Thursday, May 9, 2013

Details of Gazipur District


Background, Geographic Area and Location: Gazipur zila was previously a sub-division of Dhaka zila. It was upgraded to a zila in March 1984. Nothing is definitely known about the name of the zila. It is believed that long ago this area was prominent as the abode of a famous Gazi family. Gazipur might have been named after the name of the Gazi family. It is bounded on the north by Mymensingh and Kishoreganj zilas, on the east by Narsingdi zila, on the south by Naranyanganj and Dhaka zilas and on the west by the Tangail zila. It lies between 23° 53' and 24° 21'north latitudes and between 90° 09' and 92° 39' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 1806.36 sq. km of which 17.53 sq. km was riverine and 273.42 sq.km. is forest area.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 36°C and minimum 12.7°C; annual rainfall 2376 mm.

Main Rivers: OLD BRAHMAPUTRA, SHITALAKSHYA, TURAG, BANGSHI, BALU, BANAR.

Various establishments such as Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), CERDI, Seed Certifying Agency, Security Printing, Machine Tools Factory, Bangladesh Ordnance Factory, Diesel Plant, Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT), DUET, BRAC Dairy Farm, Cremation Ghat etc are located here.

Administration: Gazipur zila was established in 1984. The area of the town is 49.32 sq km. The zila consists of 5 upazilas, 44 unions, 715 mauzas, 1114 villages, 5 paurashavas, 48 wards and 144 mahallas. The upazilas are GAZIPUR SADAR, KALIAKAIR, KALIGANJ, KAPASIA and SREEPUR.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Dholsamundra (the capital of the local Pala kings) at Boali, Toke Badshahi Mosque; Dighi and mazar at Chaura; old bridge (built by Meer Jumla) at Tangi, Bhawal Rajbari and the maths at Joydebpur.

Marks of the War of Liberation: Mass killing site and mass grave: eastern side of the Joydebpur Rajbari, Sathkamair, Tongi Shaheed Smriti School compound and at Gachha; Memorial monument: 'Jagrata Chaurangi' at Joydebpur Chowrasta and the premises of the Joydebpur Rajbari.

Main Crops: Paddy, jute, mustard seed, sugarcane, chilli, arum, turmeric, ginger.

Main Fruits: Jackfruit, pineapple, litchi, black berry, guava, mango, papaya, kamranga, palm, boroi, karamcha, wood apple, tamarind.

Traditional Transport: Duli, palanquin, country boat, horse carriage, bullock cart, Konda (a kind of boat made of palm tree).

Main Exports: Vegetables, fruits, medicine, cosmetics, cigarettes, aluminium products, ready made garments, mosquito coil, beverage (soft drinks) etc.