Pirganj Upazila, Rangpur

Pirganj পীরগঞ্জ
Upazila
Pirganj Location in Bangladesh
Coordinates: 25°24.9′N 89°19′E / 25.4150°N 89.317°ECoordinates: 25°24.9′N 89°19′E / 25.4150°N 89.317°E
Country	Bangladesh
Division	Rangpur Division
District	Rangpur District
Area
• Total	409.37 km^2 (158.06 sq mi)
Population (1991)
• Total	303,384
• Density	741/km^2 (1,920/sq mi)
Time zone	BST (UTC+6)
Website	www.pirganj.com

Pirganj (Bengali: পীরগঞ্জ) is an Upazila of Rangpur District in the division of Rangpur, Bangladesh.^[1]

An Epigrammatic History of Pirganj, Rangpur

History of pirganj mainly focused at the period of sultans. Before sultans’ period very few history and sign was found like, destroyed place of king at Pat around 5 km away from pirganj upzilla headquarter and high land at vimshahar at Baradargah Vendabari high way. Most probably these structures were formed at the period of Pal/Sen.

There was another ancient temple at Bakduar called “Temple of Bakdebi”. Bagdebi was desired goddess of king Bhabachandra. Bagduar was an ancient and civilized porgona under pirganj. The temple of Bhabachandra (About to destroyed) is situated at Udaypur under Bagduar porgona. ‘Palergar’ is situated aside of Bagdebi’s temple. This place is now known as Daneshnagar. People say that Bharatchandra/ Hobochandea, relative of ‘king Lora’ was live at ‘Lorarpat’. Which is 06 km away from pirganj. Most probably this area was developed at early 11th century.

Rangpur along with Pirganj was a part of Kamrup. After Baktiar Khalgi failed to capture this part of the kamrup and died (1206 AD-1210 AD) Sultan giash uddin tried to capture kamrup on 1227 AD and failed. Tughrel Kha primarily captured this area but in the long run he failed to continue his control. At last Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi Captain of thirteenth Gour’s Pathanian Sultan Rukunnuddin Abul Mujahid Barbak Shah was able to capture kamrup. Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi was a Muslims religious leader, captain and Muslim missionary. The king of Ghoraghat Bhandari Roy was envious with his success and started to conspiracy against him and be able to convince Sultan Rukunnuddin Abul Mujahid Barbak Shah to send soldier against him. He was arrested and killed on 8th January,1474 AD (14th Saban, 878 Hizri) and his head was brought to king. Later Sultan Rukunnuddin Abul Mujahid Barbak Shah be able to know about the conspiracy of Bhandari Roy and became repentant. Repentant king buried the head of Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi at bagduar of pirganj with due respect. His follower’s were already buried his headless body in Mandaron under Hugli district. A small island in the Barabila near pirganj unzila headquarter is memorable for Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi. There was a mosque in this island prepared by his followers but now this mosque is fully destroyed. Mosque (30F X 20F X 15F) and the large well at Baradargah under Pirganj Upzilla was one of the most memorable place for Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi. Most of the historian believes that his journey for victory and missionary was started from this place and the Introstick (Dikshadanda) is buried in this place. Some historian believes that his part of body was also buried in this place. Some historians believe that part of his body is also buried at Ghoraghat under Dinapur District.

The history of Pirganj is mostly related with the victory of Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi. At the time of his victory against King Nilambbar, Kamrup was joined with the Independent Bangla permanently. At the time of Hussain Shah Pirganj was introduced as Administrative centre and Barabila area was introduced as Land Revenue Pargana (an administrative Unit). Up to Battle of Palashi these units were remain unmoved. From the British period there are some changes done within these administrative units but no remarkable change was done till today.

Geography

Pirganj is located at 25°24′55″N 89°19′00″E / 25.4153°N 89.3167°E. It is the southernmost upazilla of Rangpur district. It is surrounded by Mithapukur upazilla of Rangpur to the North, Sadullahpur upazilla of Gaibndha to the east, Palashbari upazilla to the south and Ghoraghat and Nawabganj upazillas of Dinajpur to the west. It has approximately 101640 units of household and total area 411.34 km².

Politics and representations

Pirganj was one of the three constituencies from where the current Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was elected as an MP in the ninth parliamentary election of the country in 2008. She was also elected in the tenth parliamentary election in 2014 from the same constituency. Later in the by-election, Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, the current speaker of Bangladesh parliament was elected unopposed from the constituency.

Demographics

As of the 1991 Bangladesh census, Pirganj has a population of 303384. Males constitute 50.72% of the population, and females 49.28%. This Upazila's eighteen up population is 154333. Pirganj has an average literacy rate of 26.5% (7+ years), and the national average of 32.4% literate.^[2]

Famous personalities

Famous personalities from Priganj include Shah Ismail Gazi, an Islamic saint, whose shrine is located in Baro Dargah, Poet Heyat Mamud and Dr M. A. Wazed Miah.

Heyat Mamud: Heyat Mamud, an 18th-century Bangla poet, was born in the village of Jharbishila under Chitrakol union in Pirganj within the period of 1680-90.. His father, Shah Kabir, the Dewan of the Ghoraghat administration, was also a poet. From the childhood the poet was very intelligent and gifted. After completion of traditional education at ghoraghat he started to study and research in his own style. His father died at 1723 and he was appointed as Kazi of Bagduar Pargana under Murshid Kuli Khan. Heyat Mamud's poetic talent was hereditary. He composed poems between his duties as kazi of the Ghoraghat administration. He wrote different kinds book in Islamic religious ethics. From his creation so far four books of poems: Janganama (1723), Sarbabhedavani (1732), Hitajnanavani (1753) and Ambiyavani (1758) was found. The Janganama is based on the tragic story of Karbala and was influenced by Persian poetry on the same theme. Sarbabhedavani is a book of didactic poems, and is based on Mofrehul-Kulub, the Persian translation of Panchatantra. Hitajnanavani discusses religious ethics and principles of Islam as well as Sufism Ambiavani contains stories of the prophets' lives, starting with Hazrat Adam to Hazrat Muhammad (Sm). This voluminous book is considered Heyat Mamud's masterpiece. Heyat Mamud is the last representative of the medieval style of poetic composition. Heyat Mamud was most talented and pioneer Bengali poet of the eighteenth century. He was famous for his work in Islamic Religious Ethics. As per Dr. Mazharul Alam in this sector he was not comparable with other poet at the similar period. He also mentioned that in some cases Lalon Shah and Rabindranath Tegore were influenced by Heyat Mamud. This great poet died in 1760.

Dr. M A Wazed Miah (1942–2009), an eminent Nuclear Scientist and former Chairman of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission was born in Pirganj. His son Mr. Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy, an IT professional by training and a graduate from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, has been selected as a young global leader by World Economic Forum, Davos, Switzerland.

Among the political figures, Late Motiur Rahman, an ex MP from the constituency was a senior leader of Bangladesh Awami League and a cabinet minister in charge of Ministry of Rural Development in the first government of independent Bangladesh. He was elected as an MP from the joint constituency of Pirganj and Mithapukur in the historic election of 1970. In mid 90s he left Awami League and joined BNP. Moni Krishna Sen, a well educated person and a famous leader in the movement of rights of peasants (tebhaga andolon), was born and had his early upbringing in Pirganj. He was a central leader of Bangladesh Communist Party. There is a college in his name at Bishnupur.

Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed Joy

Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed[1] (Bengali: সজীব ওয়াজেদ; born July 27, 1971), also known as Sajeeb Wazed Joy, is a Bangladeshi American [2] ICT consultant and political campaigner.[3] He is the son of Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and the eldest grandson of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the first President of Bangladesh. A member of the Awami League, Wazed was a key figure in formulating the party's Vision 2021 manifesto. He was listed by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.[4]He is now the PM's Information and Communication Technology Affairs Adviser[5]

Monikrishna Sen Monikrisna sen was born on 1st November 1903. He lives at Kabilpur under Pirganj Upzilla along with his Father Beni Madhab Sen Gupta and Mother Promoda Sundari Sen Gupta. He was completed his matriculation on 1921. He included himself in the protest against British government on 1920. He has completed his graduation from Carmichael college on 1925 and MA from Calcutta University on 1927. He also completed BL degree from Calcutta University. As a part of his anti British Movement he leaded the Puthia Train attack. Due to continuous Anti British movement he has fall under red eye of British Government. By reason of numerous case and warrant he had to lead an absconder life. Monikrishna sen was influenced by communist ideology at rajshahi jail and deeply included with Marxian study circle at Damdam jail. At 1939 he joined at communist party and continued the responsibility of Rangpur congress up to 1944. At the time of Tevaga movement he was seriously injured by the terrorist of capitalist. In 1952 he was one of the organizers of Language movement and 1956 organize an immense Farmer meeting with Maolana Vashani at Fulsari of Gaibandha. When chicken pox attacks at pirganj, Mithapukur and Badarganj as epidemic, he involved himself for treatment and service of the affected people, along with Sita Kabiraj on 1957. At the time of liberation war at 1971 he was organized the local community up to 28th march at Shakipur of Kabilpur union. Later on he went to Calcutta through Hili border and communicated with the leader of liberation war and set up a liberation camp at Nathol. He along with Sankar Bashu, Motiur Rahman, Faiz Ahmend and other was organized to form “North Bengal Revolutionary Councill”. He also organized to establish a medical camp for the injured freedom fighter at Fulbari. At 1985 he established “Promoda Sundari Kalyan Trust” for the well being of general people at Daperhat. He donated all of his prosperities to Promoda Sundari kalyan Trust. This Great leader and social worker died on 28th April, 1991.

Shah Abdur Rouf

Shah Abdur Rouf was born in Mokimpur under Pirganj Upzilla in 1889. He was completed his BL Degree from Aligar University on 1917 and started advocacy at Rangpur. He was elected as member of Bengal Management Assembly on 1920 and 1932. He also elected as Vice Chairman of Rangpur zilla Board on 1933. On 1940 he was appointed as Public Prosecutor. He was rewarded “Coronation Medal” on 1939. He was also rewarded “Khan Bahadur” title by British Government for his social-welfare operation, efficiency in profession and contribution in education and politics. His two autobiography named “Amar Karmajiban” was published on 1936 and 1940. His famous book “Chaturddarshi” was published on 1967.

He was also famous as a poet and writer for his book of poetry This famous social contributor and writer was died on 1970.

Kazi Abdul Halim Kazi Abdul halim was born in Panchakandob village under pirganj Upozilla on 1935. At childhood his name was Kazi Panjab Ali. At the time of admission at Raypur School his teacher Fayez Ali Pandit changed his name to Kazi Abdul Halim. He completed his matriculation certification on 1949. On 1951 he arranged an open meeting at pirganj against muslimleague government. He was very popular leader of North Bengal. He was also provincial leader of Youth League and awarded as “Young Star” Medal. He was one of the member of Dhaka Youth league central committee of 1951. He was attended at the “Movement for Mother Tongue” in 1952. Along with Saiyad Hamidur Rahman and Maulana Abdus Sattar he leaded movement for mother tongue at Gaibandha College. At the time of the movement he was arrested at Gaibandha and send to Rangpur Jail. Before the election of 1954 warrant was issued against him again and arrested on 19th February. He was one of the leaders who initiated the provincial youth festival at 1957. He has also a great contribution in the Liberation war of Bangladesh. He is a man who spends all of his life for the movement for farmer. This famous leader was died on 1997.

Moulavi Sayed Amanat Ali Moulavi Saayed Amanat Ali was born in Baulbari Village under Pirganj Upzilla. He was a poet of nineteenth century. His famous book is “Tammehul Kosedin”.

Shah Kalim Uddin Ahmed Shah Kalim Uddin Ahmed was bon in Mokimpur under Pirganj Upzilla in 1855 (app). He has not got the opportunity traditional education. But he was self-educated and his book of poetry “Kul Pradip”. He was also wrote a book named Sadeshi Andolon on 1904. He expressed his strong position against British government in this book. He was also wrote Dhurta Sregal and Mofatessalat. He is the father of Sha Abdur Rauf.

Taslim Uddin Ahmed Taslim Uddin Ahmed was born in Kumedpur under Rasulpur Union. He was a poet of late 19th century. His famous Manuscript (Puthi) is Janani & Ampara.

Dost Mohammad Dost mohammad was borh in pirganj on 1900 (app). He was born in Bakduar (By another Rasulpur) under pirganj Upzilla. As per the information of local people he was a priest. He was famous for this writing “Janganama”. This book was written on early nineteenth century.

Khandakar Abdul Gani Kandakar Abdul Gani was born in pirganj on 1921. His published books are: Sinnobina, Bhanga Bashi, Piashi, Bashed bashi, Gitali, Biday Bashori etc. his last publication is Sargapuri and Sonar Khani.

Kushai In the nineteenth century Rongopur Shahitta Prishad found a Book (Puthi) named Gansabda sar. Written time of this book is 1220 Bangabdho or 1813 AD. Writer of this book introduce himself as “Kinrishta Kushai”. He was born in Keshobpur village under Barabila Pargana.

Administrative units

Pirganj has 15 unions, 45 wards, 308 Mauzas/Mahallas, and 331 villages.

The unions are

1. Chaitrakol 2. Vendabari 3. Baro Dargah 4. Kumidpur 5. Madonkhali 6. Tukuria 7. Baro Alampur 8. Raipur 9. Pirganj 10. Shanerhat 11. Panchgachi 12. Mithipur 13. Ramnathpur 14. Chatra 15. Kabilpur.

Tourist attractions

The major tourist attractions in Pirganj are Baro Bila (a large lake), Nil Daria (a village surrounded by a lake), Kadirabad forest (a large forest created by Bangladesh Forest Department), Hatibanda (Dareapur) Mosque, an old mosque with beautiful architectural design, Khalashpir Mosque, Anandonagar amusement park near Khalashpir and Raipur Zamider Bari. There are remnants of the palace of King Nilambor in Patgram. The shrine of Kazi Heyat Mamud is located in Jharbishla near Vendabari.

Culture, religion and ethnicity

Pirganj is a culturally rich and vibrant locality. There are some cultural organizations and theater groups based in Pirganj proper. An annual fair, known as mela locally, takes place in Baradargah in the Islamic month of Muharram. Annual fairs also take place in few other locations during winter or on the eve of Bengali new year. Sharadiya Durga puja is celebrated in Pirganj, Chatra and few other localitities.

Islam is the predominant religion in Pirganj, with almost 90% of its people belonging to the faith. There is a significant Hindu population scattered over the Upzilla. Concentration of Hindu population is high in Panchgachi Union. There is a large indigenous Santal population in Chatra area.

A cultural organization named Angon is located in the village Boger Bari in Kumidpur union. They arrange varies seasonal programs such as cultural activities and sports competitions. A social organization named Concerned Peoples Organization (CPO) is located in the village of Gurzipara in Baradargah union. It is a student based social organization and they arrange social programs to concern people of its area.

Major educational institutions

http://www.pirganj.com/educational_institutions.php

Colleges

1. Shah Abdur Rouf College
2. Pirganj Mohila College
3. Chatra Degree College
4. Khalashpir Bangobondhu Degree College
5. Pirganj Karigori College
6. Motherganj College
7. Chatra Karigori College
8. Vendabari Women's College
9. Monikrishan Sen College, Bishnupur
10. Kadirabad Women's College
11. Chatra Women's College
12. Gurzipara College
13. Mohiosi Begum Rokeya Mohila College, Gurzipara
14. Rasulpur School & College

High Schools

1. Pirganj Government High School
2. Maderganj High School
3. Pirganj Kasimonnessa Girls High School
4. Kadirabad High School
5. Rasulpur High School
6. Chander Bazer High School
7. Hazi Boyan Uddin High School
8. Pirganj Bangobandhu high School
9. Chatra High School
10. Panbazer High School

1. Eklimpur High school
2. Chatra Girls High School
3. Nildorea High School
4. Pirganj Adarsha School
5. Vendabari High School
6. Raipur High School
7. Khedmotpur High School
8. Abdullahpur Jahan Mhamud High School
9. Vimshahar High School
10. Chak Karim High School
11. Laldighi High School
12. Doshmouza High school
13. Rasulpur High school
14. Bishnupur Beni Madhab Sen High School
15. Hitabanda KMT High School
16. Shanerhat High school
17. Laldighi mela Adhorso High School
18. Khataber Para PMA High School
19. Jahangirabad High School
20. Akota Bajar High School
21. Kanchon Bajar High School
22. Patnichara High School
23. Jafor Para High School
24. Gurzipara K.P. High School

Madrasas

1. Jafar Para Kamil Madrasha
2. Chatrahat Alim Madrasah
3. Kumedpur Madrasha
4. Sharolia Madrasha
5. Maderganj Kamil Madrasha
6. shahapur madrasha
7. Khalashpir Senior Fazil Madrasha
8. Shaner hat Islamia Dakhil Madrasha
9. Pirganj Senior Fazil Madrasha
10. Radhakrisna pur Nezamia Dhakhil Madrasha
11. Duramithipur Darus Sunnat Dhakil Madrasha
12. Gurzipara Dakhil Madrasha,
13. Dhorakandor Dakhil Madrasha,
14. Boro Dargah Hazrat Shah Ismail Gazi (R) Fazil Madrasha

Economic activities and major commercial centers

Pirganj is an economically backward locality. Agriculture is the predominant economic activity in Pirganj. In addition to Rice, the main crop, a lots of vegetables and bananas are produced in Pirganj. Local traders as well as traders from Dhaka, Chittagong and other parts of the country purchase the surplus agricultural products from the area and sell them to major urban centres in the country. Fishing is also a major economic activity in the area. Karotoa, a pretty large river, which flows through the western border of the Upazilla is famous for some tasty variety of fishes. There are numerous lakes (known as beel locally) and couple of small rivers in Pirganj. Commercial fishery in ponds is also becoming popular.

Major Commercial centers are Pirganj, Chatra, Balua, Khalashpir, Vendabari, Motherganjhat is big commercial area and Shanerhat. There are branches of Sonali Bank in Pirganj, Chatra and Khalashpir. There are also branches of Rashahi Krishi Bank in Pirganj, Rupali Bank in Vendabari, Agrani Bank in Shanerhat and Janata Bank in Motherganj.

Natural resources

Pirganj is endowed with one of the largest coal discoveries in Bangladesh. The high-quality coal deposit is located at a low depth near Khalashpir.

Road communication

One can travel from Dhaka to Pirganj by bus. Rangpur-bound buses start from Kallyanpur in Dhaka. One should board in a Rangpur-bound bus and get dropped at Pirganj bus station. It takes about six hours. Pirganj is about 60 kilometers towards to the north from Bogra. It is on the way from Bogra to Rangpur (the distance from Bogra to Rangpur is about 100 kilometers). The nearest airport is at Saidpur, Nilphamari. Communication from Rangpur town is very easy. It takes about 40 minutes by bus.

There have been some improvements in road communication within Pirganj Upazila in the recent years. All major commercial centers are connected by pacca roads. One can start journey from Dhaperhat and have a circular trip covering Chatra, Khalashpir, Vendabari, Baro Dargah, Shanerhat and Motherganj and come back to Dhaperhat.

A bridge name Wazed Mia Bridge on the river Karotoa near Kanchdah ghat in Pirganj has been opened recently. The bridge has made the communication between Rangpur and Dinajpur districts much easier.

Accommodation

Travelers may not find good hotels/accommodations in Pirganj. Rangpur and Bogra, the nearest large towns, have good accommodations for international and domestic travelers.

News Site

pirganj24.com Is the first and Popular online news site in Pirganj.

See also

• Districts of Bangladesh
• Divisions of Bangladesh

References

1. Abu Md. Iqbal Rumi Shah and ANM Arshadul Mortuza (Rumel) (2012), "Pirganj Upazila (Rangpur District)", in Sirajul Islam and Ahmed A. Jamal, Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.), Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
2. "Population Census Wing, BBS.". Archived from the original on 2005-03-27. Retrieved November 10, 2006.