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Dinajpur

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Dinajpur is a significant city located in the north-western part of Bangladesh. It serves as the district headquarters for the Dinajpur district. The city sits within the larger Rangpur Division.

Dinajpur Paurashava mahallah geocode map - Small Area Atlas Dinajpur
Dinajpur Paurashava mahallah geocode map - Small Area Atlas Dinajpur

Geographically, the city occupies an area of 20.7 square kilometers. It is positioned at 25°37′N and 88°39′E. This location is on the eastern bank of the Punarbhaba River. The city is situated 413 km north-west of Dhaka, the national capital.

The geography of Dinajpur is defined by its borders and its climate. The river Punarbhaba forms its western boundary. To the east, the city is bounded by Shekpura. The southern borders include Suihari, Katapara, Bangi Bechapara, Pulhat, and Koshba. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, or Cwa. This means it sits between a tropical and a temperate climate. The city experiences hot, humid summers during the monsoon season. In contrast, the winters are mild and dry.

Winter morning in Bangladesh
Winter morning in Bangladesh

Dinajpur has a long administrative history dating back to the 18th century. The city was founded in 1786. In 1856, the Dinajpur Municipality was formed. It was one of the first 40 municipalities in the Bengal region. Initially, a town committee ran the municipality. This committee was led by a Deputy Magistrate. In 1868, the District Town Act changed the leadership structure. A chairman was appointed to replace the Deputy Magistrate. Mr. Patterson became the first chairman in 1869. Today, the city is led by Mayor Syed Jahangir Alam.

The population of Dinajpur is diverse and growing. According to the 2022 Bangladesh census, the population was 212,288 people. This makes it the 21st largest city in Bangladesh. The 2022 census recorded 51,479 households in the Dinajpur Paurashava. The city also shows a diverse ethnic makeup. For example, the population includes Santal and Oraon people. Many residents also come from regions like Maldah, Bihar, Jalpaiguri, and Rajasthan in India. This variety makes the city's demography very rich.

Education is a major pillar of the Dinajpur community. The city has a high literacy rate of 88.79% as of 2022. This is much higher than the national average of 51.8%. Several prominent government-financed institutions are located here. Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University is 13 km north of the town. It offers programs in agriculture, computer science, and veterinary medicine. The M Abdur Rahim Medical College was established in 1992. It is located in the historical Ananda sagar area. The college provides an MBBS program and a one-year internship.

Dinajpur is also a center for secondary and higher education. In 2007, the tenth educational board of Bangladesh was established in the city. Since 2009, the city has hosted S.S.C. and H.S.C. examinations. The city even achieved second place in the country for the S.S.C. G.P.A. 5 list. Many schools, such as Dinajpur Zilla school, are well-known. In 2009, the city introduced an English version of education. Several notable schools, like Bethel Int'l School, offer this curriculum. This focus on schooling helps drive the local economy and culture.

Agriculture plays a vital role in the identity of Dinajpur. The region is famous for its specific crops. It is well-known for growing litchi fruit. The city is also famous for a type of aromatic rice called Katarivog. These agricultural products are important to the local area. The combination of fertile land and a subtropical climate supports these traditions. This connection to the land links the city's history to its modern economy. Dinajpur remains a key agricultural hub in North Bengal.

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File:Dinajpur Paurashava mahallah geocode map - Small Area Atlas Dinajpur.svg
Dinajpur Paurashava mahallah geocode map...
File:Winter morning in Bangladesh.jpg
Winter morning in Bangladesh.jpg
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