Subdivisions:
Kurigram District consists of 9 subdivisions:
Kurigram Sadar
Nageshwari
Bhurungamari
Phulbari
Rajarhat
Ulipur
Chilmari
Raumari
Char Rajibpur
Geography:
Kurigram District is located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh along the border of India. The area of this district is 2,296.10 km² and population is 1,782,277 (2001 national population census). This district is surrounded by Cooch Behar district of India in the north, Gaibandha district of Bangladesh in the south, Assam state of India in the east and, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur districts of Bangladesh in the west. Weather of the Kurigram district is bit different from the middle or southern part of Bangladesh. During summer, temperature is higher and during winter is lower than middle or southern part of Bangladesh. The average maximum temperature is about 32-33 degree Celsius when average minimum temperature is about 10-11 degrees. Heavy rainfall is usually observed during the rainy season like other parts of Bangladesh and the average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. Several rivers are flowing through the heart of this district. The major rivers are Brahmaputra, Dharla, and Tista with minors are Dudhkumar, Phulkumar, Gangadhar, Jinjiram etc. Three northern subdistricts (namely thana or upazila)of this district (Nageshwari, Bhurungamari, and Phulbari) are recently connected by a beautiful bridge over the Dharla river with the main land of the district.
Kurigram Sadar:
"Sadar" is a Bangla word and its meaning is, a main part of a certain area. So, Kurigram Sadar is the main part of Kurigram district and it is located almost in the center of the district and in the bank of Dharala river. The total area of this main subdistrict is 276.45 km² and the total population is 217,311 (1991 national population census). Beautiful scenery of the bank of the Dharala river near to "Dharla Bridge" and "Old Ferry Port" is the best place to pass leisure with cold river wind in the afternoon of summer. The fantastic view of "Dharla bridge" and sailing boat on the river are also attract the visitors to pass their time with the nature of Dharla river. Bathing in the crystal clear sensibly cool water of Dharla river may be a memorable experience in your life. This main part of Kurigram district is connected with other sub-districts by various transport system when bus is main and most popular transport system among intra-district transport. Cheapest fare and frequent service make it most popular to the peoples of this district. You can easily visit three northern border side (Indian border) districts (Nageswari, Bhurungamari, and Fulbari) connected with main land of Kurigram by Dharla bridge.
Other sub-districts are also conveniently connected with main city of Kurigram by frequently bus service and often train service. The only sub-district Char Rajibpur is still isolated from the main land of this district by Brahmaputra river. You have to use engine boat or ferry to reach there if you really would like to enjoy the life of the peoples live in this island. In addition to this, the main city of Kurigram district is connected with capital city (Dhaka) and other major districts of Bangladesh by day time and over night luxurious buses.
Nageshwari:
Nageshwari subdistrict is one of three northern sub-districts of Kurigram district. It is the located about 22 km far away from the main city of Kurigram and conveniently connected by buses over the recently constructed Dharla bridge. The total area of this sub-district is 415.80 km² and total population is 279,775 (1991 national population census). It is the biggest sub-district among the three northern sub-districts of Kurigram and nicely located with the status of city corporation namely "Pourosova". When you will go to Nageshwari form Kurigram main city, you can enjoy the beautiful green of nature in the both sides of road. Very polite helpful behavior and simplicity of local peoples of Nageshwari will delight you and your visit this place. The main town of Nageswari is conveniently connected with two other northern sub-districts (Bhurungamari and Phulbari) of Kurigram district by bus.
Bhurungamari:
It is most northern sub-district of Kurigram district. The total area of this district is about 236 km² and the total population is 176,822 (1991 national population census). This subdistrict is easily connected with another 2 northern sub-districts and the main part of Kurigram through Nageshwari subdistrict. If you visit the India-Bangladesh border closely located with these sub-districts, you will see the inter country security iron-wire-fences (namely Katatar) between the border of Bangladesh and India. You will also find the "Border Security Force (BSF)" in the part of India and "Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)" in the part of Bangladesh, who are working as a security forces in their respective sites. Kuchbihar is the nearest Indian district from Bhurungamari.
Phulbari:
Phulbari is one of the three northern sub-districts of Kurigram district. The total area of this subdistrict is 163.63 km² and the total number of populations is 129,668 (1991 national population census). It is also closely located in the Indian border of Kuchbihar district and separated by fence from India. Because of it geographical location, it is very close to Kurigram main city but isolated by Dharla river. As Dharla bridge is closely located with the Nageswari district so if some would like to visit Fulbari by using Dharla bridge it will be far away from Kurigram. The most convenient to visit Phulbari by crossing the Dharla river by using very convenient boat or ferry from Kathalbari ferry port, a part of Kurigram main land. Therefore, most of the peoples use this port, rather than Dharla bridge, to visit Fulbari for business and tourism. In addition to these, Fulbari is also closely located with the Lalmonirhat, another northern district of Bangladesh. Therefore peoples from Phulbari can easily go to the main city of both districts for business purpose and can keep their communication with big cities. Although the most of the peoples are dependent on agriculture for their living but many of them are dependent on business.
Rajarhat:
It is the most closest and only western subdistrict of Kurigram. The bus and train are conveniently connected with the main town of Rajarhat from the main city of Kurigram. The total are of this subdistrict is 166.23 km² and the total population is 158,648 (1991 national population census). Because of its closest location and dual transportation systems from the main city of Kurigram, this town has been developed as a business are and many peoples of this subdistrict are depending on business for their living. However, most of the peoples of this subdistrict are dependent on agriculture for their living.
Ulipur:
Ulipur is one of the four southern sub-districts of Kurigram. It is also conveniently connected with the main city of Kurigram by road and rail transport systems. This is the most closest south subdistrict of Kurigram with Kurigram main city. The total area of this subdistrict is 504.19 km² and the total population is 345,205 (1991 national population census). Ulipur town is also conveniently connected with Rajarhar subdistrict by road transport system. The road and rail transport systems from Kurigram main city to Ulipur have further extended to Chilmari, another southern subdistrict of Kurigram. It is the biggest sub-district among all sub-districts of Kurigram and nicely located with the status of city corporation namely "Pourosova".
Chilmari:
Chilmari is geographically located in a beautiful scenic bank of the Tista and Jamuna rivers. It should be noted that Jamuna is one of the most widest and famous out of first three rivers of Bangladesh. Because of this such geographical location and convenient and dual transport systems from the main city of Kurigram, Chilmari has been developed and most important commercial and river port town of Kurigram district. The total area of this subdistrict is 224.97 km² and the total number of population is 100,516 (1991 national population census). As it is adjacently located in the banks of two important rivers of Bangladesh so many peoples of this district are dependent on fishing and business for their living. However, the main profession of most of the peoples are agriculture like most other districts of Bangladesh.
Raumari:
It is geographically located in the eastern side of Chilmari and south-eastern part of Kurigram Sadar and on the bank of local Jinjiram river. However, this subdistrict is isolated from the main land of Kurigram by Jamuna river. The total area of this subdistrict is 197.80 km² and the total number of population is 137,040 (1991 national population census). As it is geographically isolated from the main land of Kurigram therefore water transport system e.g. boat, ferry, is the only way to visit this subdistrict. Because of its poor transport system with the main land of Kurigram, business is not well developed in this subdistrict and therefore most of the peoples are dependent on the agriculture and fishing for their living.
Char Rajibpur:
Char is a Bangla word and it means "island". So, Char Rajibpur is an island subdistrict of Kurigram and located in the most southern part and on the bank of Jamuna river. The total are of this subdistrict is 111.03 km² and the total number of population is 58,049 (1991 national population census). Because of its geographical location and smallest size very few peoples are live in this subdistrict. Only water-based transport system is connected this island subdistrict with the main land of Kurigram. However, this subdistrict is very close to Jamalpur, another district under Dhaka division of Bangladesh. Now only for Govment purpos people go to Kurigram and Good Communication establist from Dhaka ot Rajibpur, Raumari (only 4 hours)
Therefore, Char Rajibpur is the most closest subdistrict of Kurigram with Dhaka, so people are wanted to go Jamalpur under Dhaka division. Now BDR communication existing with Jamalpur and Satelment Offiec of GOB (Rajibpur) serve to north side of Jamalpur(Shandabari, CharAmkhowa, Dhangdhara).
Char Rajibpur and Raumari subdistrict of Kurigram should be include into Jamalpur District or can be a new district include Rajibpur, Raumari and North side of Jamalpur and Division under Dhaka.
This Subdistricts of Kurigram are important communication place of Dhaka to north Bangle with out Jamuna Bridge. This way consume time 2 hours.
Economy:
From the ancient time Kurigram is a land of agriculture. Several agricultural products are the major driving power of the economy of this district such as rice, jute (called the golden fiber of Bangladesh), wheat, tobacco, potato etc. During winter season, when ground water level is usually lower than rainy season, peoples use irrigation system to cultivate several high yielding varies of rice to keep the economy strong of this district. Several cold storage are also adding value to the economy of this district by preserving agricultural products especially potato during the hot summer season.
Food:
Rice and various curry are the common foods of this district like other parts of Bangladesh. Various kinds of fresh water fishes are widely eaten by the peoples of this district rather than meat. These fishes are usually collected from the several rivers flowing through the heart of the district. "KORTI", a white-wide-thin small fish with multiple number of bones are vary popular in this district, like "Ilish" (Hilsha ilisha) in the every parts of Bangladesh. In addition to this, peoples are usually celebrate their various seasons by various kinds of foods. In winter, you can enjoy the taste of sweet natural juice from the date tree.
Education:
There are four levels education system in this district like other parts of Bangladesh. These levels are: 1) Primary - 5 years 2) Secondary - 5 years 3) Higher Secondary - 2 years and 4) Tertiary or University Education - 5 years. Besides Bengali, the native language, English is compulsory at all levels of education. There are lot of primary and secondary schools, and higher secondary college are available in the every part of the district. In addition to this, some kindergarten school and elementary level English schools are mainly available in the main district city and sub-districts towns. For more detail information please visit this link.
Transportation:
Bus is the most cheapest and major transport system of this district. Rail is also conveniently connected with one western (Rajarhat) and two southern sub-districts (Ulipur and Chilmari) of Kurigram. In addition to these, peoples of some other sub-districts e.g. Raumari, Char Rajibpur, and Fulbari usually use boat and ferries to come into the main land of the district by crossing their nearest rivers. Rickshaw is the most convenient and cheaper, but slower, transport system will be seen all over the district. It is one kind of tricycle, driven by one human being, and can easily carry two persons at a time. Inter district and inter subdistrict buses are frequently depart from the Kurigram bus terminal located in he wester part of the city. Train is also well connected with nearest districts e.g. Lalmonirhat, Rangpur but the frequency is quite lower than buses. Super luxurious day and night coaches are available from most of the sub-districts and Kurigram city with the capital city (Dhaka) of Bangladesh.
Climate:
Pleasant climate will be seen all over the year except some heavy rain during the rainy season (June-September) in this district. Although there are some heavy rainfall during the rainy season but water is usually ans quickly flowing to the middle to southern part of Bangladesh as this district is quite higher (appox. 13 meter) from sea level. Summer is embedded with rainy season and quite hot (mostly 30-35o C). As soon as the rainy season is over, winter comes. In winter (October - February) minimum temperature is not less than 5o C and some days are foggy and sun cannot be seen until mid-day during that days. From march weather becomes warm and Spring comes followed by Autumn and our traditional major rice Harvesting season until May. During this period sky will be mostly clear with few floating white clouds and no rains. Winter is also rain free in this district.
Places of interest:
Remnants of a mosque (Mughal period, 1176 AH) at Nayarhat (Rajarhat), remnants of a mosque near Patweshwari Bazar (Mughal period), three domed mosque (Mughal period) at village Majider Par of Thanahat Union (Bhurangamari), Arabic inscription of a mosque (Hussain Shahi period, now preserved at the Rajshahi Barendra Museum), Joymoni Zamindar Bari, Naodanga Zamindar Bari and Mandir (Phulbari), Pangeshwari Mandir and remnants of the Rajbari (Rajarhat), image of Kali at Dasherhat, images of Mangal Chandi, Kamakkha Devi, Laksmi and Sattanarayan in front of the Bhetarbandh Zamindar Bari, Kali Siddheshwari Mandir (Ulipur), two canons of Panga Kingdom (preserved at the BDR Gate).
Kurigram (Town) consists of 9 wards and 107 mahallas. The area of the town is 16.17 sq km. The municipality was established in 1972. The town has a population of 66438; male 51.25% and female 48.75%; population density per sq km 4109. Literacy rate among the town people is 39.9%. The town has two dakbungalows.
Administration Kurigram subdivision was established in 1874 and was turned into a district in 1984. The district consists of 9 upazilas, 2 municipalities, 18 wards, 122 mahallas, 73 union parishads, 647 mouzas, 1907 villages and 14 enclaves. The upazilas are bhurungamari, char rajibpur, chilmari, phulbari, kurigram sadar, nageshwari, rajarhat, raumari and ulipur; the municipality is Kurigram Sadar and Ulipur.
Archaeological heritage and relics Remnants of a mosque (Mughal period, 1176 AH) at Nayarhat (Rajarhat), remnants of a mosque near Patweshwari Bazar (Mughal period), three domed mosque (Mughal period) at village Majider Par of Thanahat Union (Bhurangamari), Arabic inscription of a mosque (Hussain Shahi period, now preserved at the Rajshahi Barendra Museum), Joymoni Zamindar Bari, Naodanga Zamindar Bari and Mandir (Phulbari), Pangeshwari Mandir and remnants of the Rajbari (Rajarhat), image of Kali at Dasherhat, images of Mangal Chandi, Kamakkha Devi, Laksmi and Sattanarayan in front of the Bhetarbandh Zamindar Bari, Kali Siddheshwari Mandir (Ulipur), two canons of Panga Kingdom (preserved at the BDR Gate).
Historical events Devi Chaudharani and Bhabani Pathak revolted against the British. They built their secret hermitages in the deep forests. They conducted many encounters against the British and their collaborators during 1760-1783. Quit-India Movement, Tebhaga Movement and Satyagraha Movement spread over Kurigram. During the War of Liberation Raumari, Rajibpur (except Kodalkati union) and Phulbari upazilas were beyond the reach of the Pak army. Many direct encounters between the Freedom Fighters and the Pak army were held in this district in which about 100 Freedom Fighters were killed.
Marks of the War of Liberation Mass killing site and mass grave: Kurigram food office, Jailkhana Gate, in front of the Bungalow of SP (Kurigram), Chilmari, backyard of the residence of the TNO of Bhurungamari, backyard of the Hospital (Bhurungamari), Ulipur Dakbungalow, Hatia Dagar Kuthi and Dharani Bari Madhupur (Ulipur); about 30-32 human skulls have been discovered from the backside of the residence of Altaf Uddin Compounder of village Baghbhandar under Bhurungamari union; memorial monument at the turn of the Kurigram College; Chandipukur (Nageshwari), memorial plank of martyr freedom fighters (Ghosh Para, Kurigram), a memorial plank with names of 18 freedom Fighters in front of the Ulipur Muktijoddha Office.
Population 1782277; male 49.62%, female 50.38%; Muslim 91.65%, Hindu 7.7% and others 0.65%.
Religious institutions Mosque 3231, temple 199, sacred place 2 and tomb 1, most noted of which are Kurigram Central Jami Mosque, Nageshwari Bus Stand Jami Mosque, Nageshwari Bazar Jami Mosque, Ulipur Shahi Jami Mosque, Chilmari Austami Snan, Madaikhal Kali Mandir and Shree Shree Govinda Jeu Mandir (Ulipur).
Literacy and educational institutions Average literacy 22.3%; male 29.9% and female 14.7%. Educational institutions: government college 3, non-government college 29, commerce college 1, government high school 3, non-government high school 167, junior high school 11, madrasa 464, primary training institute 1, veterinary training institute 1, nursing training institute 1, youth training centre 1, deaf school 1, mentally retarded school 1, government primary school 563, non-government primary school 595, satellite school 12, kindergarten 8 and maktab 155. Noted educational institutions: River View High School (1915), Kurigram Government Boy's High School (1895) and Kurigram Government College (1961), Ulipur Sarnamoye Maharani High School (1868), DM Academy (Nageshwari), Pangarani Lakshmipriya High School (1939), Bhurungamari Pilot High School (1925), Chilmari High School (1933), Jasimia High School (1938, Nageshwari), Naodanga High School (1919, Phulbari), Payardanga Government Primary School (1907, Nageshwari), Raumari Government Primary School (1898), Raumari Keramatia Model Senior Madrassa (1937), Ulipur Government Girl's High School (1909).
Locally published newspapers and periodicals Present: Dainik Kurigram Khabor, Dainik Chaoa Paoa, Weekly Tatha Katha, Weekly Kurigram Barta, Weekly Julfikar, Kalam (Ulipur); extinct: Dainik Kurigram, Banglar Dak, Weekly Dharla; Monthly Pravati, Ganakatha, Ajker Kurigram, Padakkhep (literary magazine), Monthly Ketan, Weekly Uttaran, Fortnightly Sajag, Monthly Betarbani (Nageshwari), Agradut (Raumari).