Sirajganj is one of the significant districts of Rajshahi division which is known for various purposes and economic importance. This district covers an area of 2,497.92 square kilometers along with the latitude and longitude coordinates of 24.33°N and 89.62°E.There are 32,20,814 people (according to the census of 2011) living in this district with the typical literacy rate of 40.6% . The district has featured tropical weather with mean maximum temperature of 34.6°C and mean minimum temperature of 11.9°C and the annual rainfall is about 1610 millimeters or almost 63 inches.
Sirajganj is considered as the gateway to the North Bengal, because on its North, there is Bogra and Natore district and besides, it is bordered on the West by Natore district and Pabna district, on the South by Pabna district and Manikganj district and on the East by Manikganj and Jamalpur district.
The existence of Sirajganj can be considered from 1845. Sirajganj became the center of trade and commerce of Bengal under the rule of Nawab Alivardi Khan. This area was developed as a commercial center for steady supply of hand-made papers (known as ‘Tulat kagaj’) from central Asia to different places. It is heard that the name ‘Sirajganj’ was after the name of the beloved grandson of Alivardi Khan, Siraj-ud-Daulah who was the last independent Nawab of Bengal. Another sources mention that the district was named after a landlord or zamindar named Siraj Ali Chowdhury during the British reign.
Sirajganj was established as sub-division under Pabna district in 1885 and later it was turned into a district in 1984.This district covers nine upazilas within which ‘Ullahpara’ is the largest with an area of 414.43 square kilometers. On the other hand, ‘Kamarkhanda’ is the smallest upazila covering an area of 91.61 square kilometers. This district has almost 2016 villages, 6 municipals, six Parliament seats and 82 unions.
One of the most fascinating history of this district relates to the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.This district was under sector number seven during the War of Liberation. This sector seven was commanded by Major Nazmul Haque, Subadar Major Abdur Rob and Major Kazi Nuruzzaman. Moreover, it was headquartered at Tarangapur, Balurghat, and West Bengal, India. The Palashdanga Juba Shibir (Youth camp) formed at Kalibari of Bhadraghat Union under Kamarkhanda Upazila played a remarkable role during the War of Liberation in encounters against the Pak Army at various places of Bangladesh. There are two mass graves in Baroitala (Kazipur upazila) and Asbaria (Tarash upazila) and also two martyr memorial monument named as “Durjay Bangla” at Chandidasgati of Sirajganj Sadar Upazila and Ghatina of Ullahpara Upazila.
Sirajganj has always been known as a place of numerous accomplishments and historical value. Rabindranath Tagore, the most magnificent poet and philosopher has had a mansion at Shahjadpur Upazila. It was purchased by his grandfather in 1840 but the building has been converted into a museum and memorial in his name after his death. Another notable historical place of this district is “Nabaratna Mandir” which is actually a palace situated beside Sirajganj road, Hatikumrul. This Mandir is known as a place that holds historical and archeological value in the history of land lords in Bangladesh.
Famous Chalan Beel, partly is situated is this district which is full of rich flora and fauna. About 47 rivers and other waterways flow into the Beel. One of the most important bridges of Bangladesh known as Jamuna Bridge or Bangabandhu Multipurpose Jamuna Bridge is a part of this district. It is 4.8 kilometers long with total of 50 pillars and 49 spans.
There are several medical centers and hospitals in Sirajganj. Among them, Sheikh Fazilatunnessa Mujib General Hospital, Sirajganj Central Hospital, Medinova Hospital Complex, Shaheed M. Monsur Ali medical college Hospital are remarkable.
Sirajganj has an acknowledgeable prestige for being a place of traditional handicrafts and hand loom products. Handicraft plays a great role in the economy of Bangladesh. The district is also noted for varieties of fruits such as mango, guava, watermelon, and banana; as well as varieties of sweetmeats and ‘pithas’ (cakes) and other food items.
Sirajganj holds a large group of various ethnic communities that represents almost the whole North Bengal. The major ethnic communities in this area are Santal, Singh, Oraon, Mundari, Mahato, Rajoar. Many Non-government and government organizations are launching numerous projects regarding their health and welfare.
There are NGO’ that are now working on various projects in Sirajganj regarding Health issues and Micro Finance in this district. ASA , Bandhan Samaj unnayan sangstha , Maternity and Child Health Care Centre, Bangladesh Sonali Sangstha ( BSS ) , Grameen Pragati Sangstha, Palli Rakkha sangstha, BNSB base Eye Hospital are working in regards of various development and progressive issues.
Sirajganj is contributing as a connection-bridge to by-road-communication between North Bengal and Southern cities of Bangladesh with the help of several bridges, mainly Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge. The home of varieties of people from different religious and ethnic communities is adding to the economy and prestige of the country with the traditional handloom pieces and bears great importance among all other cities in Bangladesh.
| At a Glance Sirajganj | ||
| 01 | Area | 2497.92 square kilometers |
| 02 | Population | 16,13,173 |
| 03 | Founding Year | 1984 |
| 04 | Density | 900/km2 |
| 05 | Literacy rate | 68% |
| 06 | Seats in the Parliament | 6 |
| 07 | Postal code | 6400 |
| 08 | Municipalities | 6 |
| 09 | Sector in Liberation War | 7. |
Upazilas:
After being established as a district in 1984, Sirajganj has comprised of nine Upazilas, namely:
- Sirajganj Sadar Upazila
- Kazipur Upazila
- Ullahpara Upazila
- Shahjadpur Upazila
- Raiganj Upazila
- Kamarkhanda Upazila
- Tarash Upazila
- Belkuchi Upazila
- Chauhali Upazila
Main Rivers
Jamuna, Hurasagar, Karatoya, Fulljhor, Baral, Ichhamati.
Main Newspapers
Dainik Juger Katha, Dainik Ajker Sirajganj, Dainik Jamuna Prabaho, Dainik Jamuna Setu, Kolom Soinik, North Bengal Times, Dainik Sirajganj Kontho.
Notable places:
Some important places in Sirajganj bearing historical significance and tourism significance are:
- Bangabandhu Bridge
- Rabindranath Kaccharibari (Shahjadpur)
- Nabaratna Mandir (Ullahpara)
- Tomb and mosque of Khwaja Pir Saheb (Chauhali)
- Tomb of Hazrat Abdul Ali Baki Shah Sharif Jindani (R) (Tarash),
- Homestead of Behula (Tarash),
- Shiva Mandir (Tarash),
- Akhra of Sri Sri Maha Pravu,
- Gopinath Bigraha,
- Kalika Devi Bigraha,
- Joysagar (Raiganj),
- Protap Dighi (Raiganj),
- Elliot Bridge or Lohar Poll (Iron bridge, 1893),
- Makkahaulia Mosque (15th century, Ullahpara).
Highlighted Personalities:
Sirajganj is the residence of numerous versatile personalities who left their signature in various sectors with their notable work efficiency and contribution as writers, actors, intellectuals and so on. Some highlighted personalities of Sirajganj are:
- Mowlana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani (Politician)
- Captain Muhammad Mansur Ali (Renowned politician)
- Ismail Hossain Siraji (Poet and Writer)
- Abdur Rashid Tarkabagish (Politician and Parliamentarian)
- Fazle Lohani (Journalist, lyricist, television and film producer)
- Fateh Lohani (Journalist, actor and director)
- Kamal Lohani (Veteran Journalist, news editor and news reader)
- Yadav Chandra Chakrabarty (Mathematician)
- Suchitra Sen (Actress)
- Mokbula Monjur (novelist and playwright)
- Abdullah Al Muti Sharfuddin (Science Fiction writer)
- Abdul Latif Mirza (Founder of Mirza Bahini during Liberation war)
- Khwaja Yunus Ali (Sufi Saint)
- Zahid Hasan (Actor)
- Arifur Rahman (Political cartoonist)
Written & Edited by Nushrat Ara