sports

There are three 15000+ capacity stadium in the city.There is also an international standard Tennis complex in the city.
Football

There is regular football/soccer league.City is the home of several national level club team like Digonto proshari.
Cricket

Rajshahi is one of the important place of cricket in Bangladesh.As regular supplier of cricketer in the national team,it is also the home of T20 team Duronto Rajshahi [3].The city has two cricket academies Banglatrack & Clemon, to grow & train upcoming cricketers.
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 which is famous for its collection of local sculpture and other artifacts dating from medieval times, and of Rajshahi silk, the finest silk produced in Bangladesh.
Media
Radio

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. The popularity of the radio is low in Rajshahi like other places of Bangladesh because of the low quality programmes of Bangladesh Betar.

Radio Foorti has started its regional FM station in Rajshahi from 2010. The station transmits its Broadcasting on 88.00 MHz from the Rajshahi studio. The station airs 24 hour everyday. The station is getting increasingly popular to the young generation in very short period of time. The station broadcasts very high quality programs and music round the clock.

Radio Padma 99.2 FMRajshahi, Oct 7- Bangladesh formally entered the era of community radio with the launch of Radio Padma FM 99.2, a community radio station initiated by the Centre for Communication and Development (CCD).
Television

Bangladesh Television commonly known as BTV, is the national television channel of Bangladesh. It has a relay center in Rajshahi city.
Newspaper

There are large number of daily,weekly & monthly publications both in English & Bengali.The important dailies are sonardesh[4], sonalisongbad[5], sunshine[6], natunprovat[7], barta etc.
Major Places
Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.)

A Majar or Dorga (Shrine) is established around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) at Dargahpara 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.).
Dargahpara

Dargahpara is famous for the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.) and for the large bank of river Padma.Two famous educational institute,Rajshahi College and Rajshahi Collegiate School, are also situated in this area.There is also another shrine of Shah Turkan (Rh.) which is older than the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh (Rh.).
Varendra Research Museum
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 languages. The library has been moved from the Museum building to a new, modern structure. Md Abdul Matin khan

It was one of the first non government initiatives for building a museum by some enlightened people with Kumar Sarat Kumar Roy during the British era. This museum has a large collection of statues of Lord Surya and some unique masterpieces illustrating the history of the locality and its 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.Rajshahi Railway Station is Very Nice.
Central Park and Zoo
Rajshahi Central Park
Rajshahi 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 the Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) and old 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.
ChottoBongram

Chottobongram is the largest area in Rajshahi. There are two Children parks, Bonghobondhu College, Highway Road & 7 great masjids etc. It boasts of having a large mango and lychee garden. It has become a nice professional residential area with a unique communal and academic atmosphere that makes it one of the most desirable residential locations in the city.
Boro Bongram

It's a new area,emerging alongside Airport roard & the city also growing towards Noahata airport area.The mango crossing with RAKUB,RDA head office,new bus terminal with a commercial zone are situated here.
Laxmipur

The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, the Laboratory High School, the New Government Degree College, Teachers' Training College, Rajshahi Government Medical College and Hospital and the Varendra Research Museum are located in this area. Another institute called Institute of Health Technology (IHT) situated here. It is one of the three government institute of health technology.this part are arbaniged by mohajer from India during the rule of Murshid kuli Khan that its name was Mahadi pur.
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 famous government laboratory high school, Model school and college are also part of Kazihata.It is a commercial area of Rajshahi.
Shaheb Bazar

This is also known as the zero point of the city,as it is the centre of Rajshahi city. Many shopping malls, markets, banks, insurance offices, hotels are situated within this area. Besides the old municipal office, Rajshahi 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. There is an ancient establishment called Amir Ali Avenue within this area.The old municipality building is situated by the side of an old pond Named Sona Dighi (gold pond).
Ranibazar

Situated alongside shahebbazar,its a busy shopping area with a crossing.
Alupotti crossing

Its on the Natore road entrance of the city beside shahebbazar area,a commercially important area with cineplex & shopping malls.
Kadirgonj

It is one of the oldest place in Rajshahi. It situated besides Shaheb Bazar. Rajshahi City Corporation is situated in that place.Shahid Kamrujjaman lived here. Many people come here to see their respect on him. Gov women collage & some Gov. and Private school are situate here.
Hetamkhan

It is a huge residential area with a graveyard & a central mosque. The Varendra Research Museum & Sadar Hospital are situated in this area.
Uposhahar
Mango round about

Uposhahar is a model township, first built for the Bihari refugee. The divisional headquarters of some notable company including Grameenphone, Robi axiata, Citycell, Social Marketing Company (SMC) and Indian assistant high commission offices are located here.

Rajshahi Cantonment is located beside this area. There are Govt. primary school (Upashahor Govt. Model Primary School) & a High school (Govt. Satellite High School) in this area. There is a graveyard and 3 mosques. The main one is named Upashohor Koroitola Boro Moszid(mosque). 6 playgrounds and an Eidgah are situated there.
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. Tarokhadi is situated here.
Kazla/Talaimari

Two prestigious and renowned public universities, the University of Rajshahi (established in 1953) and the Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET - established in 1964 as BIT, Bangladesh Institute of Technology and in 2002 it became the University) 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.
Shadhur Morre

Shadhur Morre is located beside RUET.
Sopura
Old Hindu Temple at Sopura, Rajshahi

It's a indusrial zone & 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 the Railway Station and the old Bus Terminal. "Shiroil Govt. High School, Rajshahi" is located here.
Katakhali

Though it is a separate municipal area, it is almost within the city beside Kazla area. Huge number of students of different educational institutions of Rajshahi city resides in this area. There is a power station and another one is under construction to meet the electricity demand of Rajshahi city. Under Bangladesh jute mill corporation one jute mill stand here-Rajshahi jute mills.
Horagram

This area known as court area, is famous for mango archerd (Roy para). A railway station is also here.RCC established a two stored shopping mall named 'Horogram New Market'. Horogram bazar famous for green vegetable marketing. The oldest sporting club "Digonto posary" is here.
Nowhata

Shah Makhdum Airport is situated here. It is a separate municipal area with some industrial units & market place. In future this area will come under city jurisdiction with Katakhali municipal area.
Harian

Harian, a place few Kilometers away from the city, is famous for a sugar mill which was established by B.I.D.C.There is also a rail station, some high schools and primary schools are here
Healthcare

The city has many private & government hospitals.Rajshahi Medical College Hospital(RMCH) is a tertiary level public hospital with teaching facility in graduate & post graduate medical education. Other than RMCH there are children hospital, chest hospital, infectious disease, Sadar hospital run by government. There is a Christian missionary hospital in the city area. There is one private medical college & another two is under construction.
Educational institutions
Administrative building of Rajshahi University
Shabash Bangladesh, a sculpture commemorating the liberation war.
Rajshahi College, One of the famous educational Institutes of Rajshahi

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

    Rajshahi University
    Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology
    Rajshahi Medical College
    Rajshahi College
    New Government Degree College
    Rajshahi Government City College
    Rajshahi Government Women's College
    Teacher's Training College
    Silk Research and Training Institute
    Rajshahi Polytechnique Institute
    Rajshahi Mohila Polytechnique Institute
    Asian University of Bangladesh, Rajshahi Campus
    Islami Bank Medical College
    Project Headway English training institute Uposhahar
    University of Information Technology and Sciences, Rajshahi Campus
    Barendra College
    Shah Mokhdum College
    Institute of Forest
    Northern University Bangladesh,Rajshahi Campus
    Adarsha college, katakhali.
    Shardah Government Pilot High School.
    Shaleha Shah Mohammad high School.

Notable people

    Akshay Kumar Maitreya
    Andrew Kishore
    Hasan Azizul Huq
    Ila Mitra
    Ritwik Ghatak
    Sir Jadunath Sarkar
    Mohammad Shamsuzzoha