Details of Thakurgaon District

Map of Thakurgaon District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: Thakurgaon, the Barandra zila is situtated on the northern part of Bangladesh. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the zila name. It is learnt that there lived an influential Thakur family meaning Hindu priest in the locality and it is generally believed that the zila name might have derived from the above title as Thakurgaon. It is bounded on the north by Panchagarh zila, on the east by Dinajpur zila, on the south and on the west by India. It lies between 25º 44' and 26º 19' north latitudes and between 88º 44' and 88º 39' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 1781.74 sq. km (687.00 sq. miles) of which 6.43 sq. km is reverine and 9.06 sq. km. is under forest.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 33.5°C, minimum 10.5°C; annual rainfall 2536 mm.

Main Rivers: TANGON, PUNARBHABA, NAGAR, Pathari, Talma, Kulic, DHEPA.

Administration: Thakurgaon subdivision was established in 1860 and was turned into a zila in 1984. The zila consists of 5 upazilas, 51 unions, 636 mauzas, 641 villages, 3 paurashavas, 30 wards and 59 mahallas. The upazilas are BALIADANGI, HARIPUR, PIRGANJ, RANISANKAIL and THAKURGAON SADAR.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Residence of Raja Tonkanath (Malduar), Rajbari of Raja Jagendra Narayan, Rajbari of Raja Ganesh, Jagadal Rajbari, Bangla Garh, Sangaon Shahi Mosque, Fatehpur Mosque, Jamalpur Mosque, tomb of Syed Nasir Uddin, tomb of Pir Sheikh Sirajuddin, tomb of Hazrat Adam (R), Govinda Jeo Mandir (eighteenth century), Shiva Mandir at Haripur Rajbari, Goraksanath Mandir, Katihar Hat Shyamrai Mandir, Ramrai Dighi, Khunia Dighi, Adhar Dighi, Shapla Dighi and Rani Dighi.

Marks of the War of Liberation: Mass killing site 4, mass grave 6.

Main Crops: Paddy, wheat, potato, sugarcane, pulses, brinjal, patal and other vegetables. Extinct or nearly extinct crops are jute, barley, kalai, kaun, arahar and aus paddy.

Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, papaya, litchi, watermelon and banana.

Traditional Transport: Palanquin (extinct), horse carriage and bullock cart (nearly extinct), boat.

Main Exports Items: Paddy, rice, potato, pulses, vegetables, mango, jackfruit, sugar, watermelon.

Details of Tangail District

Map of Tangail District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: The zila of Tangail was renamed as Tangail zila in 1984. There are different views about the origin of the zila name. The popular view is that the zila name has been derived from the word Tanga meaning horse cart which was largely parked at the present zila headquarters for carrying Indigo. The zila is bounded on the north by Jamalpur zila, of the east by Mymensingh and Gazipur zilas, on the south by Manikganj and Dhaka zilas and on the west by the river Jamuna and Sirajganj zila. The total area of the zila is 3414.35 sq. km. (1318.00 sq. miles) of which 497.27 sq. km. (192.00 sq. miles) is under forest. The zila lies between 24º 01' and 24º 47' north latitudes and between 89º 44' and 90º 18' east longitudes.

Main Rivers: JAMUNA, DHALESHWARI, Jhenai, Bangshi, Lohajang, Turag. Madhupur forestry and Sukhipur and Ghatail hillocks are notable.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 38.33°C, minimum 7.13°C; annual rainfall 136.33 mm.

Administration: Tangail subdivision was established in 1870 and was turned into a zila in 1969. The area of the town is 35.22 sq. km. Tangail Municipality was established in1887. The zila consists of 12 upazilas, 110 unions, 1855 mauzas, 2443 villages, 9 paurashavas, 90 wards and 239 mahallas.The upazilas are TANGAIL SADAR, BASAIL, BHUAPUR, DELDUAR, GHATAIL, GOPALPUR, KALIHATI, MADHUPUR, MIRZAPUR, NAGARPUR, SAKHIPUR and DHANBARI.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Atia Mosque (1608), Sagardighi, Ichamati Dighi, Nagarpur Dighi, Khamarpara Mosque, Dhanbari Mosque (1685).

Tourist Attraction: National Park at Madhupur, BANGABANDHU MULTIPURPOSE BRIDGE (Kalihati).

Historical Events: Kagmari Conference (1957), Sannyasi revolt (1850), Peasant revolt (1858). During the Liberation War in 1971 Abdul Kader Siddiqui of Tangail independently led military operations against Pakistan army. His group was named Kaderia Bahini after its leader. This bahini led many successful guerrilla operations in Tangail. Kader Siddiqui himself was wounded at the Makrar battle near Balla village. The most noted successful operation of the Kaderia Bahini was the capture of a Pakistani ship with huge amount of arms and ammunitions at Bhuapur. In 1996, a devastating tornado caused heavy damage to a few villages.

Marks of War of Liberation: Mass killing site 4, memorial 1.

Main Crops: Paddy, jute, sugarcane, wheat, mustard seed and pulse.

Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, banana, litchi, pineapple, guava.

Traditional Transport: Palanquin, horse carriage, bullock cart, panshi nauka (luxurious boat) and Gaina nauka (passenger boat).

Main Exports: Jute, pineapple, banana, sugarcane, sari, sweetmeat.

Details of Sylhet District

Map of Sylhet District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: The area now constitutes Sylhet zila was once a part of the Kingdom of Jaintia. It is situated on the bank of the river Surma. There are different opinions about the origin of the zila name. The general belief is that in the remote past a trading centre (locally known as hatta) of grinding stones (meaning Syl) was developed at the foot of hilly areas where the zila headquarters is located. In consequence, the zila came to be known as Srihatta. Subsequently it was renamed as Sylhet. The zila is bounded on the north by India, on the east by India, on the south by Maulvibazar zila, and on the west by Sunamganj and Habiganj zilas. The total area of the zila is 3452.07 sq. km. (1332.00 sq. miles). The zila lies between 24º 36' and 25º 11' north latitudes and between 91º 38' and 92º 30' east longitudes.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 33.2°C and minimum 13.6°C; annual rainfall 3334 mm.

Main Rivers: SURMA and KUSHIYARA. HAORs 82; Shingua Beel (12.65 sq km) and Chatla Beel (11.86 sq km) are notable; reserve forest 236.42 sq km. Parts of Khasia and Jainta hills are included in this zila. Notable tilas and hills are Jaintapur (54 m), Sary Tila (92 m), Lalkhan Tila (135 m), Dhaka Daksmin Tila series (77.7 m).

The rapid growth and expansion of Sylhet occurred during the colonial period. Sylhet Municipality was established in 1878. A devastated earthquake demolished almost the entire town on 12 June 1897. On the wreckage a modern and European model new town was built later on. Many new roads were constructed in late 1890s. Sylhet became really connected to the other parts of the country with the establishment of an extension line of Asam-Bengal Railway in 1912-15. From the very beginning of the 20th century, importance of Sylhet town increased with the establishment of tea industry. In 1950s and 1960s, rapid urbanisation took place in the town by the expatriate Syleties and still the process is going on. At present, Sylhet is the zila-headquarter as well as the divisional headquarter.

Administration: Sylhet zila was established on 3 January 1782. Until 1878, Sylhet was under the jurisdiction of DHAKA division. In the same year, Sylhet was included in the newly created Asam Province. Up to 1947 (excepting the Banga Bhanga period of 1905-1911) it remained a part of Asam. In 1947, as a result of a referendum, it was attached to the East Pakistan and was included in the Chittagong Division. The greater Sylhet was divided into four new zilas viz Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj and Maulvi Bazar in 1983-84. On 1 August 1995 Sylhet was declared as the 6th division of the country consisting of the four zilas of the greater Sylhet. The zila consists of 1 City Corporation, 12 upazilas, 101 unions, 1693 mauzas, 3497 villages, 27 City Wards, 4 paurashavas, 36 wards and 224 mahallas. The upazilas are BALAGANJ, BEANIBAZAR, BISHWANATH, COMPANIGANJ, FENCHUGANJ, GOLAPGANJ, GOWAINGHAT, JAINTIAPUR, KANAIGHAT, SYLHET SADAR, ZAKIGANJ and DAKSHIN SURMA.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Stone monument of Jaintapur, Mound of Gharduara, Gaiyabi Mosque, tombs of Hazrat SHAH JALAL (R) and SHAH PARAN (R), Abu Torab Mosque, Nawabi Masque, Mughal Mosque at Akhalia, Dhaka Dakshmin Temple, Tin Mandir (trio temple).

Historical Events: Sylhet is an ancient settlement area. It was known as Jalalabad in Sultani period. From the Pashchimbagh brass plate engraved by the Maharaja Shreechandra in 10th century, it could be assumed that he conquered Sylhet. Many historians think that Sylhet or Sreehatta (enriched market place) was an expanded commercial centre from the ancient period. A large number of Bengalis migrated to Sylhet. In the 14th century, Muslim saint from Yemen Hazrat Shah Jalal (R) triumphed Sylhet and began to preach Islam. The Pathan valiant Khawja Osman fought against the Mughal with the help of local feudal. During the SEPOY REVOLT in 1857 the British traders defeated the mutinous. The Nankar revolt is another important event in the history of Sylhet. The Nankars were the serf of the zamindars. As a result of Nankar and other similar revolts the Nankar system was abolished in 1950.

In 1927, when Sylhet was still a part of the Asam, the politicians (MLAs) got the right of speaking in Bangla in the Provincial Council. In favour of declaring Bangla as the state-language an editorial was published in the local Al Islah after the emergence of Pakistan in 1947.

Marks of War of Liberation: Mass killing site 9, mass grave 13, memorial monument 14 and memorial statue 1.

Main Crops: Paddy, mustard, betel nut.

Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, orange, lichi, Pineapple.

Mineral Resources: NATURAL GAS, crude oil.

Details of Sunamganj District

Map of Sunamganj District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: Sunamganj zila was one of the sub-division of former Sylhet zila. It emerged as a zila on the 1st March, 1984. The zila is full of haors and baors. Its headquarters is situated at the bank of the river Surma where a trading centre ( meaning ‘Ganj’) was developed in this area in the name of a Shipahi Sunamuddin, who foughat for the independence of the country in 1957. This might be the origin of the zila name to be Sunamganj. It is bounded on the North by India, on the east by Sylhet zila, on the south by Habiganj and Kishoreganj zilas and on the west by Netrokona zila. It lies between 24º 34' and 25º 12' north latitudes and between 90º 56' and 91º 49' East longitudes. The total area of the zila is 3747.18 Sq. km. (1446.00 sq. miles) of which 71.28 sq. km. (27.52 sq. miles) are under forest.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 33.2°C and minimum 13.6°C; annual rainfall 3334 mm. There are many haors and beels in Sunamganj.

Administration: Sunamganj (Town) stands on the bank of the river Surma. It was established in late 18th century. Sunamganj mahakuma (sub-division) was upgraded to a zila in 1984. The zila consists of 11 upazilas, 87 unions, 1581 mauzas, 2782 villages, 4 paurashavas, 36 wards and 138 mahallas. The upazilas are BISHWAMVARPUR, CHHATAK, DERAI, DHARMAPASHA, DOWARABAZAR, JAGANNATHPUR, JAMALGANJ, TAHIRPUR, SULLAH, SUNAMGANJ SADAR and DAKSHIN SUNAMGANJ.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Bagbari Tila (Chhatak upazila), Selbarash Jami Mosque, Sukhair Kalibari Temple, Kahala Kalibari, Maheshkhala Kalibari (Dharmapasha upazila), remnants of the palace of Raja Bijoy Singh (16th century, Tahirpur upazila).

Historical Events: Nankar Rebellion of Sukhair in 1922-23 is notable. Many political leaders and activists of Sunamganj were involved in the anti-British movement. The leftist movement spread over the zila after the partition of 1947. During the WAR OF LIBERATION many encounters were held between the freedom fighters and the Pak army; Sunamganj was liberated on 6 December 1971.

In 1336 BS a devastating flood occurred as a result of breaking down a damn in Manipur. This flood is popularly known as 'White Water Flood'. A pernicious earthquake on 12 June 1897 caused heavy loss of lives and establishments.

Marks of War of Liberation: Mass killing site at Sreeramshi and Raniganj villages of Jagannathpur Upazila; mass grave and mass killing site at a place near the T&T Office of Derai Upazila; Sunamganj memorial; memorial plank with names of great martyrs engraved, memorial plank at Raniganj, Shikha Satera (Seventeen Flames) and the Central Memorial at Chhatak.

Religious Institutions: Palash Jami Mosque (Bishwamvarpur upazila), Makhraj Mosque, tomb of Baba Shah, temple of Jagannath Jeou (Derai upazila), Maddianagar Mosque, Selbarash Jami Mosque, Dharmapasha Jami Mosque, tomb of Nangta (nude) Pir, Kahala Kalibari, Maheshkhala Kali Mandir, Sukhair Kali Mandir (Dharmapasha upazila), Ikardai Jami Mosque, Vasudev Mandir (Jagannathpur upazila), Sreehail Sabbari Jami Mosque, Sree Sree Ramkrishna Gosai Akhra (1750), Bahra Sumeshwari Mandir (Sullah upazila), Pagla Jami Mosque, Patharia Baishnab Akhra (Sunamganj Sadar upazila), Tahirpur Jami Mosque, Badamghata Jami Mosque, mazar of Shah Arifin Saheb are notable.

Main Crop: Boro paddy.

Main Fruits: Mango, orange.

Mineral Resources: Natural gas, limestone and stone.

Main Exports: Paddy, fish, dry fish, orange, limestone, cement, paper pulp.

Details of Sirajganj District

Map of Sirajganj District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: Sirajganj zila was formerly a sub-division of Pabna zila. It was made full-fledged zila as a part of up-gradation programme of Sub-divisions to zilas. During the reign of Nawab Alivardi Khan Sirajganj became the commercial centre of Bengal. He flourished this commercial centre further for steady supply of papers to different parts of the country by transferring a group of highly skilled people in making hand-made papers (generally known as Tulat kagas) from central Asia to this place. Their descendants are still in Kalia and Kandpara mauzas adjacent to Sirajganj town. He also gave the name of this place as “Sirajganj” after the name of his beloved grandson Sirajuddowla, the last independent Nawab of Bengal.

The zila is bounded on the notrth by Bogra zila, on the east by Tangail and Manikganj zilas, on the south by Manikganj and Pabna zilas and on the west by Natore and Bogra zilas. It lies between 24º 01' and 24º 47' north latitudes and between 89º 15' and 89º 59' east longitudes. The total area of the zila is 2,402.05 sq. km.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 34.6°C, minimum 11.9°C; annual rainfall 1610 mm.

The area of the town is 19.56 sq km. As a jute-trading centre once it was considered next to CALCUTTA and NARAYANGANJ. The town has two dakbungalows.

Main Rivers: Jamuna, Baral, Ichamati, Karatoa and Phuljuri. About 10% area of the CHALAN BEEL is located in the TARASH upazila of this zila.

Administration: Sirajganj subdivision was established in 1845 and was included in Pabna zila. It was turned into a zila in 1984. The zila consists of 9 upazilas, 82 unions, 1472 mauzas, 2180 villages, 6 paurashavas, 60 wards and 117 mahallas. The upazilas are BELKUCHI, CHAUHALI, KAMARKHANDA, KAZIPUR, ROYGANJ, SHAHJADPUR, SIRAJGANJ SADAR, TARASH and ULLAHPARA.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Tomb and mosque of Khawja Pir Saheb of Enayetpur (Chauhali), tomb of Hazrat Abdul Ali Baki Shah Sharif Jindani (R) of Naogaon (Tarash), homestead of Behula (Tarash), Shiva Mandir (Tarash), Rabindra Kuthi Bari (Shajadpur), Akhra of Sri Sri Maha Pravu, Gopinath Bigraha, Kalika Devi Bigraha, Joysagar (Raiganj), Protap Dighi (Raiganj), Elliot Bridge or Lohar Poll (iron bridge, built in 1893), Makkahaulia Mosque (fifteenth century, Ullahpara), Nabaratna Mandir (Ullahpara).

Historical Events: In 1922, many people were killed and wounded when police opened fire on an assemblage of people gathered at Salanga Hat (as a part of the Khelafat and non cooperation movement) under the leadership of Maulana Abdur Rashid Tarkabagish. This is known as Salanga Movement or 'Salanga Genocide'. In 1942 Mohammad Ali Jinnah came to Sirajganj to attend the All India Muslim League Conference; Mahatma Gandhi and Subas Basu came to Sirajganj to attend the convention of the Brahmo Samaj in 1928. The Hindu-Muslim Pact of the Swaraj Party, headed by Deshbandhu CHITTA RANJAN DAS, was adopted in the Conference of the All India Congress Party held in 1924 at Sirajganj. National Poet KAZI NAZRUL ISLAM came to Sirajganj in 1932 to preside over the Conference of the Tarun Muslim. AK FAZLUL HUQ laid the foundation stone of Sirajganj Degree College in 1940. During the War of Liberation a battle was fought between the freedom fighters and the Pak army at Naogaon of Tarash upazila in which the Pak army was defeated and about 150 members of the Pak army were killed. During 11 to 14 December a battle was fought between the Pak army and the freedom fighters at Shailabari in which Pak army was defeated. Sirajganj was liberated on 14 December 1971.

Marks of the War of Liberation: Mass graves at village Baroitala (Kazipur) and village Asbaria (Tarash); martyr memorials at Chandidasgati, Sirajganj Sadar (Durjay Bangla), Ghatina (Ullahpara) and at village Baroitala (Kazipur).

Main Crops: Paddy, jute, wheat, mustard seed, sugarcane, onion, garlic, potato, sweet potato, chilly and ground nut. Extinct or nearly extinct crops Indigo, tobacco, local varieties of aus paddy, china, kaun, varieties of dal (pulse).

Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, black berry, papaya, guava, coconut, palm, date, olive, bel, tetul and banana.

Traditional Transport: Palanquin, bullock cart and horse carriage. These means of transport is either extinct or nearly extinct.

Details of Sherpur District

Map of Sherpur District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: Sherpur zila was formerly a sub-division of Jamalpur zila. It was upgraded to a zila on the 22nd February, 1984. It is said that the present area of the zila was under the jurisdiction of a zamindar named Sher Ali gazi. The name of the zila believed to have been derived from his name. It is bounded on the north by India, on the east by Mymensingh zila, on the south and west by Jamalpur zila. It lies between 24º 18' and 25º 18' north latitudes and between 89º 53' and 90º 91' east longitudes . The total area of the zila is 1,364.67 sq. km. (526.00 sq. miles) of which 78.80 sq. km. is forest area.

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 33.3°C, minimum 12°C; annual rainfall 2174 mm;

Main Rivers: Old Brahmaputra, Mrigi, Malijee, Bhogai, Chellashali and Maharashi.

Sherpur (Town) stands on the bank of the Mrigi. It was established in the seventeenth century. During the Mughal period Regional Administrative Centre was established in the town. Magistrate Court and Thana (Police Station) were established in the beginning of the nineteenth century. The Sherpur Municipality was established in 1869. The Telegraph Office and the Munsif Court were established in 1885 and 1887 respectively. Queen Victoria Memorial Academy was established in 1887 and Govinda Kumar Peace Memorial Institute was established in 1919. Shal, Segun and Gazari forests are notable.

Map of Sherpur District

Administration: Sherpur zila was established in 1984. Earlier it was a subdivision under the Mymensingh zila. The zila consists of 5 upazilas, 52 unions, 434 mauzas, 695 villages, 4 paurashavas, 36 wards and 99 mahallas.The upazilas are JHENAIGATI, NAKLA, NALITABARI, SHERPUR SADAR and SREEBARDI.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Garh Jaripar Fort (c 1486-91 AD), tomb of Darvish Jarip Shah, Baraduari Mosque, tomb of Hazrat Shah Kamal (1644 AD), tomb of Sher Ali Gazi, Mughal Mosque at Kasba, Ghagra Laskar Bari Mosque, Maisaheba Mosque, residences of Nay Ani, Arai Ani and Pouney Tin Ani Zamindars.

Historical Events: Sherpur region was a part of the kingdom of the Kamrupa in the ancient time. During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar this area was called "Dashkahania Baju". During the first part of the seventeenth century the Gazis of Bhawal occupied Dashkahania area from the descendants of Isa Khan. Doshkahania Pargana was named Sherpur after Sher Ali Gazi, the last jaghirdar of the Gazi dynasty. Fakir-Sannyasi Revolts were held against the East India Company and the local zamindars from the time of WARREN HASTINGS to LORD CORNOWALIS; Tipu Shah, leader of the Fakir Movement, declared sovereignty in the area and established his capital at Gajripa. Peasant conferences were held in 1906, 1914 and 1917 at Kamarer Char of Sherpur under the leadership of Khos Muhammad Chowdhury. The communists revolted against the systems of Nankar, Tonk, Bhawali, Mahajani, Ijaradari during 1838-48 in Sherpur. In 1897 a devastating earth quack changed the course of the Brahmaputra towards the west and forced to merge it with the Jamuna; it also caused serious damages to many old buildings.

Marks of War of Liberation: Mass killing site: Ahmednagar (Jhenaihati), Jhaughara (Sherpur), Bidhaba Para (Nalitabari), Kayari Road (Jhenaigati).

Ethnic Nationals: Garo, Koch, Hajong, Banai and Rajbanshi. These ethnic nationals have their own languages.

Main Crops: Paddy, jute, wheat, mustard seed, potato, peanut, sugarcane and vegetables.

Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit and black berry.

Traditional Transport: Bullock cart and horse carriage (nearly extinct), boat.

Manufacturing Industries: Ice factory 23, sawmill 47, wheat mill 27, flower mill 11, oil mill 28, rice mill 332, bidi factory 2.

Main Exports: Paddy, jute, vegetables, rubber, stone, sand, bamboo.

Details of Shariatpur District

Map of Shariatpur District

Background, Geographic Area and Location: Shariatpur was a sub-division of former Faridpur zila. It was up-graded to zila on the first March, 1984. The zila was named Shariatpur after the name of Hazi Shariatullah, who was a distinguished personality and a renowned Pir of the locality.

The zila is bounded on the north by Munshiganj zila, on the east by Chandpur zila, on the south by Barisal zila and on the west by Madaripur zila. It lies between 23º 01' and 23º 27' north latitudes and between 90º 13' and 90º 36' east longitudes. Shariatpur zila consists of 6 upazilas, 64 unions, 608 mauzas and 1235 villages. It also composed of 3 paurashavas, 45 paura wards and 102 mahallas. The total area of the zila is 1174.05 sq. km (453.00 sq. miles).

Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 35.8°C and lowest 12.6°C; annual rainfall 2105 mm.

Main Rivers: Padma, Meghna, Palong and Kirtinasha.

Administration: Shariatpur zila was established on 1 March 1984. The area of the town is 25.5 sq. km. The zila consists of 6 upazilas, 65 unions, 556 mauzas, 1254 villages, 5 paurashavas, 45 wards and 96 mahallas. The upazilas are BHEDARGANJ, DAMUDYA, GOSAIRHAT, NARIA, SHARIATPUR SADAR and ZANJIRA.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: South Baluchara Mosque, Bilaskhan Mosque (Mughal period), Fatehjongpur Fort, Kedarbari at Kedarpur, Haturia and Kartikpur zamindarbaris, Mohishar dighi (pond) and Burirhat Mosque.

Mark of the War of Liberation: Mass grave 2 (Mahisha and 'Digambari' Mayerr Bari).

Main Crops: Paddy, jute, wheat, sweet potato, onion, garlic, tomato.

Main Fruits: Blackberry, mango, banana and wood apple.

Traditional Transport: Palanquin (extinct), horse carriage (nearly extinct), boat.

Main Exports: Jute, onion, garlic, tomato.