History of Rajshahi Division
Rajshahi Division was created as an administrative unit in 1829 AD. Then the divisional headquarters was at Murshidabad. Then Rajshahi Division consisted of eight districts namely Murshidabad, Maldah, Jalpaiguri, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Bogra, Pabna and Rajshahi. After a few years the divisional headquarters was shifted to Rampur-Boalia Mauza in the present Rajshahi city. Later in 1888 the divisional headquarters was shifted to Jalpaiguri. After the division of the country in 1947, the divisional headquarters was again shifted to Rajshahi.
Before the creation of Khulna Division in the early sixties, the districts of present Khulna Division were also part of Rajshahi Division. Since the separation of Khulna Division, 8 of Rajshahi region (Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Sirajganj, Bogra and Jaipurat) and 8 of Rangpur region (Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh) total 16 districts. Rajshahi was included in the division.
On March 9, 2010, through the issuance of a government notification, Rangpur division was formed with 8 districts of Rangpur region, and the current Rajshahi division with 8 districts of Rajshahi region got a new shape.
Traditions of the department
Sonamsjid in Chapainawabganj district of Rajshahi division, Buddhvihar and Kusumba mosque in Naogaon district, Zamindarbari in Puthiar in Rajshahi, Uttara Ganobhaban and Zamindarbari in Natore, Mahasthangarh in Bogra bear different traditions.
Rajshahi is a historical city located in the northern part of Bangladesh. Part of the ancient Pundravardhana Township, the settlement of Rajshahi carries a thousand-year tradition. Mauryas, Guptas, Palas, Sens, Mughals, British established rule in this region. The name Rajshahi is based on the abode of the kings in this region. In the fifteenth century Bhaturia Dinajpur zamindar Raja (King) Kansa or Ganesh was the ruler of the region. He was known as Raja Shah. It is believed that 'Raja' and 'Shah' have been named Rajshahi.
The life of the once beautiful Padma flowed under this city. To the south of the city the vastness of the Padma is overwhelming. The city is surrounded by Amrakanan on the east-west-north. The main occupation of the people here is agriculture. Rajshahi is famous for making silk yarn and silk fabrics. In 1977, the Silk Board was established in Rajshahi. Other cottage industries include weaving, bamboo and cane, goldsmith, blacksmith, potter, woodwork, brocade, sewing, beedi.
Rajshahi is widely known as a city of learning. There are almost all types of educational institutions in the country like- University, Medical College, Cadet College, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Traditional Rajshahi College, Teachers Training College, Physical Education College, Polytechnic Institute, Survey Institute, PTI, Nursing Institute, Vocational Textile Institute. , Police Academy, Postal Academy, Silk Research Centre, Regional Public Administration Training Centre, Homeopathy College, Institute of Health Technology. There are 367 madrasas, 110 colleges, 393 secondary schools and 989 primary schools in the district. The only Police Academy and Postal Academy of the country are located in this district.
Rajshahi Boalia Club is one of the holders of the history-tradition of Rajshahi. Established in 1884, this traditional Padma Vidhauta club was reserved and restricted to elites only. This club was the center of entertainment for the English rulers and the foreign baniya class. This hundred year old organization has witnessed many historical events in the evolution of time. This club is full of memories of ups and downs, cruelty and stigma.
Taherpur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh is the place where Goddess Durga, one of the main goddesses of Hinduism, first appeared on earth. Mother Durga was born in heaven. In the Treta Yuga, being fed up with Ravana's torture, Dasharatha's son Mahamati Rama worshiped Mother Durga's Akal Bodhan. Mother Durga was pleased with his worship and granted the boon of killing Ravana. Rama Lankaraja was able to kill Ravana by getting the boon of Mother Durga. In 887 Bangabd (1480 AD), Mother Durga appeared publicly at the invitation of Kansa Narayan. In this season, the Goddess is born on the Maha Shashti Tithi of the month of Ashwin in autumn. Rajpandit Ramesh Shastri presided over the puja. This holy land is blessed with the first footsteps of Maa Durga. Autumn Durgotsav begins from this holy land.
Signs of ancient civilization
Sonamsjid in Chapainawabganj district, Buddhvihar and Kusumba mosque in Naogaon district, Zamindar Bari in Puthiya in Rajshahi, Uttara Ganobhaban and Zamindarbari in Natore, Mahasthangarh in Bogra.
Chapainawabganj is a district rich in historical monuments and archaeological resources. As the capital of Gaur, the capital of ancient Bengal, Shibganj upazila has various historical structures and sights during the Hindu rule period, especially the Dighi excavated by the last kings of the Sen Dynasty and the mosque built by the Muslim Sultans during the Sultanate period, the main historical structures of this upazila. Moreover, some structures of local landlords can be seen in Shibganj during the British period. Among the historical monuments of this district are Chhota Sona Masjid (built between 1493-1519 AD), Shibganj; Darasbari Mosque and Madrasah (1479 AD), Shibganj; Dhanaichaker Mosque (built in 15th century), Shibganj; Khanjan Dighi Mosque (built in 15th century), Shibganj; Dakhil Darwaza (1229 AD), Shibganj; Kachari House of Shah Shuja (built between 1639-1660 AD), Shibganj; Tohakhana Mosque (built between 1636-1658 AD), Shibganj; Shrine of Shah Niamatullah (built 1669 AD), Shibganj; Birshrestha Shaheed Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir's shrine (built in 1971 AD in Sona Masjid premises), Shibganj; Kansat Rajbari, Shibganj; Chapai Jame Masjid (built in 893 Hijri), Sadar Upazila; Ancient Mosque of Maharajpur (built during Mughal period), Sadar Upazila; Majhpara Ancient Mosque (built 1775 AD), Sadar Upazila; Nilkuthi of Ramchandrapurhat (1859-61 AD, witness to the Nil Rebellion) Sadar Upazila; Bargharia Kachari Bari (now defunct), Sadar Upazila; Bargharia and Maharajpur Manch, Sadar Upazila; Jora Math (date of construction unknown), Sadar Upazila; Naoda Burtaj, Gomstapur; A domed observatory, Gomstapur; Shahpur Garh (Royal capital protection enclosure), Gomstapur; Jagalbari mound (8th century), Bholahat; Chhota Jambaria Dartas Salam Jame Masjid, Bholahat; Baragachi Dakshin Tola Bazar Jame Masjid, Bholahat; Silk Cottage and Chimney, Bholahat; Ali Shahpur Mosque, Nachol; Rajbari, Nachol; Kendua Ghasura Mosque, Nachol; Kalihar Zamindarbari, Nachol; Mallikpur Zamindarbari, Nachol.
Liberation war and freedom fighters
Bangladesh Liberation Army:
Seven crore Bengalis of this country are demanding the people's war that brought the flag. An armed war rids the country of enemies. This armed conflict is conducted under the control of an elected government. On 10th April 1971, the Bangladesh government divided the whole of Bangladesh into 4 war zones to conduct this planned war. The in-charge captains of these 4 regions were:
A) Chittagong Region - Major Ziaur Rahman
b) Comilla Region - Major Khaled Musharraf
c) Sylhet Region - Major KM Safiullah
d) South West - Region Major Abu Osman Chowdhury
Later, the south-western region was divided and Major Nazmul Haque was assigned to Rajshahi region, Major Nawaz Uddin to Dinajpur region and Major Jalil to Khulna region. On 7th July 1971, the government formed the 'Z Force' brigade as a regular infantry brigade for tactical reasons in the war. The captain of this Z Force is Lt. Col. Ziaur Rahman. Similarly, 'S Force' was formed in September and 'K Force' was formed on 14th October. The captain of K Force was Lt. Col. Khaled Musharraf and the captain of S Force was Lt. Col. K. M. Safiullah.
From 10th July 1971 to 17th July 1971, a conference of war zone commanders was held at the Mukti Bahini headquarters under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. In this session, Bangladesh was divided into 11 war sectors and sector commanders were appointed.
Language and culture
Rajshahi Division is inhabited by people of various cultures, among them Santals and Biharis who cultivate the land most of the year and produce a lot of food crops. By whom many paddy fields have been developed in Naogaon town from which a lot of rice is obtained. Satals and Biharis speak their own languages.
Sports and entertainment
Rajshahi division is always ahead in sports such as cricket, football, satar, athletics, cycling, volleyball, hockey etc. The notable stadiums of this division are Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra district, Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi where various types of international games are held.
Rajshahi Stadium, a unique platform of modern sports style, is one of the pride of Rajshahi residents. There is a system to accommodate more than 20,000 visitors. The then Deputy Commissioner Khan Mohammad Shamsur Rahman inaugurated this stadium in 1960. Subsequently, the Deputy Commissioner R.P.A. Nazir fully implemented it.
Rajshahi has a glorious history in Bangladesh national cricket. Rajshahi can also be called the birthplace of cricketers. The peace-loving boys of Rajshahi have created an impeccable history in the field of cricket since the days of Pakistan. Former Bangladesh national team captain Khaled Masood Pilot is the pride of Rajshahi. Late Firoz Ahmed, Jalu, whose contribution to national football is undeniable. Former player Roshan Yazdani's name comes first for his special contribution in Kabaddi. Those who are into volleyball are Mithu, Salim etc.
Apart from cricket, Rajshahi has always been ahead in sports like football, satar, athletics, cycling, volleyball, hockey etc. The mighty Padma River has given birth to many famous and expensive Sataroos in Rajshahi.
Apart from Open Boat Race, First Division Football League, Palagans are held on various occasions like Chaitra Sankranti, Rath Yatra, Paus Parvan, Vast Puja, Kali Puja, Dashahara, Shivratri, Muharram, Paus Sankranti etc.
Rivers of Rajshahi Division
Padma, Yamuna, Mahananda, Atrai, Karatoa.
Rajshahi district has many notable rivers. The main river here is Padma, besides Mathabhanga, Punarbhava, Barnai River, Rani River, and Compo River etc. Padma is a major river of Bangladesh. It is the main tributary of the Ganges which originates in the Himalayas and is the 2nd longest river in Bangladesh. Rajshahi, the important city of Bangladesh, is located on the northern bank of the Padma. Padma has a maximum depth of 1,571 feet (479 m) and an average depth of 968 feet (295 m). The main tributaries of Padma are Mahananda and Punarbhava. Garai, Arial Khan, Kumar, Mathabhanga, Bhairav etc. are among the various tributaries of Padma. Different branches of Padma are Madhumati, Pasur, Kapotaksha etc. These rivers spread over the districts of Kushtia, Jessore, Jhenaidah, Narail, Magura, Bagerhat, Gopalganj, Faridpur, Madaripur, Barisal, Patuakhali etc.