Joypurhat, one of the most renowned districts in Bangladesh because of having seven rail stations and contributing in exporting and importing trades, is located at the Northern end of Rajshahi division. Within 965.44 square kilometers of Joypurhat, there live 9,50,441 people (based on the census of 2011) with almost 47000 people from different indigenous communities. Joypurhat is bounded by India to the North and West, by Dinajpur to the North, by Gaibandha and Bogra to the East, by Bogra and Naogaon to the South and by Naogaon to the West. The climate of Joypurhat is tropical with average annual temperature of 25.4 °C and with average annual rainfall of 1738 mm.
The area of Joypurhat, formerly known as Baghabarihat or Gopendraganjhat, was reigned for a long period by Pala and Sen kings of Gaur. The former Lalbazar Thana comprising villages of present Joypurhat and Panchbibi upazilas and locating on the east bank of Jamuna, was the center for trade because the river was used for travelling and crowding Mahajani and merchant boats. This area, later came under Dinajpur district, but for administrative convenience and after the gradual establishment of rail stations in Santahar and subsequently in Tilakpur, Akkelpur, Jamalganj and Baghabari (known as Joypurhat locally), the district was later named as Joypurhat. So, originally, the name ‘Joypurhat’ was given to create differentiation from Jaipur in Rajasthan and was after the Joypurhat railway station (1884) and Joypurhat post office. Joypurhat was a sub-division under Bogra from 1971 and was declared as a district of Independent Bangladesh later in 1984.
During Liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, Joypurhat was known as a sub-division under Bogra, but the brutal massacre happening in Karai, Kadipur and other adjacent villages has placed Joypurhat in a notable place in our liberation war history. This cruelty on 26 April, 1971 is known as ‘The Karai Kadipur Massacre’ in which the Pak Army targeted mainly the Hindu community and killed 370 Hindus brutally. The Government of Bangladesh has finalized a three decimal plot for building a memorial acknowledging this event. The contribution of Joypurhat Police officer from all ranks is no less significant to mention. During the bloody war approximately 1265 police officers sacrificed their lives for the sake of independent Bangladesh.
The connection between Joypurhat and India through Hili land border has contributed to the economy of Bangladesh to a greater extent by contributing in export-import business. Joypurhat exports mainly agricultural products including varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Sugarcane is the best grown product here which has led to locate the largest sugar mill in this district named ‘Joypurhat Sugar Mill’s Limited’.
Joypurhat has two ways of communication: by road and by rail. This district is famous for having seven rail stations named Joypurhat, Panchbibi, Jamalganj, Akkelpur, Jafarpur, Tilakpur and Bagjana. There are 342.59 kilometers metaled road, 61.59 kilometers semi-metaled road, 1596 kilometers mud road and 38.86 kilometers railways.
Joypurhat district is much enriched in folk culture. Festivals including ‘Keerton’, ‘Jaree’, ‘Palagaan’, ‘Kabigaan’,’ Baul’, ‘Murshidee’, ‘lokgeeti’, ‘Bhaoyaiya’ and ‘Jattra’ have been an inseparable part of Bengali folk culture for a long time and they have been observed in Joypurhat since the British Period. Nowadays this cultural observance has decreased to a great extent; however, for patronizing cultural programs and encouraging the residents towards achieving cultural excellence, Joypurhat district has many cultural organizations including Amra Kaj Valobashi (AKAVA), Shopno Chaya Community Center, Joypurhat Shilpakala Academy, Joypurhat Shishu Academy, Conference of the National Council of Rabindra Sangeet, Baul Cultural Organization, Joypurhat Music Cycle, Saragama Cultural Organization, Samitma Theatre and Music Schools, Joypurhat Library and Club, Joypurhat Theatre, Drama Circle, Loko Songskriti Porishod, Skip It Production and ABC Group. But there are a few places that can be used as a playground whereas more playgrounds are necessary for encouraging sports. There is one stadium in Joypurhat Sadar Upazila named Joypurhat stadium and another stadium in Panchbibi Upazila. If these grounds are involved in any event, the sportsmen here utilize the school grounds or Joypurhat Collectorate ground or Joypurhat Police Line ground. Traditional Stick game of rural area of Joypurhat has been being organized for long 150 years and still it is held every year in Dargatli village.
Joypurhat is home to approximately 48,000 tribal people (based on the 2001 census) which is almost 2.25% of the total population. Santal, Orao, Munda, Mahali (Mahle), Koch, Pahan, Buna, Ho, Mahato and Rajbangshi are noteworthy tribes still living in Joypurhat.
The district contains social, cultural, historical and economic importance in the development of Bangladesh. The archaeological sites bear great significance in promoting Joypurhat, only proper maintenance is necessary. The tribes can be considered asset for their indigenous culture, habits, religions and language. The administration along with the local people’s alliance can work on further more progress in future and place its uniqueness in front of whole Bangladesh.
| At A Glance Joypurhat | ||
| 01 | Area | 965.44 square kilometers |
| 02 | Population | 9,50,441 |
| 03 | Founding Year | 1984 |
| 04 | Density | 904/km2 |
| 05 | Literacy rate | 64% |
| 06 | Seats in the Parliament | 2 |
| 07 | Postal code | 5900 |
| 08 | Upazilas | 5 |
| 09 | Municipalities | 5 |
| 10 | Sector in Liberation War | 7 |
Upazilas:
Joypurhat consists of five upazilas, namely:
- Panchbibi
- Joypurhat Sadar
- Kalai
- Khetlal
- Akkelpur
Main Rivers
Chhoto Jamuna, Tulsiganga, Harabati, Sree river.
Main Newspapers
Nabanna (Daily), Uttar Simanta (Half-weekly), Simanta, Joypurhat Barta, Bangadhoni, Balighata, Panchmatha (Weekly), Mahua (Monthly).
Notable places:
Joypurhat is home of aesthetic and historical places. The natural beauty of the villages of Joypurhat is able to attract a huge portion of Bengali and foreigner tourists. Several ancient sites bear testimony to the reign of ancient Pala and Sen kings. Overall, some notable places of Joypurhat are:
- Asranga Dighi
- Hinda-Kasba Shahi Jame Mosque
- Nandail Dighi
- Lokma Rajbari
- Patharghata
- Shrine of Nimai Pir
- Gopinathpur Temple
- Bar Shivalaya Temple
- Duani Ghat
- Shishu Uddan
- Khanjanpur Christian Mission
Highlighted Personalities:
A huge number of great poets along with singers and playwright were born in Joypurhat and they have showed their talents in their concerned sector. Some notable personalities of Joypurhat are:
- Poet Ataur Rahman
- Poet Jayadeva Goswami
- Poet Arif Saha
- Poet Sarker
- Jahangir Chowdhury
- Jashim Uddin Munshi
- Abbas Ali Khan
- Mohasin Ali Dewan
- Sahadat Hossain
- Mozahar Hossain Jamalee
- M. Ansar Ali
- Sachindranath Barman
- Tahura Begum
- Sayed Emdad Ali Dewan
- Abdus Chattar
- Doctor Abu Haidar Sazedur Rahman
- Azizul Haque Biswas
- Jaton Kumar Devnath
- Najrul Isalm
- Aminul Haque Babul
- Kobita Pervin
- Shahana Bithi
- Mojammel Hossen
- Roushon Ara Pervin
- Abdus Sattar Mridha
- Mohammad Ali Masum
- Md Alauddin (Playwright)
- Mubarak Ali
- Shah Nazratal Islam
- Moshiur Rahman
- Kazi Rezaul Karim
- Khurshid Alam (Singer)
- Dilruba Khanam (Singer)
Written & Edited by Nushrat Ara.