Sirajganj District

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Sirajganj
সিরাজগঞ্জ
District
Sirajganj District
Nickname(s): 
Gateway to the North Bengal
Location of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh
Location of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh
Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap
Expandable map of Sirajganj District
Coordinates: 24°20′N 89°37′E / 24.33°N 89.62°E / 24.33; 89.62Coordinates: 24°20′N 89°37′E / 24.33°N 89.62°E / 24.33; 89.62
Country Bangladesh
DivisionRajshahi Division
Government
 • Deputy CommissionerDr. Farook Ahmed
Area
 • Total2,497.95 km2 (964.46 sq mi)
 Flood plain and Marsh land
Elevation
7 m (23 ft)
Population
 (2011 census)
 • Total3,220,814
 • Density1,300/km2 (3,300/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Sirajganji, Shirazgonji, Rajshahiyo
Literacy rate
 • Total68%
Time zoneUTC+06:00 (BST)
Postal code
6700-6760
HDI (2018)0.606[1]
medium · 10th of 21
Websitewww.sirajganj.gov.bd

Sirajganj (Bengali: সিরাজগঞ্জ, romanized: Sirajgonj) is a district in north-central Bangladesh, located in the Rajshahi Division.[2]

History[]

In 1762, a severe earthquake changed the flow of the Jamuna river and created a new river named Baral. On the west bank of this Baral river, new land emerged and most of the land of surrounding it belonged to Zamindar Siraj Ali Chowdhury. So, after his name gradually this area got its recognition as Sirajganj. Currently it is famous for its hand-loom cottage industries and more than 50% people here are related with this business. In 1885, Sirajganj emerged as a thana. Formally under Mymensingh District in Dacca Division, it was transferred to Pabna District on 15 February 1866.[3] It was upgraded to become a subdivision of Pabna in 1885. The historic Salanga Movement in 1922 led to 1200 deaths, most notably in a massacre of independence activists on 27 January 1922, referred to as the Salanga massacre in Bengali history and memorialized with "Salanga Day" annually. [4] .

  • 1924: Conference of All India Congress Party
  • 1928: Convention of Bhramma Samaj
  • 1932: Visit of Kazi Nazrul Islam
  • 1940: A. K. Fazlul Huq laid the foundation stone of Sirajgonj Government College
  • 1942: All India Muslim League Conference attended Muhammad Ali Jinnah

During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, Sirajganj was place under Sector 7; which was commanded by Major Nazmul Huq, Subadar Major Abdur Rob and Major Kazi Nuruzzaman. It was headquartered at Tarangapur, Balurghat, West Bengal, India.[5] A youth camp called Palashdanga Juba Shibir was formed at Kalibari, Bhadraghat union in Kamarkhanda. On 20 April, an encounter was held between the Bengali freedom fighters and the Pakistan Army at a place near the Ghatina bridge in Ullahpara, leading to 15 Pakistani soldiers being killed and 50 freedom fighters and civilians being wounded. On 23 April, the army conducted mass killing, plundering, violation of women and burning at Ullahpara. Two days later, the army shot many people dead at Chariashika and Charia Kalibari near Hatikamrul Square. A battle was fought between the freedom fighters and the Pak army on 11 November at Naogaon of Tarash in which 130 soldiers and Razakars were killed. The freedom fighters attacked the Sambhudia military camp in Chauhali on 19 November, successfully capturing two firearms. On 27 November, the freedom fighters again attacked the Sambhudia camp causing considerable damages to the camp; in this attack 5 freedom fighters were wounded. Chauhali was liberated on 29 November. In December 1971, a battle was fought in Baraitala, Gandail union in Kazipur in which several freedom fighters were killed. The Pak army in collaboration with the local razakars conducted heavy plundering and set many houses of Malipara on fire on 22 June and at Sambhudia in mid August. The freedom fighters attacked the Sambhudia Pak military camp on 19 November and captured two firearms. On 27 November the freedom fighters again attacked the Sambhudia camp causing considerable damages to the camp; in this attack 5 freedom fighters were wounded. Chauhali upazila was liberated on 29 November. On 7 December 1971, a battle was fought between the freedom fighters and the Pak army on WAPDA dam of Rajapur union in which the Pak army was defeated and one freedom fighter was killed. Besides, another battle was fought between the freedom fighters and the Pak army at the north side of the graveyard of Tamai Paschimpara of Bhangabari union in which three Pak soldiers and two freedom fighters were killed. Encounters between the freedom fighters and the Pak army were held at different places of the upazila including at Sailabari, Degree College and on the bank of the river Jamuna. On 14 December, Ullahpara was liberated and with this the capitulation of the whole of Sirajganj district was completed. Two mass graves were present in Baroitala and Asbaria. 2 memorial monument for the matryrs were built; “Durjay Bangla” in Chandidasgati and Ghatina. In 1984, Sirajganj was upgraded to a district.

Location[]

Sirajganj District is the gateway to the North Bengal. It is bordered on the north by Bogra District and Natore District; on the west by Natore District and Pabna District; on the south by Pabna District and Manikganj District; on the east Manikganj District, Tangail District and Jamalpur District.

Geography[]

Sirajganj District of Rajshahi division has an area of about 2,497.92 square kilometres (964.45 sq mi). The main rivers are Jamuna, Baral, Ichamati, Karatoya, Phuljor and Hurasagor. The annual average temperature reaches a maximum of 34.6 °C, and a minimum of 11.9 °C. The annual rainfall is 1,610 millimetres (63 in).

Administration[]

Sirajganj Sub-division was established in 1885 under Pabna district and it was turned into a district in 1984. Of the nine upazilas of the district Ullahpara is the largest (414.43 square kilometres (160.01 sq mi)) and Kamarkhanda is the smallest (91.61 square kilometres (35.37 sq mi)). Moreover, the district has six municipals, six Parliament seats, 82 unions and 2016 villages.

List of Upazilas[]

There are nine (9) Upazilas, namely :

Population[]

The population has been measured at 3,220,814, made up of 80% Muslim, 18.5% Hindu and 1.5% other. Males make up 51.14% of the population and females 48.86%.

Education[]

There are many schools and colleges in the district of Sirajganj - see this institution list. (estd. 1969), (estd.1869), Shaleha Ishaque Girls School(1937), Enayetpur Islamia High School (est. 1947), Enayetpur (estd. 1947), , Enayetpur, (estd.1913), Salop High School (estd.1905), Hoimobala girls high school, Provakar vidyaniketan-tamai, Adachaki High school" Tamai M.L High School, Dhanghara High School, Harina Bagbati High School(1866), Boyra Bhennabari High School, Mechra High School(1948),Rupsha High School(1989),Tarakandi High School-Kazipur(1937)and Ghorachara High School.Shah Kamal Dakhil Madrasha(estd.1992), Among them. The students of these institutions are very enthusiastic, studious, brilliant and extremely great in their behavior. The most famous colleges in Sirajganj are 'Sirajganj Govt. University College', Govt. Akbar Ali College (estd.1970),[6] Ullapara Science College and Salanga Degree College. Pukurpar S & B Fazil Madrasha. Fuljore Degree College, situated by the side of the approach road of the Jamuna Bridge, Salop College in Ullapara and Kuripara College [1] in Sadar Upozilla in recent years are playing an important role to educate the rural peoples of Sirajganj. There is an English-medium(Edexcel certified) school, Jewel's Oxford Int'l School and College, in this district. There is also an English version school in here named Sirajganj Collectorate School and College, which is administered by the District Commissioner. There is a public medical college named Shaheed M. Monsur Ali Medical College. Also, there are two private medical college named North Bengal Medical College & Hospital and Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College & Hospital. Students of Sirajganj are very enthusiastic about study, they take part in various extra- curricular activities like the Math and Science Olympiads, Spelling Bee, art competitions etc. It is the birthplace of many geniuses and great minds like Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Vasani and Yadav Chakravarty. Rabindra varati university

Historical Places of Sirajganj[]

Chalan Beel Chalan Beel is a wetland in Bangladesh. It is a large inland depression, marshy in character, with rich flora and fauna. Forty-seven rivers and other waterways flow into the Chalan Beel.[1] As silt builds up in the beel, its size is being reduced.

Bangabandhu Bridge[]

Also known as the Jamuna Bridge. It is 4.8 kilometers long and it has 50 pillars and 49 spans. Rail crossing connects Bangladesh and the region to the cross-continental Trans-Asian Railway, which has led to a radical shift in the economics of the area. Costing nearly 700 million US dollars, the bridge was the largest infrastructure project Bangladesh had ever attempted in its history. To many, it represents the nation's rapid development and move to become a moderate economic power.

One does not have to pay to look at the bridge, but there is a fee to cross it! This can change, but usually amounts to 400 taka (just about US$5) for a car, 800 taka for the vehicles of middle size and 1200 taka for the heavy vehicles to cross the bridge. Another experience can be to hire a local boat or fisherman to take you underneath the bridge, to see it in all its concrete glory.

Rabindra Kachharibari[]

The famed poet and philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore, created many of his literary works while living in this mansion. His grandfather purchased the estate in 1840, and Tagore would often visit in the late-1800s to escape the busier side of his life.

The building has since been converted into a museum and a memorial in his name. Many artefacts and memorabilia items are on display in the museum, including shoes, wooden sandals, a piano and a harmonium. The building itself is of interesting architectural heritage, and contains 7 rooms. Maintenance by the authorities has been patchy. Some areas have been well-restored, while others are in desperate need of repair. It has been reported that significant repairs are taking place as of 2012, Tagore's 150th birth anniversary.

Each year, locals and officials celebrate Tagore's birthday at the mansion. This falls on three days around 25 Boishakh in the Bengali calendar, generally correlating with between 6 and 8 May.

The museum is located in the town of Shahzadpur, open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. Entry is 20 taka.

Nabaratna Mandir[]

Nabaratna is a place as well as palace situated beside sirajgonj road, hatikumrul, sirajgonj. Nabaratna has historical value in the history of land lords in Bangladesh.

The navaratna[7] style of temple architecture (Sanskrit: नवरत्न, meaning “nine gems”) incorporates two main levels, each with four spired corner pavilions, and a central pavilion above, for a total of nine spires. The style arose in Bengal during the eighteenth century as an elaboration of the pancharatna style that had five pavilions (four at the corners and one above).

Notable people[]

Bridges in Sirajgnaj[]

Like many other districts in Bangladesh, Sirajgnaj is also a district with many rivers. The main bridges are Bangabandhu Multipurpose Bridge over the River Jamuna, Nalka Bridge Over the River Foljodre, Eliot Bridge etc.

References[]

  1. ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  2. ^ Kamrul Islam (2012). "Sirajganj District". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  3. ^ E M Lewis (1868). "Mymensingh District". Principal Heads of the History and Statistics of the Dacca Division. Calcutta: Calcutta Central Press Company. p. 213.
  4. ^ "The Salanga Massacre of 1922: Bangladesh's forgotten bloodbath", by Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, The Daily Star (Dhaka), January 25, 2019)
  5. ^ Sheren, Syeda Momtaz (2012). "War of Liberation, The". In Islam, Sirajul; Miah, Sajahan; Khanam, Mahfuza; Ahmed, Sabbir (eds.). Banglapedia: the National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Online ed.). Dhaka, Bangladesh: Banglapedia Trust, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. ISBN 984-32-0576-6. OCLC 52727562. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  6. ^ www.gaac.edu.bd
  7. ^ "| Navratna Mandir". Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  8. ^ Haq, Enamul, "Bhasani, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan", Banglapedia, retrieved 25 July 2015
  9. ^ Baig, Md. Azom, "Ali, Captain M Mansur", Banglapedia, retrieved 25 July 2015
  10. ^ Kader, Rozina, "Tarkabagish, Maulana Abdur Rashid", Banglapedia, retrieved 25 July 2015
  11. ^ http://chhatrasangbadbd.com/কবি-ইসমাইল-হোসেন-সিরাজী-ত/
  12. ^ Miah, Sajahan, "Sharafuddin, Abdullah Al-Muti", Banglapedia, retrieved 25 July 2015
  13. ^ চিরঅন্তরালে সুচিত্রা সেন. bdnews24.com (in Bengali).
  14. ^ Amirul Islam. সিরাজগঞ্জে মুক্তিযুদ্ধের সংগঠক,সাবেক প্যানেল স্পীকার বীর মুক্তিযোদ্ধা আব্দুল লতিফ মির্জা’র ৫ম মৃত্যুবার্ষিকী পালিত. bijoynews24.com (in Bengali).
  15. ^ রাজনীতির বহু প্রত্যক্ষ সাক্ষী বাংলার শ্রেষ্ঠ সন্তান আব্দুল লতিফ মির্জার ম্যুরাল স্তম্ভে শ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন. sirajgonjnews24 (in Bengali).
  16. ^ "Tema: Kvinners rettigheter: Moren ble barnebrud som 11-åring - nå tegner Arifur (31) for kvinners rettigheter". www.vg.no (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2019-08-24.
  17. ^ মায়ের অসহায়ত্ব তুলে ধরেছি কার্টুনে | DW | 09.03.2016. DW.COM (in Bengali). Retrieved 2019-08-24.
  • Bangladesh Population Census 2011.
  • Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
  • Cultural survey report of Sirajganj District 2007:
  • Cultural survey report of Upazilas of Sirajganj District 2007.

External links[]

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