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Parbatipur Upazila
Parbatipur Upazila
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Parbatipur (Bengali: পার্বতীপুর, romanized: Parbatīpur) is an upazila (sub-district) of the Dinajpur District in northern Bangladesh, part of the Rangpur Division.[4] It is home to the only active coal mine in Bangladesh, the Barapukuria Coal Mine.

Key Information

Etymology

[edit]

The present-day area of Kholahati was the site of a small kingdom ruled by a local Raja called Kichak Rājā. Kichak's fort remains a place of interest in Parvatipur. Kichak had a daughter called Payravati (পায়রাবতী) or Parvati. Parvati was a child widow, and was once kidnapped by miscreants and taken to the nearby dighi (reservoir) of Dimali where she was assaulted in a dishonorable manner. She later committed suicide by drowning herself in the lake, and in her honour, the area was named by others as Parbatipur. Another theory suggests that the area was named after a Hindu deity known as Parvati, as the area was formerly home to a large Hindu population.[5]

History

[edit]
War Monument Parbatipur

In 1800, the British colonials established a thana in Parbatipur. The settlement of large numbers of Santals was promoted during this period. Following the Partition of India in 1947, a large number of Indian Muslims (mainly Bihari Muslims) migrated to East Bengal and settled in Parbatipur where they gained prominence as an influential community. During the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, 300 locals were mass murdered by the Pakistan Army and its collaborators in the areas of Peyadapara, Ramkrishnapur and Baghbari on the south of the Badarganj and Kholahati railway lines on 8 April. One of those murdered was Mohammad Shamshad Ali, a Bihari pharmacist who had supported the 1969 uprising. One of Parbatipur's martyred freedom fighters was Captain Mahbubur Rahman, and the Kholahati Cantonment was later renamed to his name following the war.

As part of the President of Bangladesh Hussain Muhammad Ershad's decentralisation programme, Parbatipur Thana was upgraded to an upazila in 1983. On 13 January 1985, a fire broke out on the Samanta Express train from Khulna to Parbatipur, and passengers pulled out the communication cord but the driver did not stop, apparently because robbers operate in the area. 27 people were killed with at least 58 injured, but news reports stated that 150 or more were killed.[6]

Geography

[edit]
Khorkhoria River at Parbatipur Upazila.

Parbatipur is located at 25°39′12″N 88°54′56″E / 25.6533°N 88.9155°E / 25.6533; 88.9155. It has a total area of 395.04 km2.

The upazila is bounded by Saidpur Upazila of Nilphamari district on the north, Phulbari and Nawabganj upazilas on the south, Badarganj Upazila of Rangpur district on the east, Chirirbandar Upazila on the west.[4]

Demographics

[edit]
Religions in Parbatipur Upazila (2022)[7]
Religion Percent
Islam
 
 86.07%
Hinduism
 
 12.59%
Christianity
 
 0.92%
Other or not stated
 
 0.42%

According to the 2022 Bangladeshi census, Parbatipur Upazila had 104,139 households and a population of 400,648. 9.04% of the population were under 5 years of age. Parbatipur had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 77.03%: 79.46% for males and 74.62% for females, and a sex ratio of 100.28 males for every 100 females. 60,474 (15.09%) lived in urban areas. Ethnic population is 4050 (1.01%) of which Santal are 3144.[7]

According to the 2011 Census of Bangladesh, Parbatipur Upazila had 88,725 households and a population of 365,103. 81,676 (22.37%) were under 10 years of age. Parbatipur had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 53.86%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 987 females per 1000 males. 39,983 (10.95%) lived in urban areas.[8] Ethnic population was 4,453 (1.22%), of which Santal were 3,180.[9]

As of the 1991 Bangladesh census, Parbatipur had a population of 270,904. Males constitute 51.46% of the population, and females 48.54%. Upazila's population of people eighteen years old or older is 139,294. Parbatipur has an average literacy rate of 29.7% (7+ years), compared to the national average of 32.4%.[10]

The majority Bengalis (Muslim and Hindu) of Parbatipur speak the Dinajpuri dialect with the official language being Standard Bengali. There are also speakers of English, Urdu and Santali, with the latter two being spoken by the Stranded Pakistani and Santal population.

Administration

[edit]

UNO: Fatema Khatun.[11]

Barapukuria coalmine

Parbatipur, primarily formed as Thana in 1800 and it, turned into an upazila in 1983.[4]

Parbatipur Upazila is divided into Parbatipur Municipality and ten union parishads: Belaichandi, Chandipur, Habra, Hamidpur, Harirampur, Mominpur, Monmothopur, Mostofapur, Polashbari, and Rampur. The union parishads are subdivided into 157 mauzas and 230 villages.[12]

Parbatipur Municipality is subdivided into 9 wards and 36 mahallas.[12]

Chairmen

[edit]
List of chairmen
Name Notes
Muhammad Tufazzal Husayn 25/6/1985-24/5/1990
Muhammad Abdul Jabbar Mandal 26/5/1990-22/5/1991
Alhaj Muhammad Hafizul Islam Pramanik Muzaffarnagari 23/2/2009–present

Education

[edit]

Parbatipur has many schools and colleges like,

  • Harirampur High School
  • Alo Kindergarten And Residential Model School, Parbatipur, Dinajpur.
  • Moniria High School, Parbatipur, Dinajpur
  • Parbatipur Adarsha Degree College
  • Cantonment Public School & College BUSMS
  • Parbatipur Govt. Degree College
  • Kholahati Degree College
  • Cantonment Board High School, BUSMS
  • Parbatipur Agriculture College
  • Parbatipur Mohila Agriculture College
  • Manmathpur Ideal Degree College
  • Janankur Pilot High School.
  • Parbatipur Girls Pilot High School.
  • Parbatipur Govt. Technical School & College
  • Parbatipur Balika Biddapit School.
  • Ainul Huda Fazil Madrasah, Ainul Huda (5250), Parbatipur, Dinajpur.
  • Parbatipur Mohila Degree College
  • Ambari M. L High School
  • Barnamala Niketon High School & College, Parbatipur, Dinajpur.
  • Mitaly high school Parbatipur, Dinajpur.
  • Shohid srity gov. primary school, Parbatipur, Dinajpur.

Economy and tourism

[edit]

Parbatipur is home to numerous tourist sites. The ancient fort of Kichan Raja, a former local sovereign, can be found in Kholahati, Palashbari Union. Other places include the Harirampur Mound, Hirajira's Bhita, the Pancharatna Fort of Deol in Manmathpur Union and Habra Site.

Parbatipur is the focal point of the northern railway connection with different parts of Bangladesh. A four-way railway has been laid here. Therefore, it is one of the largest railway junctions and the pride of the factory and the upazila with bright potential in mineral resources. The Parbatipur Junction connects the area to the Burimari–Lalmonirhat–Parbatipur line. The Barapukuria coal mine is the only mine in Bangladesh. A part of the Saidpur Airport is in Parbatipur Upazila.

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Parbatipur Upazila

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from Grokipedia
Parbatipur Upazila is an (sub-district) of in the of northern Bangladesh. It covers an area of 395.04 km² and had a population of 400,648 according to the Population and Housing Census 2022, with a literacy rate of 77.03% for persons aged 7 and above. The is particularly notable for hosting the , Bangladesh's only active coal mine, as well as associated infrastructure including the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant. It also serves as a major railway hub through Parbatipur Railway Junction, which connects various routes across northern Bangladesh. The area features a predominantly rural character with significant agricultural activity alongside these industrial and transport developments.

Geography

Location and area

Parbatipur Upazila is situated in of the in northern Bangladesh, forming part of the flat, fertile plains characteristic of the region. It lies between latitudes 25°10' and 25°47' N and longitudes 88°49' and 89°06' E. The covers a total area of 395.04 . It is bounded by Saidpur Upazila to the north, Phulbari Upazila and Nawabganj Upazila to the south, Badarganj Upazila to the east, and Chirirbandar Upazila to the west. The landscape is predominantly level , with key natural features including the Kharkhari River flowing through the area.

Rivers and natural features

Parbatipur Upazila features several rivers and water bodies that form integral parts of its natural landscape. The main rivers include the Little Jamuna, Chirnai, Kharkhari (also referred to as Khorkhoria), and Nalsisa. Notable in the area include Kanchan Beel, Panch Ratan Beel, and Balapara Beel. The Korotoa River flows near key locations in the , such as around the Kholahati Railway station. These hydrological features contribute to the region's overall geography, alongside subsurface geological resources such as and hard rock deposits.

History

Etymology

The name Parbatipur is commonly believed to derive from "Parbati" (পার্বতী), the Bengali form of Parvati—the Hindu goddess considered the consort of and daughter of the mountains—and "pur" (পুর), meaning town or city, thus translating to "town of Parvati". No fact-based historical record confirms the naming origin, but local tradition attributes it to the area's historical Hindu character and worship of the deity Parvati. A popular local legend links the name to a figure named Payravati (or Parvati), said to be the daughter of Kichak Raja, who ruled a small kingdom in the Kholahati area; following her tragic death, the region was named in her memory. The ancient fort of Kichak Raja in Kholahati remains a historical landmark associated with this tradition.

Establishment and colonial period

Parbatipur Thana was established in 1800 during British colonial rule. The area featured historical landmarks from the colonial era, including the Habra Zamindar Bari constructed in the eighteenth century and a mosque with a china clay roof dating to the early nineteenth century. Under the , landlords and brought from various regions of India to cultivate their lands, resulting in generations of Santal settlement in Parbatipur since the . Following the Partition of India in 1947, a large number of non-Bengali Muslims migrated from India and settled in Parbatipur, where they later formed an influential community. The thana was upgraded to an in 1983.

Liberation War and modern developments

During the , Parbatipur Upazila experienced significant violence as , collaborating with , targeted Bengalis in the area. On 8 April 1971, Pakistani troops massacred around 300 civilians in the villages of Ramkrishnapur, Baghbar (also referred to as Baghbari), and Peadapara (also Peyadapara), located south of the Kholahat and Badarganj railway lines. engaged in several encounters with Pakistani forces at locations including railway bridges over the Korotoa River near Kholahati Railway Station, Shahgram south of Vabanipur Railway Station, Habra, Deul, Maddyapara, and Rampur. Among the notable martyrs was Dr. Mohammad Shamshad Ali, a physician who had been active in the and . On the night of 8 April 1971, Pakistani soldiers and non-Bangali collaborators raided his home in Parbatipur, dragged him from hiding, shot him on the outskirts of town, mutilated his body, and burned it in a rail engine boiler at the northern end of Parbatipur railway station. Post-independence, administrative changes occurred when Parbatipur Thana, originally formed in 1800, was upgraded to an in 1983 during the presidency of as part of his . In a later incident, on 13 January 1985, a fire broke out on the Samanta Express train traveling from to Parbatipur, resulting in fatalities and injuries.) A war monument in Parbatipur commemorates the sacrifices during the .

Demographics

Population and density

Parbatipur Upazila had a population of 400,648 according to the , including 200,598 males, 200,032 females, and 18 hijra/third gender. This marked an increase from the figure of 365,103, reflecting an average annual population growth rate of 0.83% between 2011 and 2022. The stood at 1,014 inhabitants per in 2022. Of the total population, 60,474 people (15.09%) resided in , while 340,174 people (84.91%) lived in . The recorded 104,139 households in the . The ethnic composition included a small minority group (1.01%), primarily consisting of . The literacy rate (for those aged 7 and over) was 77.03%.

Religious composition

According to the , form the overwhelming majority in Parbatipur Upazila, comprising 86.07% of the population. represent the largest minority group at 12.59%, while account for 0.92%. The remaining 0.42% belong to other religions or are not stated. These figures reflect a predominantly demographic with a significant minority, consistent with broader trends in northern Bangladesh where Hindu populations have historical roots in the region.

Literacy and languages

According to the , Parbatipur Upazila has a literacy rate of 77.03% among individuals aged 7 years and older. This figure reflects a gender disparity, with male literacy standing at 79.46% and female literacy at 74.62%. The 's linguistic landscape is dominated by Bengali, the official language of Bangladesh. The majority of residents speak the local Dinajpuri dialect of Bengali, characteristic of the northern . Smaller communities speak minority languages such as Urdu and .

Administration

Administrative divisions

Parbatipur Upazila is divided into one municipality and ten . The Parbatipur Municipality serves as the administrative and commercial hub, comprising 9 wards and 36 . The ten union parishads are Belaichandi, Chandipur, Habra, Hamidpur, Harirampur, Mominpur, Monmothopur, Mostofapur, Polashbari, and Rampur. These administrative units are further subdivided into 157 and 230 villages. This structure supports local governance across urban and rural areas of the . The upazila was upgraded from thana status in 1983.

Local government

Parbatipur Upazila is governed by the Parbatipur Upazila Parishad, the primary local government body responsible for coordinating development projects, public services, and local administration across the . The (UNO), a government-appointed official, serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the , while the chairman, elected by popular vote, leads the council and presides over its meetings and decisions. The (as of early 2026) is Md. Saddam Hossain. The current chairman of the Parbatipur Upazila Parishad is Alhaj Mohammad Hafizul Islam Pramanik.

Economy

Agriculture

Agriculture is a major pillar of the rural economy in Parbatipur Upazila, supporting a significant portion of the local population through farming and related activities. The principal crops cultivated include , wheat, , potato, and various vegetables, reflecting the fertile plains typical of . Fruit production is also notable, with , litchi, banana, jackfruit, , and papaya among the main varieties grown; banana, litchi, blackberry, paddy, wheat serve as key exports from the area. indicate a significant portion of households are landless. Ancillary agricultural enterprises include and poultry farms, contributing to . Local water resources, including rivers such as the Little Jamuna, Chirnai, Kharkhari, and Nalsisa, along with beels like Kanchan Beel, Panch Ratan Beel, and Balapara Beel, are notable in the area and support farming and fishing practices.

Mining industry

The mining industry in Parbatipur Upazila is dominated by the , Bangladesh's only active coal mine. Operated by the state-owned (BCMCL), a subsidiary of , the underground mine extracts high-quality primarily for power generation. Production supports the adjacent Barapukuria Power Plant and contributes to national energy needs. The mine has significant economic impact on the through direct employment of several hundred permanent workers, as well as additional contractual and support roles, making it a major employer in the area. output helps generate revenue for local and national development, though the industry faces challenges related to environmental management and operational sustainability. No other mining activities of comparable scale operate in Parbatipur Upazila, underscoring the 's central role in the local industrial landscape.

Trade and other sectors

Parbatipur Upazila serves as an important trade hub in northern Bangladesh, largely due to its position as a key railway junction. The Parbatipur Railway Junction facilitates the transportation of goods across the region, enabling trade and commerce to flourish based on efficient connectivity and transportation infrastructure. The features multiple rural markets and growth centres that support local commerce and business activities. These include , such as Parbatipur Hat, Bilaichandi Bazar, and Gopalganj Hat, which serve as gathering points for trading various goods and contribute to the non-agricultural economy. Other sectors include transport and communication services, along with small-scale businesses such as hotels and retail operations, which benefit from the area's connectivity and local demand. The presence of these elements underscores Parbatipur's role in regional commerce beyond primary production activities.

Transport

Railway junction

Parbatipur Junction serves as one of the major railway hubs in northern Bangladesh, functioning as a key transportation node within the . It features a multi-directional layout that connects various regions of the country, playing an essential role in facilitating passenger and freight movement across the and beyond. The junction supports extensive railway infrastructure within Parbatipur Upazila, including approximately 85 km of railway lines, a railway workshop for maintenance operations, and a government railway hospital providing services to railway employees and the local community. The junction is particularly significant for its connections, including the Burimari––Parbatipur line, which links border areas and northern districts, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting economic activities in the area. Historically, the railway presence in Parbatipur dates back to the , with the junction evolving into a vital strategic point during events such as the in 1971, where railway infrastructure featured in local conflicts.

Roads and airport access

Parbatipur Upazila is served by a network of paved roads that connect it to major centers in northern Bangladesh, including the district headquarters in and neighboring districts such as and . These roads support local transportation needs, facilitating the movement of agricultural products, coal from the , and daily commuter traffic. The has access to air travel through , located in the adjacent Saidpur Upazila but providing regional connectivity for Parbatipur residents. Saidpur Airport offers domestic flights primarily to Dhaka, serving as the nearest aviation facility for the area.

Education

Institutions

Parbatipur Upazila hosts several notable educational institutions, including degree colleges, technical schools, and that contribute to the region's access to higher secondary and . Parbatipur Adarsha Degree College, established in 1993 (initially as Parbatipur Idol College and renamed in 1994), is a non-government degree college affiliated with the National University. It began with higher secondary courses in science, humanities, and business education, expanded to undergraduate (pass) programs in 1993, added a zoology department and business management courses in 2001, and introduced honors courses in four subjects in 2003. The college relocated in 2000 to a larger campus near the national highway bypass and Chaurasta River for better facilities and growth. Cantonment Public School and College, located in Bir Uttam Shaheed Mahbub Senanibas at Kholahati, was established in 1994. It is a prominent institution providing integrated education from primary through higher secondary levels, with strong performance in . Parbatipur Government Technical School and College offers technical and vocational education programs under government administration, serving students seeking skills-oriented training in the . Among , Harirampur High School (EIIN 120957) is a longstanding non-government institution in the area, providing . Other institutions include Kholahati College and Parbatipur Mahila College, which provide degree-level education, along with various and secondary schools distributed across the .

Educational attainment

Parbatipur Upazila has benefited from Bangladesh's national initiatives aimed at expanding educational access and achieving in schooling. These efforts, including , have supported higher enrollment and completion rates at primary and secondary levels for both males and females across the country, including in rural areas. Studies indicate a narrowing of in secondary education across Bangladesh, with some evidence of a reverse gender gap where girls show higher schooling outcomes in certain contexts. The presence of diverse in the further supports access to schooling locally.

Notable landmarks

Historical sites

Parbatipur Upazila contains several archaeological heritage sites and monuments reflecting its historical and cultural past, particularly from the colonial period and the in 1971. Archaeological relics include Habra Zamindar Bari, a residence constructed in the eighteenth century. Other notable heritage sites are mosques such as one dating to the early nineteenth century with a distinctive roof made of and the Singamari Bhanga Mosque. A mass grave at Rahmatnagar stands as a somber reminder of the atrocities committed by and collaborators during , where numerous Bengalis were killed. Sites such as Habra were locations of encounters between and , adding to the area's war-related historical significance.

Industrial and natural attractions

Parbatipur Upazila hosts the , Bangladesh's only active coal mine, which plays a key role in the nation's mining and energy sectors. Located in the Barapukuria area of Hamidpur Union, approximately 30 kilometers from the upazila headquarters, the mine conducts coal extraction to support national energy production. Adjacent to , the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant generates electricity using the extracted coal, illustrating the interconnected industrial activities in the area. The also features natural attractions, including the Khorkhoria River, which flows through the region and offers scenic views along its banks, enhancing the local landscape. Other water bodies, such as the Little Jamuna River and various , contribute to the area's natural environment.

References

  1. https://objectstorage.ap-dcc-gazipur-1.oraclecloud15.com/n/axvjbnqprylg/b/V2Ministry/o/office-bbs/2024/12/76597106ffea4f5bad4669be434f17e7.pdf
  2. http://bbs.parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/en
  3. https://file-rangpur.portal.gov.bd/uploads/82e24849-6a37-498a-a471-2db0ae6174a3//657/170/1e6/6571701e67391418937058.pdf
  4. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/power-energy/401561/barapukuria-unit-i-resumes-power-generation
  5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024167539
  6. https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/print/barapukuria-coal-mine-water-for-power-plant-cooling
  7. https://railwayticketbd.com/railway-station/parbatipur-railway-station/
  8. https://mapcarta.com/N2509314541
  9. https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Parbatipur_Upazila
  10. http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Parbatipur_Upazila
  11. https://parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/bn/site/page/9S87-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF
  12. https://nuhr.org/uploads/files/Parbotipur_Research_Report.pdf
  13. https://citypopulation.de/en/bangladesh/rangpur/admin/2777__parbatipur/
  14. http://203.112.218.101/storage/files/1/Publications/PHC_2021/Rangpur%20Division/District%20Report%20Dinajpur.pdf
  15. https://parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/en/site/page/AsUB-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%B9
  16. https://oldweb.lged.gov.bd/UploadedDocument/ProjectLibraryGallery/2311/RUTDP_PAR_%202024-25_W-01.pdf
  17. https://parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/bn/site/officer_list/%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%83-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8
  18. https://parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/en/site/leaders/LUGy-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%83-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95
  19. https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/564146
  20. http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Parbatipur_Upazila
  21. http://file-rajshahi.portal.gov.bd/uploads/831c1432-2615-404b-a94a-5be4e64a7f69//635/8bc/87e/6358bc87e9080437754050.pdf
  22. https://file-rangpur.portal.gov.bd/files/lged.parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/page/d6611763_fe37_4f81_8790_2bfbb3d49035/c1048db699e98c4fbdbd1ee11b6bf878.pdf
  23. https://parbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/en
  24. https://www.pac.edu.bd/
  25. https://nubd.info/college/college.php?code=3402
  26. https://cpscbusms.edu.bd/
  27. https://www.linkedin.com/company/cantonment-public-school-college-dinajpur
  28. https://tscparbatipur.dinajpur.gov.bd/en
  29. https://www.sohopathi.com/harirampur-hgih-school/
  30. https://kholahaticollege.edu.bd/
  31. https://nubd.info/college/college.php?code=3432
  32. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398240453_Public_Education_Expenditure_and_Gender_Parity_in_Secondary_Schooling_in_Bangladesh_1995-2022_An_ARDL_Analysis
  33. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46529285_Reverse_Gender_Gap_in_Schooling_in_Bangladesh_Insights_from_Urban_and_Rural_Households
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