A Brief History of Rajshahi

Rajshahi: A Comprehensive Overview

Rajshahi is a prominent administrative, educational, cultural, and business center in Bangladesh. Renowned for its historic silk production, it is also celebrated for its delicious mangoes. The district serves as a divisional headquarters and boasts numerous historic and scenic landmarks. AHM Kamaruzzaman, a revered national leader, hailed from this region.

Location

Situated on the north bank of the Padma River near the Bangladesh-India border, Rajshahi is home to over 763,952 residents. Together with the surrounding satellite towns of Nowata and Katakhali, the urban agglomeration hosts a population of about one million. Rajshahi is often recognized as the cleanest and greenest city in Bangladesh. It lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The city's foundation dates back to 1634, as evidenced by inscriptions at the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. During the 18th century, it became a site of Dutch settlement, and in 1876, the Rajshahi municipality was established under British rule. It became a city corporation in 1991.

Origin of the Name

Historically known as Rampur Boalia, the name "Rajshahi" is debated among scholars. Many believe it is derived from the words Raj (denoting "king" or "royalty") and Shahi (of Persian origin, meaning "royal" or "kingdom"). The administrative district was established in 1772. Rajshahi was historically dominated by Maharajas, Rajas, and Zamindars.

Historical Places and Heritage

Rajshahi is a historic town enriched with memories of Saint Hazrat Shah Makhdum (RH) and blessed with spectacular natural beauty, including rivers and lakes. It is a popular tourist destination with a mix of natural and historical attractions. Major landmarks include:

Puthia Rajbari
Bagha Mosque
Varendra Research Museum
Padma Garden
Lalon Shah Park
T Badh
Kamaruzzaman Zoo
Silk Institute
Shishu Park

Exceptional Place: Charkhidirpur

Charkhidirpur is a village where child marriage is alarmingly prevalent. Surrounded by India on three sides and the Padma River on the fourth, the village lacks a high school. Consequently, girls are often married before puberty, and boys usually become cowherds.

Role in the Liberation War

Rajshahi played a significant role in Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. Following the postponement of the March 3 National Assembly session by the Pakistani rulers, protests erupted across Rajshahi. Under the leadership of the national Leader, the people of Rajshahi joined the nationwide movement.

The occupation forces committed atrocities in the city, including killing innocent civilians and using the Rajshahi University campus as a military base. One of the most notable battles occurred near Rajshahi, where Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, who later received the Bir Shreshtha title, laid down his life. Monuments and mass graves in the city stand as reminders of the sacrifices made by its residents during the war.

Educational Institutions

Rajshahi is widely regarded as an educational hub, home to many prominent institutions:

University of Rajshahi (RU): Played a vital role during the Liberation War. The university hosts a Liberation War museum and several monuments in memory of martyrs.
Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology(RUET)
Rajshahi Medical University
Rajshahi College
Rajshahi City College
Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute,etc.

Notable Personalities from Rajshahi

AHM Kamaruzzaman: National Leader
Dr. Shamsuzzoha: Professor, University of Rajshahi
Andrew Kishore: Renowned Singer
Manzila Pola Uddin: Member of the House of Lords
Khoda Box Mridha: Sports Commentator
Sukhrojjon Samaddar: Martyr
Mir Abdul Qaiyum: Martyr
Salina Hossain: Writer
Khaled Mashud Pilot: Cricketer

Why I Feel Proud of Rajshahi

Rajshahi is one of the most remarkable districts in Bangladesh, and I feel immense pride in my hometown for several reasons:

Educational Excellence: It is a renowned educational hub in the country.
Cleanliness and Greenery: Rajshahi is globally recognized for being one of the cleanest cities.
Historical Significance: The district is home to numerous historic and naturally beautiful sites.
Great Leaders and Heroes: Many notable personalities and freedom fighters originated from Rajshahi.
Contribution to the Liberation War: Rajshahi made significant contributions to the independence of Bangladesh.