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Rajshahi

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Rajshahi is a major metropolitan city in Bangladesh. It serves as a vital urban, administrative, commercial, and educational hub. The city is the administrative seat for both the Rajshahi Division and the Rajshahi District. It is recognized as the largest city located in North Bengal. Geographically, the city sits on the north bank of the Padma River. It is situated within the Barind Tract, which is 23 meters above sea level. The city is located near the border between Bangladesh and India.

Rajshahi Railway Station Building
Rajshahi Railway Station Building

The city's history is deep and spans many ancient eras. Rajshahi lies within the ancient region known as Pundravardhana. Some records suggest the city's foundation dates back to 1634. This is based on epigraphic records found at the mausoleum of the Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The area was once part of the Pundra Kingdom. Later, the region saw significant wealth during the Pala Empire. During the Mughal period, the area became famous for silk production. In the 18th century, the area even hosted a Dutch settlement.

Administration Building of Rajshshi College
Administration Building of Rajshshi College

Rajshahi is often called the "City of Education." This title comes from its many renowned educational institutions. The city contains the University of Rajshahi and Rajshahi College. It also houses the Rajshahi Medical College. These institutions make it a center for learning in the country. Many people travel here to study and conduct research. The city is also home to the Varendra Research Museum. This is the oldest museum of its kind in Bangladesh.

Administration Building, University of Rajshahi
Administration Building, University of Rajshahi

The economy of Rajshahi is diverse and relies on several sectors. Trade is the largest part of the economy, making up 42 percent. Transportation and storage account for 23 percent of the economic activity. Education contributes 17 percent to the city's economy. Manufacturing makes up 8 percent, while accommodation is 6 percent. The city is a historic center for silk textiles. It is also known for producing high-quality jute. Additionally, Rajshahi is famous for its mangoes and lichis.

Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park
Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park

Modern technology is a growing part of the local economy. The Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park features the tall Silicon Tower. Currently, 16 different companies occupy this facility. Out of these, 11 companies are fully operational. One company, Starlink, is among those working there. A local company called Bondstein Technology plans to build a Robotics and IoT Research Center. This shows how the city is moving toward high-tech industries. In 2025, the Barendra Rajshahi Textile Mills was revived. This project aims to create 12,000 jobs through a large investment.

Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park
Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park

The climate in Rajshahi is classified as humid subtropical. This means the city experiences monsoons and high humidity. The hot season starts in early March and lasts until mid-July. The highest temperature ever recorded was 45.1 degrees Celsius. The coldest month stays below 18 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded temperature was 3.4 degrees Celsius in 2003. Annual rainfall is significant during the monsoon months.

shah mokhdum airport
shah mokhdum airport

Environmental health has improved greatly in recent years. Rajshahi is considered the cleanest city in Bangladesh. It is also the most environmentally friendly city in the country. Since 2014, the city has worked to reduce air pollution. They have switched to cleaner fuels and battery-powered vehicles. They also encourage walking and using bicycles. These efforts helped PM10 levels drop by 67 percent. Harmful PM2.5 levels also dropped significantly between 2014 and 2016.

Rajshahi City Corporation
Rajshahi City Corporation

Culture and recreation are central to life in Rajshahi. The city celebrates many festivals, such as Pohela Baishakh. This is the Bengali New Year. People also celebrate religious festivals like Eid and Durga Puja. For fun, residents visit the Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo. The banks of the Padma River are also popular for recreation. Many people enjoy the views of the river at Munsguard Park. Sports are also very important in the city. There are three stadiums with capacities over 15,000 people.

Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium (28686945853)
Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium (28686945853)
Kid's ride seen from top of the Ferris wheel at Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park, Rajshahi
Kid's ride seen from top of the Ferris wheel at Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park, Rajshahi
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🖼️ Images & Media (11)
File:Kid's ride seen from top of the Ferris wheel at Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park, Rajshahi.jpg
Kid's ride seen from top of the Ferris...
File:Rajshahi City Corporation.jpg
Rajshahi City Corporation.jpg
File:Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park.jpg
Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park.jpg
File:Pohela Boishak rally at Rajshahi.jpg
Pohela Boishak rally at Rajshahi.jpg
File:Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium (28686945853).jpg
Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium (28686945853).jpg
File:Rajshahi Railway Station Building.jpg
Rajshahi Railway Station Building.jpg
File:shah mokhdum airport.JPG
shah mokhdum airport.JPG
File:Islami Bank Medical College & Hospital 04.jpg
Islami Bank Medical College & Hospital 04.jpg
File:Administration Building, University of Rajshahi.jpg
Administration Building, University of...
File:Administration Building of Rajshshi College.jpg
Administration Building of Rajshshi College.jpg
File:Rajshahi Medical College 37.jpg
Rajshahi Medical College 37.jpg
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