Rajshahi Division

Rajshahi Division ( _bn. রাজশাহী বিভাগ) is one of the six administrative divisions of Bangladesh. It has a population of almost 30 million and area of about 34513 km² [ [http://www.rakub.org.bd/divisionprofile.htm A profile of Rajshahi Division] ] . Rajshahi division consists of 16 districts, 128 Upazilas (the next lower administrative tier) and 1,092 Unions (the lowest administrative tier). This division is characterized by its cheap labour force. It has an excellent rail and road communication infrastructure. The divisional city Rajshahi is only four hours road journey away from Dhaka, the capital city. Besides, the two airports in this division take only 30-40 minutes to communicate with Dhaka.

Location

Rajshahi division is in the north western corner of Bangladesh. The famous river Padma borders Rajshahi division on the south and another famous river, Jamuna, lies across the eastern border. In the North and West, Rajshahi division shares a border with India.

Major places

The major cities of Rajshahi division are Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sirajganj, Bogra, Pabna and Dinajpur. Rajshahi and the city of Saidpur have airports, with daily flights to Dhaka.

Education

The major educational institute in Rajshahi are University of Rajshahi (RU), Rajshahi University of Engineering And Technology (RUET), Rajshahi Medical College (RMC), Rajshahi College (Under National University). University of Rajshahi (Estd.1953) is the second largest university of Bangladesh with around 50 disciplines and 6 institutes. RUET is only enginnering institute in northern part of Bangladesh. It was founded in 1964 as a faculty of Engineering under the University of Rajshahi providing four year bachelor degree in Civil, Electrical & Electronics and Mechanical Engineering. In July 1986, it was converted into an institution named Bangladesh Institute of Technology, Rajshahi (BITR). Finally, parliament passed the University bill that ultimately paved the way to commence the activities of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). Department of Computer Science and Engineering first introduced in 1998. Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and Industrial and Production Engineering was introduced in 2005.

Tourism

Rakshahi is a well known tourist destination within Bangladesh, with there being many interesting landmarks. A major landmark in Rajshahi is the Kantajir Mondir, a Hindu temple north of Dinajpur. The temple is covered entirely with thousands of terra cotta tiles, each with a unique design.

Varendra Research Museum in Rajshahi is one of the foremost museums specializing in history of ancient Bengal.

Other notable places includes:
* Sompur Bihar, a large Buddhist monastery.
* Mohasthangar, home to archeological sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.
* Puthia Palaces. A palace of old "Jamidars", some Kilometers drive from Rajshahi city.
* Bagha Mosque, in Bagha thana of Rajshahi District.
* Dighapatia Palace. Palace of the famous Queen of Dighapatia, located in Natore district.
* Kushumba Mosque,Naogaon.
* Shona Mosque, Chapai Nawabgonj.
* Sopnopuri, a famous place and picnic spot near Phulbari, Rangpur.
* Chalan Beel, the largest water body in Bangladesh, spreading in Natore and Pabna districts.
* Pairabondh, in Rangpur is the birth place of famous Muslim woman writer Begum Rokeya.

Crops

Rajshahi is well-known for its fruit, particularly for mangoes and lichies. Rajshahi is popularly termed as the "granary of Bangladesh". This division, especially greater Dinajpur region, is noted for aromatic and fine rice production. Rajshahi also produces a lot of vegetables like potatoes, carrot and nion. More than 70 percent of the country's potato production comes from Rajshahi division.

Rajshahi division is also famous for production of high quality and tender beef and mutton, as well as other dairy produce. Rajshahi is still an unexplored area for the establishment of poultry hatchery and fish grow-outs and fish processing.

References

* [http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/R_0080.htm Banglapedia: Rajshahi Division]

Divisions and districts of Bangladesh