Division Profile

Rajshahi

Rajshahi Division is one of Bangladesh’s eight administrative divisions, known as the “Land of Zamindars.” It covers an area of about 18,174 km² and has a population of over 20.3 million (2022 census). Its capital and largest city is Rajshahi, a major educational and cultural hub.

Current Weather

Mainly clear

Temperature27.2°C
Wind Speed6.8 km/h
Updated02:30

Prayer Times

Fajr04:31
Sunrise05:38
Dhuhr12:11
Asr15:38
Maghrib18:44
Isha19:50

Geographic Overview

Coordinates: 25°00′N, 89°00′E

Boundaries

  • North: Dinajpur & Gaibandha (Bangladesh), West Bengal (India)
  • South: Rajbari & Kushtia
  • East: Jamalpur, Tangail, Manikganj
  • West: West Bengal (India)

Major Rivers: Padma, Jamuna, Atrai, Mahananda

Notable Wetland: Chalan Beel

Administrative Structure

Established: 1829

Capital: Rajshahi City

Subdivisions: 70 upazilas, 1,092 unions

Demographics

Population (2022): 20,353,116

Urban: ~4.84 million

Rural: ~15.5 million

Religion (2022 census)

  • Muslims: 93.71%
  • Hindus: 5.70%
  • Christians: 0.41%
  • Others: 0.18%

Languages

  • Official: Bengali
  • Minority: Santali, Koda, Maithili, Paharia, Kol, Urdu

Education & Institutions

Rajshahi Division is a major educational center in Bangladesh.

Universities

  • University of Rajshahi (1953)
  • Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET)
  • Rajshahi Medical University
  • Varendra University
  • Rabindra University (Natore)
  • Pabna University of Science & Technology

Colleges: Rajshahi College (1873), Edward College (Pabna), Azizul Haque College (Bogura)

Specialized Institutes: Rajshahi Cadet College, Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College (Bogura)

Economy & Culture

Nickname: Land of Zamindars (due to historical feudal estates)

Agriculture: Fertile lands producing mangoes, silk, and rice.

Industry: Rajshahi is famous for silk production and mango exports.

Cultural Heritage Sites

  • Somapura Mahavihara (UNESCO site, Naogaon)
  • Choto Sona Mosque (Chapainawabganj)
  • Uttara Ganabhaban (Natore)
  • Gokul Medh (Bogura)