w:Rajshahi

{{about|the city|the district|Rajshahi District|the division|Rajshahi Division}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Rajshahi

| native_name = রাজশাহী

| nickname ={{cite web | url=https://oldweb.lged.gov.bd/DistrictLGED.aspx?DistrictID=48 | title=District LGED }}{{cite web | url=https://banglanews24.com/agriculture/news/bd/910688.details | title='আমের শহরে' মুগ্ধতা ছড়াচ্ছে টিউলিপ | date=7 February 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.banglanews24.com/national/news/bd/927932.details | title=ঘুরে আসুন সবুজ-শান্তির শহর রাজশাহী | date=2 May 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://tourbuzzbd.com/destinations/rajshahi-city-tour/ | title=Rajshahi City Tour – the Clean City - Tour Buzz BD }}{{cite web | url=https://dmpnews.org/%E0%A6%98%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE/ | title=ঘুরে আসুন শান্তির নগরী রাজশাহী থেকে | work=ডিএমপি নিউজ }}


Education City,
Silk City,
Clean City,
Green City,
City of Peace,
City of Mango.

| settlement_type = Metropolis

| image_skyline = {{multiple image

| border = infobox

| total_width = 300

| image_style =

| perrow = 1/2/2/2/1

| image1 = Rajshahi city (3).jpg

| caption1 = Skyline of Rajshahi City

| image2 = Administration Building of Rajshshi College.jpg

| caption2 = Iconic Rajshahi College

| image3 =

| caption3 = Paris Road inside RU

| image4 = Varendra Research Museum 10.jpg

| caption4 = Varendra Research Museum

| image5 = Rajshahi City 05.jpg

| caption5 = Nagar Bhabon Rajshahi

| image6 = Street lights of Rajshahi city 21.jpg

| caption6 = Rajshahi at night

| image7 = সি এন্ড বি মোড়, রাজশাহী.jpg

| caption7 = C&B Rajshahi

| image8 =

| caption8 =

}}

| image_caption =

| pushpin_map = Bangladesh#Asia

| pushpin_label_position = right

| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bangladesh##Location in Asia

| pushpin_relief = yes

| coordinates = {{coord|24|22|N|88|36|E|region:BD|display=inline,title}}

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = {{flag|Bangladesh}}

| subdivision_type1 = Division

| subdivision_name1 = Rajshahi

| subdivision_type2 = District

| subdivision_name2 = Rajshahi

| established_title = Establishment

| established_date = 1634

| established_title2 = Municipality

| established_date2 = 1876

| established_title3 = Granted city status

| established_date3 = 1991

| government_footnotes =

| government_type = Mayor-Council

| governing_body = {{nowrap|Rajshahi City Corporation}}

| leader_title = Administrator

| leader_name = Khandkar Azim Ahmed

| leader_title1 =

| leader_name1 =

| leader_title2 = City Council

| leader_name2 = 30 constituencies

| leader_title3 = Parliament

| leader_name3 = 2 constituencies

| area_footnotes = {{cite web|url=http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf|title=Area, Population and Literacy Rate by Paurashava −2001|publisher=Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics|access-date=19 August 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217230450/http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/census/municip.pdf|archive-date=17 December 2008|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.risingbd.com/english/PM-opens-8-new-police-stations-in-Rajshahi/51855|title=PM opens 8 new police stations in Rajshahi|date=22 February 2018|work=Rising Sun|access-date=15 September 2018|language=en}}

| area_urban_km2 = 121

| area_urban_footnotes = {{Cite web| title=Factsheet Rajshahi City in Bangladesh | url=https://www.apn-gcr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Factsheet-Rajshahi-City-in-Bangladesh.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229230901/https://www.apn-gcr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Factsheet-Rajshahi-City-in-Bangladesh.pdf | archive-date=2024-02-29}}

| area_metro_km2 = 377.1

| area_rank = 4th in BD

| elevation_m = 23

| population_as_of = 2022

| population_footnotes = [http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pby/pk_book_08.pdf "Statistical Pocket book 2008, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090419080055/http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pby/pk_book_08.pdf |date=19 April 2009 }}

| population_urban = 552,791

| population_metro = 1,007,000

| population_urban_footnotes = {{Cite web| title=Census of Population and Housing 2022 Preliminary Report | url=https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/b343a8b4_956b_45ca_872f_4cf9b2f1a6e0/2022-07-28-14-31-b21f81d1c15171f1770c661020381666.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813235827/https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/bbs.portal.gov.bd/page/b343a8b4_956b_45ca_872f_4cf9b2f1a6e0/2022-07-28-14-31-b21f81d1c15171f1770c661020381666.pdf | archive-date=2022-08-13}}

| population_density_urban_km2 = auto

| population_metro_footnotes = {{cite web |title=Rajshahi, Bangladesh Metro Area Population 1950-2025 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/cities/20131/rajshahi/population |website=macrotrends|access-date=9 March 2025}}

| population_density_metro_km2 = auto

| population_blank1_title = Rank in BD

| population_blank1 = 4th

| population_demonym = Rajshahian

| timezone = BST

| utc_offset = +6

| postal_code_type = Postal code

| postal_code = 6000, 6100, 6203

| demographics_type1 = Languages

| demographics1_title1 = Official

| demographics1_info1 = Bengali{{*}}English

| demographics_type2 = GDP

| demographics2_title1 = Nominal

| demographics2_info1 = {{increase}} $23 billion

| blank7_name =

| demographics2_title2 = Per Capita

| demographics2_info2 = {{increase}} $3,130

| demographics2_title3 = Rank in BD

| demographics2_info3 = 4th

| blank_name_sec1 = UN/LOCODE

| blank_info_sec1 = BD RJH

| blank1_name_sec1 =

| blank1_info_sec1 =

| blank_name_sec2 = HDI (2022)

| blank_name = National Calling Code

| blank_info = +880

| blank1_name = Calling Code old

| blank1_info = 0721

| blank2_name = Calling Code new

| blank2_info = 025888

| blank3_name = Police

| blank3_info = Rajshahi Metropolitan Police

| blank4_name = Airport

| blank4_info = Shah Makhdum Airport

| blank6_name_sec1 = Metropolitan Planning Authority

| blank6_info_sec1 = Rajshahi Development Authority

| blank7_name_sec1 = Water Supply and Sewerage Authority

| blank7_info_sec1 = Rajshahi WASA

| blank_info_sec2 = 0.681 {{color|#FFD700|medium }} · 6th of 20

| website = {{URL|erajshahi.portal.gov.bd}}

| footnotes =

| official_name =

| image_blank_emblem =

| blank_emblem_size = 120px

| blank_emblem_type = Logo of the Rajshahi City Corporation

| leader_party =

}}

{{Contains special characters|Bengali}}

Rajshahi ({{langx|bn|রাজশাহী}}, {{IPA|bn|radʒ.ʃaɦi|}}) is a metropolitan city and a major urban, administrative, commercial and educational centre of Bangladesh. It is also the administrative seat of the eponymous division and district. Located on the north bank of the Padma River, near the Bangladesh–India border, the city is surrounded by the satellite towns of Nowhata and Katakhali, which together build an urban agglomeration of about 1 million population.{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/bangladesh/rajshahicity/admin/|title=Bangladesh: Rajshahi City Corporation (City Districts and Wards) - Population Statistics, Charts and Map|website=www.citypopulation.de}} Modern Rajshahi lies in the ancient region of Pundravardhana. The foundation of the city dates to 1634, according to epigraphic records at the mausoleum of Sufi saint Shah Makhdum. The area hosted a Dutch settlement in the 18th century.{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Rajshahi|title=Rajshahi | Riverside City, Silk Production | Britannica|date=22 May 2025|website=www.britannica.com}} The Rajshahi municipality was constituted during the British Raj in 1876.

Rajshahi is a historic center of silk production. Varendra Research Museum, the oldest of its kind in Bangladesh, is located in the city. Sometimes the city is referred to as the City of Education,{{Cite web |date=2022-01-28 |title=Rajshahi will be the city of entrepreneurs in 5 years |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/supplement/rajshahi-will-be-city-entrepreneurs-5-years-363544 |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}} on account of being home to many renowned educational institutions of Bangladesh. The head office of Rajshahi Agricultural Development Bank and Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is situated in the city. The Shah Makhdum Airport serves Rajshahi.

According to The Guardian, Rajshahi is the cleanest city of Bangladesh, and it is also the most environmentally friendly city in the country.

History

= Etymology =

The name "Rajshahi" originates from the Bengali words "Raj" (meaning "kingdom") and "Shahi" (meaning "royal"), reflecting its historical association with ruling dynasties and governance. The region was historically part of the Pundra Kingdom and later saw rule by various empires, including the Maurya and Gupta empires.{{Cite web |title=রাজশাহী সিটি কর্পোরেশন |url=https://erajshahi.portal.gov.bd/site/page/d111d49a-1f23-46fd-a540-6cb11e2e482e/History-of-Rajshahi-Location-Area |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=erajshahi.portal.gov.bd |language=en}}

= Early history =

Rajshahi has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The region was a significant center during the Mauryan period, and archaeological evidence suggests it was an important hub for trade and cultural exchange. The area was later part of the Pala Empire, which contributed to its Buddhist and Hindu heritage. It was also under the rule of the Sena dynasty before the Muslim conquest in the 13th century.

= Medieval period =

During the medieval period, Rajshahi came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and later the Bengal Sultanate. The region saw the influence of Persian and Mughal culture, which is still reflected in its architecture and traditions. The Mughal Empire played a crucial role in developing Rajshahi as a trade center, especially for silk production.{{Cite news |last=আজাদ |first=আবুল কালাম মুহম্মদ |date=2021-10-11 |script-title=bn:মহাকালগড় থেকে রাজশাহী, শহরটি এখনো শান্তির |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%9C-%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%96%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8B-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0 |access-date=2025-03-08 |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}

= British colonial rule =

Under British rule, Rajshahi became an important administrative and commercial hub. The British established educational institutions and modern infrastructure, including railways, which boosted trade and connectivity.{{Cite EB1911 |wstitle= Rajshahi |volume= 22 |page= 867 |short=1}} The region was particularly known for its silk industry, which flourished under British patronage. However, it was also a center of nationalist movements, with local leaders actively participating in the struggle for independence.{{Cite web |title=Life at Rajshahi – Institute of Bangladesh Studies |url=https://www.ru.ac.bd/ibs/life-at-rajshahi/ |access-date=2025-03-08 |language=en-US}}

= Post-independence development =

After the partition of India in 1947, Rajshahi became part of East Pakistan and later, following the Liberation War in 1971, an integral part of independent Bangladesh. The city continued to grow as a major educational and cultural center, housing prestigious institutions such as the University of Rajshahi. Today, Rajshahi is recognized for its contributions to education.

Geography

=Topography=

Geographically Rajshahi is situated within Barind Tract, 23 m (75 ft) above sea level, and lies at {{Coord|24|22|26|N|88|36|04|E|type:city_region:BD}}. The city is located on the alluvial plains of the Padma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. It is bounded on the east, north, and west by Paba Upazila (a subdivision of a district) of the district.{{Cite web |title=Rajshahi topographic map, elevation, terrain |url=https://en-gb.topographic-map.com/map-rn4nh/Rajshahi/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Topographic maps |language=en}}

Rajshahi District is bounded by Naogaon District to the north, Natore District to the east, and Chapai Nawabganj District and the river Padma & Kushtia District to the south.

=Climate=

Under the Köppen climate classification, Rajshahi has a tropical wet and dry climate. The climate of Rajshahi is generally marked with monsoons, high temperature, considerable humidity and moderate rainfall. The hot season commences early in March and continues till the middle of July. The maximum mean temperature observed is about {{convert|32|to|36|C|F}} during April, May, June, and July and the minimum temperature recorded in January is about {{convert|7|to|16|C|F}}. The highest rainfall is observed during the months of monsoon. The annual rainfall in the district is about {{convert|1448|mm|in|1}}.{{Cite web |title=Climate: Rajshahi in Bangladesh |url=https://www.worlddata.info/asia/bangladesh/climate-rajshahi.php |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Worlddata.info |language=en}}

{{Rajshahi weatherbox}}

Although once noted for its air pollution, since 2014 the levels of particulates have been dramatically reduced by various efforts to switch to cleaner fuels and to battery-powered vehicles, to pave earth streets, to encourage walking and bicycle transport, and to plant vegetation.{{cite news |last1=Graham-Harrison |first1=Emma |last2=Doshi |first2=Vidhi |date=17 June 2016 |title=Rajshahi: the city that took on air pollution – and won |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/17/rajshahi-bangladesh-city-air-pollution-won |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=9 July 2016}} The levels of PM10 dropped by 67% and PM2.5 which are particularly harmful to human health, dropped from 70 to 37 micrograms per cubic meter between 2014 and 2016. Lowest recorded temperature in Rajshahi was 3.4 °C on 9 January 2003 and highest recorded temperature was 45.1 °C on 18 May 1972.

=Parks and greenery=

File:Rajsahi Park.JPG

Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo is one of the popular public places in Rajshahi city. A wide area with green trees and grasses houses different animal species. It is located by the bank of the Padma River. Other parks in the city are Bhubon Mohon Park and Captain Monsur Ali Park. Shahid Zia's children's park is specially designed for children's amusement. The bank of the Padma River along the city is also a destination for recreation. The bank is a planned zone in many parts of the city to accommodate city dwellers for recreation purposes. In 2015, Munsguard Park near the old Dutch Boro Kuthi building and Lalonshah Park near Shahmukhdum Eidgah was built bordering the bank{{cite news|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/online/country-news/2015/11/08/288346|script-title=bn:লালন শাহ পার্ক লিজ দেওয়া হবে না: রাসিক|newspaper=Kaler Kanthao |language=bn |access-date=28 August 2019}} to provide residents a place to enjoy the views of the Padma river.

=Points of interest=

File:Padma river flows by Rajshahi city.jpg passes by the southern side of the city|261x261px]]

  • Banks of the Padma River: One of the largest rivers in South Asia. During the Monsoon season, the water level rises.
  • Varendra Research Museum: Established in 1910, the museum is dedicated to ancient history and culture. It has a collection of artifacts relating to Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim heritage. Some of these date back to the 16th century. It is maintained by the university, located in the center of town.
  • Shrine of Shah Makhdum Rupos: A dargah (tomb) was established to mark the resting place of Shah Makhdum in 1635. He was the first preacher of Islam in the region. Legend has it that he arrived by riding down the Padma on two crocodiles. To preserve this myth, some crocodiles are kept in the pond next to the shrine.

File:Shah Makhdum Majar , Rajshahi.jpg of Shah Makhdum Rupos|256x256px]]

  • Shaheed A.H.M Qamaruzzaman Central Park and Zoo: The park is a wide area with trees and grass. The zoo houses a variety of animal species. It is located by the bank of the river Padma.
  • Shahid Zia Park: An amusement park, it has a mono rail and bumping cars. It is under the Rajshahi City Corporation.
  • University of Rajshahi: This campus is within a few kilometers of the city center. The second largest university in Bangladesh.
  • Shaheb Bazar: This is the center of the city, where most of the shopping malls and commercial buildings are located.
  • Ghoramara: The oldest part of Rajshahi City, consisting of most of the oldest (70 to 100 years old) buildings.
  • Boro Kuthi: In the compound of the Barakuthi there is a small cemetery with groves dating back to the nineteenth century. There are 14 tombs with thirteen epitaphs within the cemetery.
  • Upashohor: This is a planned model town. Rajshahi Cantonment is located beside this area.
  • Motihar: Rajshahi University is situated in this area on a large campus surrounded by mango groves.
  • Kashia-Danga: From this area a massive mango tree garden area of Rajshahi starts. It is in the western part of the city, near Rajshahi Court railway station.
  • Santal Para: Located inside the Mahish-Bathan Area. Some Santal tribes people live here.
  • Bangabandhu Novo Theatre, Rajshahi: Establishment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre, Rajshahi is being implemented.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bangladeshpost.net/posts/construction-work-of-bangabandhu-novo-theatre-goes-on-in-full-swing-in-rajshahi-22937|title = Construction work of Bangabandhu Novo Theatre goes on in full swing in Rajshahi}}

File:Saheb Bazaar Rajshahi.jpg|Saheb Bazaar Rajshahi

File:Shahid Zia Shishu Park 03.jpg|Shahid Zia Shishu Park

File:Boddhovumi, University of Rajshahi.JPG|The site of mass grave inside Rajshahi University campus

File:Rajshahi from Padma river.jpg|View of Rajshahi city from the Padma River

File:Smriti Amlan 02.jpg|Smriti Amlan Monument

Administration

File:Rajshahi City Corporation.jpg headquarter|256x256px]]

File:Rajshahi City Map.jpgFile:বাংলাদেশের সামরিক (১৯৬৭-১৯৭১) পরিকল্পনা.png

Rajshahi is the headquarters of one of the eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh. The Divisional Commissioner, who is the administrative chief of the Rajshahi Division, the DIG for the Rajshahi division, and other divisional civil servants have their own offices in the city, which function as part of the government administrative setup. Deputy Commissioner (DC) who is the administrative chief of Rajshahi District, Civil Surgeon, and other district-level civil servants have their offices in the city. District judges as well as Metropolitan magistrates have their offices within the city.

Rajshahi is one of seven metropolitan cities in Bangladesh. One mayor and 30 ward commissioners are elected for five-year terms by direct votes. Rajshahi City Corporation is responsible for all the administrative work related to city governance under its jurisdiction.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP), headed by a Commissioner, controls law and order as well as traffic movements within the metropolitan area.

Rajshahi Unnayan Kortripokhkho/Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) plans and coordinates the development-related works within the metropolitan area. Rajshahi WASA is responsible for the water supply and drainage system within the city area.

Demographics

{{bar box

|title=Religions in Rajshahi city (2022)

|titlebar=#Fcd116

|left1=Religion

|right1=Percent

|float=left

|bars=

{{bar percent|Islam|green|94.15}}

{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|5.09}}

{{bar percent|Christianity|dodgerblue|0.51}}

{{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|0.02}}

{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.04}}

}}

At the time of the 2022 census, Rajshahi had a population of 553,288 in 213,467 households. Rajshahi has a sex ratio of 942 females per 1000 males and a literacy rate of 75.17%{{Cite web |title=Community Series - Rajshahi District |url=http://203.112.218.65:8008/WebTestApplication/userfiles/Image/PopCen2011/Rajshahi.pdf |website=bbs.gov.bd |publisher=Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics}}

Bengali is the main language for the citizens of the city. Many distinctive Bengali dialects and regional languages are also spoken. There is a minority Urdu-speaking population, who are descendants of displaced Muslims from the eastern part of British India who sought refuge during the separation of India and Pakistan in 1947.{{Cite web |title=Rajshahi – BoNY |url=https://www.bengalisofnewyork.com/rajshahi/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |language=en-US}}

{{See also|Rajshahi silk}}

Rajshahi has been famous for its silk textiles since the British period. There are also several jute mills in Rajshahi. At present many glass-making factories have been set up in Rajshahi. Rajshahi City Corporation has constructed BSIC. Industrial City-02 in Paba Upazila of Rajshahi. And work is underway on a leather industry area. There will also be a 1,200-acre industrial zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zone (BEPZA). Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park will play an important role in the development of IT in Rajshahi. When completed, it will revolutionize information and communication technology in the region, which will employ about 50,000 people.{{Cite news |title=BSCIC creates 12,572 job scopes in Rajshahi |url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/economy/bscic-creates-12572-job-scopes-in-rajshahi-1514195632 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20171231081944/http://thefinancialexpress.com.bd:80/economy/bscic-creates-12572-job-scopes-in-rajshahi-1514195632 |archive-date=2017-12-31 |access-date=2025-02-19 |work=The Financial Express |language=en}}

There is also a char on the banks of the river Padma near the city of Rajshahi. Rajshahi City Corporation has plans to build another economic zone on the char. When the construction of the char is completed, it will become the commercial center of North Bengal.

Culture

=Arts and festivals=

File:Pohela Boishak rally at Rajshahi.jpg celebration rally at Rajshahi city]]

Rajshahi is famous for Rajshahi silk, which has a special status as clothing material in the Indian subcontinent. Rajshahi is the home of the region's best mangoes and lichis. Rajshahi is also the location of Barendra Museum, which is known for its collection of local sculptures and other artifacts dating from medieval times. It also has some important structures made by the British like the T Dam.

Pohela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, and Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring of the Bengali month Falgun, in the Bengali calendar, is festively celebrated in the city. There are widespread celebrations of Muslim festivals of Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, and Muharram; Hindu festivals of Durga Puja, the Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; and the Christian festival of Christmas across the city.

=Media=

There are many Bengali daily newspapers published in the city, including Sonali Sangbad, Uttorbongo Protidin,{{Cite web|url=https://uttorbongoprotidin.com/|title=UttorbongoProtidin.Com 24/7 Bengali and English National Newsportal from Bangladesh. | UttorbongoProtidin.Com covering all latest Breaking, Bengali Live, National, International, Entertainment & Exclusive Crime News.}} Sunshine, Dainik Barta, Sonar Desh, Natun Provat, and Amader Rajshahi.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rajshahi.gov.bd/node/207115/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE|script-title=bn:পত্র-পত্রিকা|language=bn}} There are also many online news portal such as Uttarkal, Padmatimes24, AjkerRajshahi, rajshahinews24.com, silkcitynews.com, Priyojon TV and others.

State-owned Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar have transmission centers in Rajshahi. The BTV relay station in Rajshahi is headquartered in the Kazihata neighborhood and has been operating since 2001.{{Cite news|script-title=bn:অবশেষে আসছে বিটিভির 'রাজশাহী উপকেন্দ্র'|url=https://www.banglanews24.com/national/news/bd/38679.details|date=3 May 2011|access-date=8 November 2024|work=BanglaNews24|language=bn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830183138/https://www.banglanews24.com/national/news/bd/38679.details|archive-date=30 August 2024}}

A local FM radio station, Radio Padma, transmits at 99.2 MHz frequency and Radio Foorti transmits at 88.0 MHz.

There are also five press clubs in Rajshahi City. Known as Rajshahi City Press Club, Rajshahi Press Club, Rajshahi Metropolitan Press Club, Rajshahi Varendra Press Club, and Rajshahi Padma Press Club.

=Sports=

File:Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium (28686945853).jpg]]

There are three 15,000+ capacity stadiums in the city. One is at the center of the city which is normally called the Rajshahi District Stadium, another is inside the Rajshahi University and the last one used for cricket is located at Terokhadia called Shaheed Qamaruzzaman Stadium. There is also an international standard tennis complex and a few sports training academies in the city.{{Cite web |title=Muktijuddho Sriti Stadium (Rajshahi District Stadium), former home to Fortis FC, Bangladesh - Football Ground Map |url=https://www.footballgroundmap.com/ground/muktijuddho-sriti-stadium-rajshahi-district-stadium/swadhinata-ks |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=www.footballgroundmap.com}}{{Cite web |title=Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium - Cricket Ground in Rajshahi, Bangladesh |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket-grounds/shahid-kamruzzaman-stadium-rajshahi-56669 |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=ESPNcricinfo |language=en}}

Many national-level footballers groomed in the city such as former Bangladesh national team captain Mohammed Mohsin and recent midfielder Manik Hossain Molla. The city is the home of several national-level club teams like Diganta Proshari Sangha{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-89280|title=Champions Club Cup from today|date=22 May 2009|access-date=21 January 2024|work=The Daily Star}} and Sonali Otit Club. There are also a few football training academies including one in Rajshahi's central eidgah (large open ground used on special occasions for Muslim prayers) and in the Zilla stadium.

The city is an important place for cricket in Bangladesh. As a regular supplier of cricketers in the national team, it is also the home of Bangladesh Premier League team Rajshahi Kings. The city has two cricket academies, Banglatrack and Clemon, to grow and train upcoming cricketers.{{Cite web |title=Khulna Tigers vs Rajshahi Royals, Final, Jan 17, Bangladesh Premier League 2019-20 |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scores/24409/klt-vs-rsr-final-bangladesh-premier-league-2019-20 |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Cricbuzz |language=en}}

Rajshahi is also known for hockey. Many local hockey practice clubs allow playing at national, inter-university, college, and school levels. There are National Team hockey players from Rajshahi. Late Mintu was one of them and by his name, there is "Mintu Chottor" at Lokkhipur Mor, Rajshahi.

Transport

=Road=

Rajshahi is connected to most other parts of the country via the N6 national highway. There are two intercity bus terminals in the city. It takes about 5 to 6 hours by road to reach the capital city Dhaka. Several bus services, including air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses, are available to and from Dhaka. Bus services to other major cities and the district's headquarters are also available from Rajshahi.{{Cite news |title=1,700km more rural roads being constructed in Rajshahi |url=https://www.bssnews.net/news/159892 |work=Bangladesh Sanbad Sangstha }}

=Railway=

File:Rajshahi Railway Station.jpg

Four inter-city train services are operated by Bangladesh Railway, named Silk City Express, Padma Express and Dhumketu Express, and Bonolota Express between Dhaka and Rajshahi railway station regularly.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/dhaka-rajshahi-new-train-service-bonolota-express-starts-test-run-1734586|title=First Rajshahi-Dhaka direct train launched|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=11 July 2019}} There are other inter-city, mail and local trains operated from Rajshahi to Khulna and other regions of the country. There are two other railway stations in the city, Rajshahi Court and Rajshahi University.

=Air=

File:shah mokhdum airport.JPG, Rajshahi]]

The city is served by Shah Makhdum Airport, named after the Islamic preacher Shah Makhdum Rupos, situated at Nowhata, a commuter town of the city. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Novoair, and US-Bangla Airlines operate domestic flights to and from Dhaka.{{Cite web |title=Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map |url=https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airports/rjh |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Flightradar24 |language=en}}

=Public transport=

Auto rickshaws and charging rickshaws are the main modes of transport within the city and metro area.{{Cite news |title=Unlicensed auto-rickshaws rise in Rajshahi City |url=https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=434583 |access-date=2024-03-07 |work=The Daily Observer}} Once there was plenty of Tomtom (horse-driven cart) in the city, which are still found, but fewer in numbers. There are bus and minibus services in a limited number of routes, connecting suburban areas of the city. Plenty of rental car agencies operate within the city and metro area, where sedans, SUVs, and micro-buses are available to hire hourly or daily. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Obhai are also available in the city.

Healthcare

File:Islami Bank Medical College & Hospital 04.jpg

The city has many government, private and NGO-run hospitals. Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) is a tertiary-level public hospital with a teaching facility for graduate and postgraduate medical education. There are two private medical college hospitals, and another two are under construction in the city. There is also a government-run children's hospital, one chest hospital, a district-level government hospital, and a Christian missionary hospital within the city area.{{Cite web |script-title=bn:রাজশাহী মেডিকেল কলেজ হাসপাতাল, রাজশাহী |url=https://rmch.portal.gov.bd/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=rmch.portal.gov.bd}}{{Cite web |script-title=bn:আমাদের সম্পর্কে – RMCH |url=https://rmch.gov.bd/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87/ |access-date=2025-02-18 |language=en-US}}

Education

File:Building of Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute.jpg]]

File:Administration Building, University of Rajshahi.jpg]]

File:Administration Building of Rajshshi College.jpg, one of the oldest educational institutes of Bangladesh]]

Rajshahi, commonly referred to as Education City (Sikkha Nogori), is home to many government, private and autonomous educational institutions.

The secondary and higher secondary institutions in the city fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Rajshahi.

The city is home to the Rajshahi College- which is the third oldest college in Bangladesh after Dhaka College, and Chittagong College. Rajshahi Medical College is the second oldest medical college in erstwhile East Pakistan. The University of Rajshahi is the second oldest and one of the largest public universities in the country. Rajshahi Engineering College, now known as RUET, was the second engineering college established in East Pakistan in 1964. For Technical Education Rajshahi Polytechnic Institute was Established in 1963, This Institute is under the Bangladesh Technical Education Board.

Rajshahi consistently leads in pass rates and GPA 5 achievements in SSC and HSC results.{{Cite web |date=15 October 2024 |title=রাজশাহী শিক্ষা বোর্ডে সেরা রাজশাহী, দ্বিতীয় বগুড়া |url=https://thedailycampus.com/higher-secondary/156619 |access-date=5 January 2025 |website=The Daily Campus}}{{Cite news |title=Rajshahi Board attains 81.24 pc pass rate in HSC exams {{!}} News |url=https://www.bssnews.net/news/216374#:~:text=RAJSHAHI,%20Oct%2015,%202024%20(,Secondary%20Certificate%20(HSC)%20examinations. |access-date=2025-01-05 |work=BSS}}{{Cite news |title=Rajshahi Education Board attains 89.26 pc successes in SSC {{!}} News |url=https://www.bssnews.net/news/188628 |access-date=2025-01-05 |work=BSS}}

Major educational institutes include:

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

Universities:

Medical colleges:

  • Rajshahi Medical College(RMC)
  • Islami Bank Medical College
  • Barind Medical College{{Cite web |title=List of Medical Colleges Under the Rajshahi Medical University |url=https://fortuneedu.org/list-of-medical-colleges-under-the-rajshahi-medical-university/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=FortuneEdu.org |date=27 January 2022 }}
  • Shah Mokhdum Medical College{{Cite web |title=Shah Mokhdum Medical College And Hospital |url=https://www.doctorspedia.co/hospital/shah-mokhdum-medical-college-and-hospital-rajshahi |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=DoctorsPedia.co }}

Polytechnic institutes:

Higher secondary institutions :

Secondary institutions:

Other institutions:

  • Technical Training Centre, Rajshahi
  • Rajshahi Govt. Teachers Training College
  • Silk Research and Training Institute
  • Higher Secondary Teacher's Training Institute

{{div col end}}

Notable residents

Twin towns and sister cities

Rajshahi's twin town and sister cities are:

  • {{flagicon|Norway}} Kristiansand, Norway (1979){{cite web |url=https://www.kristiansand.kommune.no/aktuelt/kunstlotteri-for-rajshahi/ |title=Kunstlotteri for Rajshahi |trans-title=Art lottery for Rajshahi |website=Kristiansand Municipality |language=no |quote=[Every three years Kristiansands schools and kindergartens hold an action for Rajshahi in Bangladesh, our sister city since 1979.]}}{{Cite news |title=Norway keens to Rajshahi city's development: Envoy |url=https://www.observerbd.com/news/184474 |access-date=2025-02-21 |work=The Daily Observer}}
  • {{flagicon|China}} Yiyang, China (2018){{Cite web |title=Bangladesh's Rajshahi city signs friendship LoI with China's Yiyang city |url=https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/115447.html}}

Awards

  • National Environment Award (2021){{Cite web |title=Rajshahi City Corporation wins National Environment Award 2021 |url=https://businesspostbd.com/corporate/rajshahi-city-corporation-wins-national-environment-award-2021-2022-06-07 |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=businesspostbd.com |language=en}}
  • Environment Friendly City of the Year (2020){{Cite news |date=2020-01-04 |title=Rajshahi awarded eco-friendly city of the year |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/rajshahi-awarded-eco-friendly-city-year |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}}
  • National Environmental Award (2013){{Cite news |title=Rajshahi: A city fresh and green |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/197929/rajshahi-a-city-fresh-and-green |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=4 January 2020|language=en}}
  • Prime Minister’s National Award For Tree Plantation (2009, 2010, 2011, 2013){{Cite news |date= |title=RCC takes steps to check air pollution |url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/233110 |access-date=2025-03-09 |work=Daily Sun |language=en}}

See also

References

{{reflist}}