Rangpur, Bangladesh


Rangpur is one of the major cities in Bangladesh and Rangpur Division. Rangpur was declared a district headquarters on 16 December 1769, and established as a municipality in 1869, making it one of the oldest municipalities in Bangladesh. The municipal office building was erected in 1892 under the precedence Raja Janaki Ballav Sen. Chairman of the municipality. During the period of 1890, Shyamasundari canal was excavated for improvement of the town. Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu was 1st Meyor of Rangpur City Corporation.
The Municipality is located in the north western part of Bangladesh.Begum Rokeya University is situated in the southern part of the city. Previously, Rangpur was the headquarters of Greater Rangpur district. Later the Greater Rangpur district was broken down into the Rangpur, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha districts. In the great Rangpur region, little economic development took place until the 1990s, mainly because of the yearly flooding the region used to see before the building of the Teesta Barrage. Coal is found near this district. There is a large military cantonment in the town, along with a Ghagot park, in addition to a Carmichael College in town.

History

Rangpur was conquered by the army of Raja Man Singh, a commander of the Mughal emperor, Akbar, in 1575, but it was not until 1686 that it was fully integrated into the Mughal Empire. Names of places like Mughalbasa, and Mughalhat bear testimony to the Mughal Association and past of Rangpur and its hinterland. Later on, Rangpur passed under the control of Sarker of Ghoraghat. During the period of the British East India Company, the Sannyasi Rebellion took place. Rangapur Ghoraghat has been mentioned in the Riyaz-us-Salatin. During the early period of the company rule fakir-sannyasi resistance and peasant rebellion were held in Rangpur.

Geography

Rangpur town is the divisional headquarters. The soil composition is mainly alluvial soil of the Teesta River basin, and the remaining is barind soil. The temperature ranges from 32 degrees Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius, and the annual rainfall averages 2931 mm. Rangpur town, covering an area of around 28 square kilometres, lies on the bank of the Ghaghat river, and was turned into a municipality back in 1869. The population of the Rangpur City Corporation as of 2017 was 7,96,556 with 49% male and 51% female, and the literacy rate is 61%. Establishment of Rangpur City Corporation, as Divisional City is now under way after the establishment of Rangpur Division in January 2010.

Climate

Rangpur has a humid subtropical climate. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Cwa. The climate of Rangpur is generally marked with monsoons, high temperature, considerable humidity and heavy rainfall. The hot season commences early in April and continues till July. The average annual temperature in Rangpur is. About of precipitation falls annually.

Economy

The city is the commercial hub for the surrounding districts. The city centre has a number of government and private banks, insurance companies, residential hotels, Chinese and Indian restaurants, fast food, sweet shops, gift shop and many more. It is one of the most important economic zones in Bangladesh, because of its global positioning.

Places of interest

Tajhat Palace

Tajhat Palace is located at Tajhat, the southern end of Rangpur city. It was the earlier high court building established in 1984 called the Tajhat, a former zamindar's palace. After the end of the British Raj, the building was abandoned and decayed rapidly, although it was used for a few years as a courthouse during the 1980s. In 2004, it was largely restored and turned into a museum which hosts a collection of Blackstone Hindu carvings, calligraphic art from the Mughal period and other objets d'art and coins from the area on display. Due to lack of funding, the museum is sometimes closed.
The place is situated three km on the south–east outskirts of the town of Rangpur. Probably this place was built by Maharaja Kumar Gopal Lal Ray in the beginning of the 20th century from 1984 to 1991. The palace was used as a Rangpur high Court branch of the Bangladesh Supreme court in 1995. The palace was declared as a Protected monument by the department of archaeology. recognising its outstanding archaeological value the government of Bangladesh decided to shift the Rangpur museum here in 2002. Accordingly, the palace in being partly used as Rangpur museum since 2005.

Carmichael College

Carmichael College is one of the old colleges in Bangladesh established in 1916. The main attraction of this college is its administrative building. The building was designed with an Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture.
The college with lot of education departments like history, physical, English and more.

Begum Rokeya University

Town Hall

There is an ancient auditorium named 'Town Hall' at the center of the city, where different cultural programs are held. The place all local persons meet and spend time with friends and family.

Jadu Nibash

Located in Radhaballav next to the Rangpur Government College. Home of Late Mashiur Rahman Jadu Mia. It is an ancient house, about a hundred years old. The house was probably built and owned by Raja Gopal Lal Rai Bahadur at the same time that the Rangpur District Council, Rangpur Town Hall and the famous Tajhat Palace buildings were built.

Zoo

Rangpur central zoo is one of the main amusement and recreation spot of Rangpur city. With an area of 20.27 acre of lush green trees and grasses, the Rangpur zoo is located east side of Hanuman-tola road beside police-line, not far from Rangpur district Administration office. The Zoo has 193 individual animals of 28 species. Many wild animals are available to attract the visitors. A few of them are The Bengal tiger, African lion, Leopard, Asiatic black bear,Hippopotamus, Peacocks, crocodiles, Turtles, Spotted Deer, different kinds of Birds, Snakes and so on.
The Rangpur zoo was built in the 1880s. Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology completed a digital survey and feasibility study of "Dhaka And Rangpur Zoo Modernization Project" to upgrade the facilities to international standard.

Vinno Jogot

"Vinno Jogot" is a well decorated amusement park, which is located about 12-kilometer distance from Rangpur city. Thousands of people come every day for refreshment with a green environment. A vast lake surrounded across the park. A planetarium has existed there. Shisu park, various ride, mural of world's seven wonders charm tourists.

Chikli Binodon Park

Kellaband Mosque (Masjid)

Kellaband Mosque is situated at C.O. Bazar on the north of Rangpur-Dinajpur Highway 02 km north-west of Rangpur town. This three-dome mosque is about 200 years old. A concrete well and an ancient cemetery are lying beside the mosque.

Pirgachha Landlord House

The Manthana Kingdom Estate was established sometime around 1100 AD. Maharani Joy Durga Devi Chaudhurani of Rangpur was the most influential and famous ruler of the kingdom. After the death of Rajah Rajendra Narayan Roy Choudhury, the Monthana Kingdom Estate was divided into two parts among his two sons Rajah Harendra Narayan Roy Choudhury and Rajah Bhairab Narayan Roy Choudhury of Rangpur. As a result, the landlord house also divided into two parts. After the death of Rajah Harendra Narayan Roy Choudhury his son Rajah Mahendra Narayan Roy Choudhury succeeded the kingdom. After his death, Rajah Bhupendra Narayan Roy Choudhury succeeded to the throne of the kingdom and was the last crowned king of this kingdom estate. His son Prince Jyotirindra Narayan Roy Choudhury was born in 1947 and is the crown prince of the estate. Soon after the birth of Jyotirindra Narayan Roy Choudhury, India and East Bengal got independence from colonialist British rule and the partition of historic Bengal took place. Prince Jyotirindra Narayan Roy Choudhury of Rangpur now resides in Calcutta, India, with his family. His son Prince Rupendra Narayan Anirban Roy Choudhury of Rangpur who uses the name Anirban Roy Choudhury is the present Titular Crown Prince of the kingdom-estate. The Pirgaccha Landlord House popularly known as the Manthana Palace or Manthana Rajbari is a massive structure spread over hundreds of acres of land and houses ponds, lakes, buildings, temples, and various other assets. Princess Kabita Rani Roy Choudhury is the present legal owner of the entire kingdom-estate. The Kachari House of the Manthana Palace is now used as Pirgasha Registrar Office.

Devi Chaudhuranir Jamindar Bari

The Landlord-King of Pirgacha sub district Rajah Narendro Narayan Roy Choudhury, son of Rajah Raghabendra Narayan Roy Choudhury died in 1765 without any legacy. Then the wife of the late King, Maharani Joy Durga Devi Chaudhurani of Rangpur managed the kingdom for three decades. Maharani Joy Durga Devi Chaudhurani is popularly known as Devi Chaudhurani in history and was one of the most successful and popularly known rulers of the kingdom. During the time of Sanyasi Bidroho for the independence of India, she along with Bhabani Pathak raged war against the British. In this insurgency Collector Richard Gudland and army commander Lieutenant Brenan, scared of the war situation, forfeited the kingdom from Devi Chaudhurani. However the imperial British could not keep the kingdom forfeited from the illustrious Maharani, and soon after she again came to manage the kingdom and she ruled until 1791. Later in history, the famous Bengali novelist, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who also happened to be the Collector of Rangpur and under the employment of the British rule, wrote the famous novel Devi Chaudhurani to portray her as a dacoit-queen. The novel has been adapted into very famous movies with the 1974 movie starring Suchitra Sen in the lead. And National Award winning director Rituporno Ghosh is adapting the novel into another movie in recent times, in which Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play the lead role of Devi Chaudhurani. However, the novel has tarnished the character and image of Maharani Joy Durga Devi Chaudhurani to a great extent. Rajah Bhupendra Narayan Roy Choudhury of Rangpur was the last king of the kingdom-estate. An earthquake damaged much of the palace built by Devi Chaudhurani. However, the palace was rebuilt several times and is a sprawling structure spread over several hundreds of acres. The property, land and the assets of the estate kingdom is presently legally owned by Princess Kabita Rani Roy Choudhury of Rangpur, who lives in Kolkata, India. Her son Prince Rupendra Narayan Anirban Roy Choudhury of Rangpur who commonly uses the name Anirban Roy Choudhury is the present Titular Crown Prince of the estate-kingdom. Prince Anirban Roy Choudhury is currently studying the law at Symbiosis Law School and lives in Pune, Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata.

Itakumari Jamindar Bari

Landlord house was established in the 19th century. Shibchondro elder son of landlord Rajarai was the founder of Itakhula Landlord house. Now most of the building are ruined. Now a well two large pond and elderly building witness of time. Again Shibchanda and Devi Chowdhurani lead the public rebellion and free the people of Rangpur from Devi singha's torture.

Deowan Bari Jamindaar Bari

The Deowan Bari Jamindaar Bari was built by Fonivuson Mojumdar. Fonivuson Mijumdar was the son of Landlord Radharomon and mother Kusum Kumari Devi who was the second wife of Radharomon. He was born in 1892. This landlord house is a small 2 storied building. but the main gate of the house is like a Mughal Castle – gate. After ban of the Real estate tenancy practices in 1952 the house was auctioned. The property was purchased by one Nosor Ghatial who hailed from Kurigram. Now there is a school and some business centres. It is located at Deowan Bari road in Rangpur near the town.

Pirgachha

is one of the Upazilas in Rangpur that carries some interesting aspects. The name is derived from some unknown "pir", buried under a tree. In other words, there was this tomb of a "pir" under a big tree in Pirgachha. Pirgachha has a Rajbari, home of the Jomider. This one historic residence is now almost ruined. Also, there is a miniature prayer place such as a mosque and a Temple built together. It shows a friendly Hindu-Muslim communities.

Chicli vata

Near the stadium, there is a place called 'Chicli vata' surrounding by many lakes and rice fields.

Other Places

There is a large military cantonment in the town. Apart from the Tajhat museum, there is another museum at the heart of the town. The town is known as Green Town for its gardens and green parks throughout the town.

Education

Major educational institutes in the city including:
Universities:
Medical & Dental Colleges:
Polytechnic Institutes:
Colleges:
Affiliated Colleges:
Schools:
English Medium School:

Healthcare

Rangpur is well known for its healthcare facilities throughout the north-Bengal districts. There are hundreds of hospitals, private clinics, diagnostic centres situated all over the city. The Rangpur Medical College Hospital, a tertiary level thousand bed facility public hospital with teaching facility in graduate and post graduate medical education. The campus of Rangpur Medical College is located in the northwest area of Rangpur. It is 210 kilometres from the Rajshahi District and 330 kilometres from Dhaka and is located next to the inter-country highway that connects India to Nepal. Prime Medical College hospital, Doctor's Community Hospital, Northern Private Medical College Hospital, Christian missionary hospital are the well-known private institutes. Other government institutes include a children hospital, a chest hospital and an infectious disease hospital.
A 1000 bed-hospital known as Health City is under construction aiming to provide medical treatments and surgeries.

Media

Newspaper

There are a number of locally published newspapers in the district. Locally published newspapers and periodicals include Online News Portal BNN , Rangpur Onlinelivenews24, Desh71, Crime News, Daily Rangpur Chitra, Daily Akhira Dabanal, Rangaprovat, Juger Alo, Dainik Paribesh,Daily Gonoalo Dainik Rangpur, Weekly Atal, Rangpur Barta and Weekly Bajrakantha. Former newspapers which are no longer published include Rangapur Bartabaha, Rangapur Dik Prakash, Rangapur Darpan, Uttar Bangla and Pravati.

Transportation

The main transport systems used in the city are cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, buses, mini-buses and cars. There are about 50,000 rickshaws running each day.

Roads

Rangpur is well connected by highways to Chittagong and Dhaka, as well as other parts of Rangpur. It takes about 6 to 7 hours by road to reach the capital Dhaka by National Highway 5. Bus services to other major districts are also available from Rangpur. Highway links to India have been established through the Asian Highway 2.

Railway

The Rangpur Railway Station is the main railway station providing trains on national routes operated by the state-run Bangladesh Railway. The Rangpur Express is a Bangladeshi Intercity train which runs between Rangpur and Dhaka.

Air

The city of Rangpur is served by Saidpur Airport, located at the north of the city. Saidpur airport is a domestic airport. Saidpur Airport is connected through several private airlines such as Novoair, US-Bangla Airlines, Regent Airways & Biman Bangladesh Airlines a government airline with Capital city of Bangladesh Dhaka.

Dialect

Many Rangpur natives speak Rangpuri language. Rangpuri is an Indic language spoken by half a million Rajbongshi people in Bangladesh and five million in India, where they are known as Rajbanshi. Many are bilingual in either Bengali or Assamese. Rangpuri goes by numerous names. In Bangladesh, these include Rangpuri, Bahe Bangla, Anchalit Bangla, Kamta, Polia. The main dialects are Western Rajbanshi, Central Rajbanshi, Eastern Rajbanshi and Hill Rajbanshi.

Sports

The most popular sport in Rangpur is cricket, although football is also popular. There is a 10,000+ capacity stadium in the city. It is known as Rangpur Stadium. It is used for football and other sports. Besides different organisation share to stage a show there occasionally. There are another ground known as Cricket Garden and is mainly used for cricket. There are also a few sports training academies in the city. In domestic Twenty20 cricket, Rangpur has a Bangladesh Premier League franchise known as Rangpur Riders. On December 2012, I Sports bought the Rangpur franchise for $1.01 m. Notable players from Rangpur who have played for the national team include Nasir Hossain, Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Notable people

Rangpur twinned with:

  • Bregenz,Austria
  • Oran, Algeria
  • Bytom, Poland
 Dordrecht, Netherlands

Gallery