Background, Geographic Area and Location: Gaibandha was previously a subdivision of former Rangpur zila. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the zila name. There is hearsay that during the reign of Pancho Pandab, the present zila headquarters was used for tying about 60,000 royal cows (meaning “Gai” in Bengali) of the kingdom of Birat. The zila might have originated its name as Gaibandha from the above words. It is bounded on the north by Kurigram and Rangpur zilas, on the east by Kurigram and Jamalpur zilas, on the south by Bogra zila and on the west by Joypurhat, Dinajpur and Rangpur zilas. It lies between 25º 02’ and 25º 39’ north latitudes and between 89º 11’ and 89º 46’ east longitudes The total area of the zila is 2,114.77 sq. km (816.00 sq. miles).
Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 33.5°C, minimum 10.5°C; annual rainfall 2536 mm.
Main Rivers: GHAGHAT, KARATOYA, BANGALI and TISTA.
The area of the town is 17.63 sq km. This town was established in 1875 when the subdivision was transferred from Bhabaniganj to Gaibandha. Gaibandha municipality was established in 1923.
Administration: Gaibandha zila was established in 1984. The zila consists of 7 upazilas, 82 unions, 1064 mauzas, 1250 villages, 3 paurashavas, 27 wards and 74 mahallas. The upazilas are FULCHHARI, GAIBANDHA SADAR, GOBINDAGANJ, PALASHBARI, SADULLAPUR, SAGHATTA and SUNDARGANJ.
Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Vardhan Kuthi, Gobindaganj (17th century), house of Naldanga Zamindar along with its Shiva Linga made of black basalt, Vrisa Mandir of white stone and a large pond, Mosque of Shah Sultan Gazi at Mirer Bagan (1308), house of Bamandanga Zamindar, Mosque at Jamalpur, large pond at Faridpur, Masta Mosque at Gobindaganj.
Historical Events: This region was a part of the Mourya, Pala, Gupta and Kamarupa kingdoms at different times. Movement was held in 1783 in this zila against collection of excess taxes. Anti British movement (1921) and tebhaga movement (1946) were initiated in the zila. Fayezuddin and Puti Sheikh were killed by Police firing in 1949 in a movement to stop collection of tolls at hats and bazars. A Peasant Convention was held at Fulchhari in 1956 under the leadership of MAULANA ABDUL HAMID KHAN BHASANI.
Marks of War of Liberation: mass killing site 3, mass grave 3, memorial monument 2.
Main Crops: Paddy, wheat, jute, sugarcane, potato, brinjal, mustard seed, chilli, onion, garlic and vegetables. Extinct or nearly extinct crops Sesame, barley, kaun, tobacco, linseed, china and aus paddy.
Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, papaya, litchi, black berry, guava and banana.
Traditional Transport: Palanquin, horse carriage, buffalo cart, bullock cart. These means of transport are either extinct or nearly extinct.
Main Exports Items: Jute, paddy, sugarcane, potato, onion, garlic, vegetables, banana, leather and potteries.
