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Sirajganj District

Coordinates: 24°20′N 89°37′E / 24.33°N 89.62°E / 24.33; 89.62
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Sirajganj District (Bengali: সিরাজগঞ্জ জেলা) is a district in the North Bengal region of Bangladesh, located in the Rajshahi Division.[1] It is an economically important district of Bangladesh. Sirajganj district is the 25th largest district by area and 9th largest district by population in Bangladesh. It is known as the gateway to North Bengal.

Sirajganj District
সিরাজগঞ্জ জেলা
District of Bangladesh
Clockwise from top-left: Shahzadpur Dargah Mosque, Jamuna Eco Park, Jamuna Bridge, Nabaratna Temple, Jamuna River, Shahzadpur Kachharibari, Chalan Beel
Nickname: 
The Gateway to North Bengal
Location of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh
Location of Sirajganj District in Bangladesh
Map
Expandable map of Sirajganj District
Coordinates: 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)[2]
 • Total3,097,489
 • Density1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Sirajganji, Shirazgonji
Literacy rate
 • Total68%
Time zoneUTC+06:00 (BST)
Postal code
6700-6760
HDI (2018)0.606[3]
medium · 10th of 21
Websitewww.sirajganj.gov.bd

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.[4] It was upgraded to become a subdivision of Pabna in 1885. In 1984, it was upgraded to a district. Its administrative headquarter is Sirajganj city.

History

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.[5] .

  • 1924: Conference of All India Congress Party
  • 1928: Convention of Brahmo 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.[6] 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 Pakistani 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 Pakistani 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 Pakistani 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 Pakistani army on WAPDA dam of Rajapur union in which the Pakistani army was defeated and one freedom fighter was killed. Besides, another battle was fought between the freedom fighters and the Pakistani army at the north side of the graveyard of Tamai Paschimpara of Bhangabari union in which three Pakistani soldiers and two freedom fighters were killed. Encounters between the freedom fighters and the Pakistani 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 martyrs were built; “Durjay Bangla” in Chandidasgati and Ghatina.

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

At the time of the 2011 census, the population was 3,097,489. Males make up 51.14% of the population and females 48.86%. 14.09% of the population lives in urban areas. The literacy rate is 42.05%.[2] It is one of the most populated and also densely populated district in Bangladesh.

Religion

Most of the people of this district are Muslims. Hindus are minority in this district.

Religions in Sirajganj district (2011) [2]
Religion Percent
Muslims
 
 95.19%
Hindus
 
 4.57%
Others
 
 0.24%

Muslims make up 95.19% of the population, while Hindus are 4.57% of the population.[2]

Language

Most of the people of this district are Bengalis. They speak a local dialect of Bengali Language called Sirajganji dialect.

Languages in Sirajganj District (2011)
language percent
Bengali
 
 98.93%
Others
 
 1.07%

Health

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.

Economy

Sirajganj District is economically one of the most important district of Bangladesh. It is known for its unique economic structure. Sirajganj District has a own identity of clothes. Half of entire Bangladesh's weaving industries are in only Sirajganj District. Sirajganj District's great communication system helps to grow the entire North Bengal and Bangladesh's economy. Almost all kinds of crops are cultivated in this district.

Education

Educational institutions in Sirajganj District include -

Transport

Sirajganj District's transportation system is very good. It has the most important highway and railway of Bangladesh which connects the entire North Bengal and a part of South Bengal with the rest of the country. It is very easy to travel through the district because of its great transport system. It has the 2nd largest bridge Jamuna Bridge and the largest railway bridge of Bangladesh. Sirajganj District is also famous for its River-ports.

Points of interest

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. As silt builds up in the beel, its size is being reduced.

  • Homestead of Behula
  • Shiva Temple
  • Maha Prabhu Temple
  • Gopinath Bigraha
  • Kalika Debi Bigraha
  • Pratap Dighi
  • Joysagar Dighi
  • House of Suchitra Sen
  • Sirajganj Road :

Sirajganj Road is one of the most important crossroads of entire Bangladesh

  • China Barrages :

There are four barrages located near Sirajganj city which are also a part of Sirajganj economic zone.

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).

  • Katar Mahal Jamidar bari
  • Rautara Jamidar bari
  • Sannal Jamidar bari
  • Eliot Bridge :

A bridge located in the centre of the Sirajganj city.

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.

  • Tomb of Khaja Yunus Ali Enaetpuri
  • Tomb of Shamsuddin Tabrizi
  • Tomb of Abdul Ali Baki Shah
  • Tomb of Makhdum Shah Doula
  • Jamuna Bridge :

Also known as the Bangabandhu 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.

Notable people

Bridges in Sirajganj District

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. ^ 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. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Population and Housing Census - 2011". Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.
  3. ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  4. ^ E M Lewis (1868). "Mymensingh District". Principal Heads of the History and Statistics of the Dacca Division. Calcutta: Calcutta Central Press Company. p. 213.
  5. ^ "The Salanga Massacre of 1922: Bangladesh's forgotten bloodbath", by Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, The Daily Star (Dhaka), January 25, 2019)
  6. ^ 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. OL 30677644M. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  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.
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