Panchagarh (পঞ্চগড়) is a district of Rangpur division in the extreme northern part of Bangladesh with an area of 1404.63 sq km, is bounded on three sides by 288 km long Indian border, having Darjeeling district on the north, Jalpaiguri and Kuchbihar districts on the northeast, west Dinajpur and Purnea district on the west, Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts on the south, Nilphamari district on the east. Its soil is sandy, alluvial and bears close affinity with the soil of the old Himalayan basin. On the northern part of the district there exists underground layer of pebbles. It is 150 feet high from the sea level. See Panchagarh Map
Administration: Panchagarh was a thana under Jalpaiguri district of west Bengal during the British rule. It was under Dinajpur district at the time of the partition of 1947. Panchagarh was turned into a subdivision in 1980 consisting of Atwari, Tetulia, Panchagarh Sadar, Boda and Debiganj upazila. Panchagarh was elevated to a district in 01.02.1984. It consists of 5 upazilas, 1 municipality, 9 wards, 32 mahallahs, 43 Union parishads & 850 villages. The upazilas are Atwari, Tetulia, Panchagarh Sadar, Boda and Debiganj.
Population: The total population of Panchagarh is 9,01,091 (as of 2008); among them number of males are 46,5,056 & females are 43,6,035. The density of population is 641 per sp. km. Muslims are 81.79% of the total population. The other religions are Hindu 17.64%, Christian 0.24%, ethnic group 0.21%, others 0.12%; ethnic nationals: 138 Santal, 45 Uria & 155 other families.
The average literacy rate is 30.6%; among them male is 39.8%, female is 20.8%.
Communication: Panchagarh District has 305 km Paka roads, 2499 km mud road & railway 11 km. Traditional transports Palanquin, Bullock cart. These means of transport are extinct or nearly extinct. It has a distance of 344.48 km (214.05 miles) from Dhaka. The approximate travel/road distance can be around 396.15 km to 430.6 km (246.16 miles to 267.56 miles). Air distance is 185.88 nautical miles. See Travel Tips
Health Centers: Panchagarh has 1 sadar hospital, 5 upazila health complexes in each upazila. The other health centers are: 1 diabetic hospital, 1 leprosy hospital, 1 islamic foundation hospital, 28 Union clinics, 9 upazila community clinic, 8 charitable dispensaries, and 37 family planning centers.
Rivers: Panchagarh has 23 rivers. Among them some main rivers are Karatoya, Atrai, Tista, Nagor, Mahananda, Tangon, Dahuk, Pathraj, Bhulli, Talma, Chawai, Kurum, Versa, Tirnoi, and Chilka.
Land Distribution: Cultivable land 115232 hectares, fallow land 1035 hectares, forest area 1252 hectares. Land control among the peasants, 33% are landless, 43% small peasant, 20% intermediate, 4% rich. The market value of the first grade arable land is Tk. 2500 per 0.01 hectare.
Enclaves (Chhitmahal): The Indian enclaves in the district are Puthimari, Daikhat, Shalbari, Kajaldighi, Natak-toka and Nazirganj in Boda upazila; Behula-danga, Balapara Kotbhajani and Dahla Khagrabari in Deviganj upazila; Garati and Singimari in sadar upazila. Total area of the enclaves is 4837 hectare; and the population is 23963.
[Reference: Banglapedia, Wikipedia]
Panchagarh (পঞ্চগড়) district is in the extreme northern part of Bangladesh with an area of 1404.63 sq km, bounded on three sides by 288 km long Indian border, having Darjeeling district on the north, Jalpaiguri and Kuchbihar districts on the northeast, west Dinajpur and Purnea district on the west, Dinajpur and Thakurgaon districts on the south, Nilphamari district on the east …more
” The existence of fifteen garhs (fortifications) has hitherto been traced, of which the most noted are Bhitargarh, Hosaingarh, Mirgarh, Rajangarh and Devengarh. Panchagarh is named after these five garhs “
Panchagarh Photo Gallery
Panchagarh in a glance
Coordinates
26.25°N , 88.50° E
Area
1404.63 km²
Boundary
302.68 km
Timezone
BST (GMT +6)
Temperature
30.2°C (max), 10.1° C (min)
Rainfall
2931 mm
City Corp.
1
Upazila
5
Union
43
Village
850
Mouza
463
Population
8,38,000
Rivers
23
Enclaves
18 (Panchagarh Sadar 2, Boda 12 & Debiganj 4)
Larger Satellite View | Maps of Panchagarh
Atwari আটওয়ারী is the second smallest upazila of the district in respect of both area and population. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the “Atwari” name. There is hearsay that the bordering Atwari was once attacked by the robbers eight times in succession …more
Tetulia তেতুলিয়া is the extreme northern upazila of the country. For its location & tourist spot, it is one of the well known upazilas in Bangladesh. Recently Tetulia is considered the most important economic zone for Panchagarh district because of the Tea industry and Banglabandha land port …more
Panchagarh Sadar পঞ্চগড় সদর is the most populous area of Panchagarh district. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of Panchagarh. It is learnt that in the past there existed five Jungles in the locality. In Bengali the word panch means five & garh means jungle …more
Boda বোদা is the largest upazila of Panchagarh district in respect of area. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the upazila name. There is a popular hearsay that, the upazila might have derived its name from the name of temple Badeswari Bari Pith located in this upazila …more
Debiganj দেবীগঞ্জ is the third biggest upazila of Panchagarh District in respect of both area and population. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the upazila’s name. It is generally believed that in the remote past there lived an influential zaminder named Debi Chowdhurani …more
TRAVEL TIPS
By Bus
The road distance from Dhaka (Capital city of Bangladesh) to Panchagarh is 214 miles. This is equivalent to 344 km. Road transportation between Dhaka & Panchagarh is a private sector affair operating predominantly in domestic routes. Rates are among the cheapest in the world. Tk. 300 – 400. Non-stop & Hino-chair coach services are available to Panchagarh town (and to other areas of Panchagarh) from Gabtoli, Shemoly & Mirpur Road bus terminals from Dhaka. It takes 8 hours to reach Panchagarh from Dhaka (with a 30 min break on the way). The bus starts morning / noon / late night from Dhaka/Panchagarh.
Some of the bus services are:
1. Khaleque Paribahan (Ph: +88-02-8015262, 8015224 & 9345804)
2. Shemoly Paribahan (Ph: +88-02-7101910 & 8360241)
3. Keya Paribahan (Ph: +88-02-8014658, 9142625, 7101250, 7101894, Mobile: +88-01711-118402 & 01711-433600)
4. Hanif Enterprise (Ph: +88-02-8122707, 8313869)
5. BRTC (Ph: +88-02-9333803, 9002531)
By Car
Private car hiring service is available in both Dhaka and Panchagarh. In general, it is required to take the driver with the car from where you hire. The payments comes daily basis. Fuel charge may be included or excluded, depending on the contract.
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation, a government organization, has a fleet of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned cars, microbuses and jeeps. Besides they offer transfer service for tourists between Dhaka airport and main city points or hotels. The nearest motel from Panchagarh is “Parjatan Motel Dinajpur” (Ph: +88-0531-64718) at Dinajpur district.
Click here for the road map from Dhaka to Panchagarh. Also you can get the driving directions using Google Maps.
By Air
From Dhaka to Saidpur by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. And from Saidpur to Panchagarh by Car or Bus. Bangladesh Biman and some private airlines has flights from Dhaka to Saidpur (via Rajshahi). For tickets & flight schedule please check with Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Between Dhaka & Panchagarh the air distance is 186 nautical miles. Your trip begins in Dhaka, Bangladesh, It ends in Panchagarh, Bangladesh. Your travel direction from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Panchagarh, Bangladesh is Northwest (-32 degrees from North).
By Rail
The Bangladesh Railway provides an efficient service up to Dinajpur. The 2 train services between Dhaka and Dinajpur is Ekota and Tista. Ticket Tk. 185 – 900. To reach Panchagarh from Dinajpur, hiring a car or take the non-stop bus from Dinajpur Bus terminal is recommended. The other choice is the local train between Dinajpur and Panchagarh, which runs twice a day.
Population of Panchagarh.
| Panchagarh Agriculture Sample Survey 2005 | |||||
| Items | Agriculture Sample Survey 2005 | ||||
| Bangladesh | Panchagarh | % of Bangladesh | |||
| 1.0 | Number of holdings and type | ||||
| 1.1 | Number of holdings | 28165700 | 197392 | 0.70 | |
| 1.2 | Number of non-farm households | 13076613 | 72025 | 0.55 | |
| (% of total holdings ) | 46.43 | 36.49 | |||
| 1.3 | Number of total farm holdings | 15089087 | 125367 | 0.83 | |
| 2.0 | Farm holdings by size | ||||
| 2.1 | Number of marginal holdings (0.05-0.49 acre) | 5828809 | 32389 | 0.56 | |
| (% of farm holdings ) | 38.63 | 25.84 | |||
| 2.2 | Number of small farm holdings (0.50-2.49 acres) | 7522541 | 68762 | 0.91 | |
| 2.3 | Number of medium farm holdings (2.50-7.49 acres) | 1560774 | 20937 | 1.34 | |
| (% of farm holdings ) | 10.34 | 16.70 | |||
| 2.4 | Number of large farm holdings (7.50 acres & above) | 176962 | 3278 | 1.85 | |
| (% of farm holdings ) | 1.17 | 2.61 | |||
| 2.5 | Number of holdings owning no land (absolute landless) | 3950291 | 26750 | 0.68 | |
| (% of all holdings ) | 14.03 | 13.55 | |||
| 3.0 | Headship of holdings by sex | ||||
| 3.1 | Number of male headed holdings | 27368322 | 194010 | 0.71 | |
| (% of total holdings ) | 97.17 | 98.29 | |||
| 3.2 | Number of female headed holdings | 797378 | 3382 | 0.42 | |
| (% of total holdings ) | 2.83 | 1.71 | |||
| 4.0 | Operated area | ||||
| 4.1 | Operated area of all holdings (in acres) | 23463636 | 245049 | 1.04 | |
| 4.2 | Operated area per holding (in acres) | 0.83 | 1.24 | ||
| 4.3 | Per capita operated area (in acres) | 0.17 | 0.27 | ||
| 4.4 | Operated area of farm holdings (in acres) | 22307761 | 239077 | 1.07 | |
| 4.5 | Operated area per farm holding (in acres) | 1.48 | 1.91 | ||
| 5.0 | Homestead area | ||||
| 5.1 | Homestead area (in acres) | 1848852 | 15198 | 0.82 | |
| 5.2 | Homestead area per holding (in acres) | 0.07 | 0.08 | ||
| 5.3 | Homestead area per non farm household (in acres) | 0.05 | 0.05 | ||
| 5.4 | Homestead area per farm holding (in acres) | 0.08 | 0.09 | ||
| 6.0 | Ownership and Tenancy | ||||
| 6.1 | Number of owner farm holdings | 9065991 | 77983 | 0.86 | |
| 6.2 | No. of owner-cum-tenant farm holdings | 5543512 | 40240 | 0.73 | |
| 6.3 | Number of tenant farm holdings | 479584 | 7144 | 1.49 | |
| 7.0 | Operated area by Tenancy | ||||
| 7.1 | Operated area of owner farm holdings (in acres) | 12287342 | 166798 | 1.36 | |
| 7.2 | Operated area of owner-cum-tenant farm holdings (in acres) | 9484110 | 63507 | 0.67 | |
| 7.3 | Operated area of tenant farm holdings (in acres) | 536308 | 8772 | 1.64 | |
| 8.0 | Cultivated area | ||||
| 8.1 | Cultivated area of all holdings (in acres) | 18083529 | 214292 | 1.19 | |
| 8.2 | Per capita cultivated area (in acres) | 0.13 | 0.24 | ||
| 8.3 | Cultivated area of farm holdings | 18047142 | 214210 | 1.19 | |
| 8.4 | Cultivated area per farm (in acres) | 1.20 | 1.71 | ||
| 8.5 | Net temporary cropped area of farm holdings (in acres) | 16617428 | 207880 | 1.25 | |
| 8.6 | Net temporary cropped area per farm (in acres) | 1.10 | 1.66 | ||
| 9.0 | Cropped area and intensity of farm holdings | ||||
| 9.1 | Gross cropped area (in acres) | 29990170 | 362169 | 1.21 | |
| 9.2 | Cropping intensity (%) | 180 | 174 | ||
| 10.0 | Area under selected crops of farm holdings (in acres) | ||||
| 10.1 | Aus | 2670787 | 932 | 0.03 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 8.91 | 0.26 | |||
| 10.2 | Aman | 10488754 | 176008 | 1.68 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 34.97 | 48.60 | |||
| 10.3 | Boro | 9272497 | 67092 | 0.72 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 30.92 | 18.53 | |||
| 10.4 | Jute | 1102221 | 19342 | 1.75 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 3.68 | 5.34 | |||
| 10.5 | Sugarcane | 294040 | 5032 | 1.71 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 0.98 | 1.39 | |||
| 10.6 | Wheat | 897403 | 24942 | 2.78 | |
| % of gross cropped area | 2.99 | 6.89 | |||
| 11.0 | Bovine Animals | ||||
| 11.1 | Total number of bovine animals | 25135338 | 318176 | 1.27 | |
| 11.2 | Bovine animals per holding | 0.89 | 1.61 | ||
| 11.3 | Per capita bovine animals | 0.18 | 0.35 | ||
| 12.0 | Goats & Sheep | ||||
| 12.1 | Number of goats & sheep | 17459061 | 305659 | 1.75 | |
| 12.2 | Number of goats & sheep per holding | 0.62 | 1.55 | ||
| 12.3 | Per capita goats & sheep | 0.13 | 0.34 | ||
School And Colleges .
| Institute name | Location | Post office | Total Teacher | Female Teacher | Total Student | Total Female Student |
| Balia Lakhsmi Than High School | Balia | Basankuar | 17 | 1 | 248 | 90 |
| Bamankumar Rakhal DeviHaat Adarsha High School | Bamankumar | Bamankuar | 16 | 2 | 232 | 109 |
| Barasingia Ideal Girls High School | Barasingia | Barshalupara | 16 | 3 | 153 | 153 |
| Barasingia High School | Barasingia | Barshalupara | 17 | 3 | 209 | 72 |
| Gunjarmary Haat Adarsha High School | Barshalupara | Barshalupara | 26 | 1 | 208 | 87 |
| Molani Adarsha Junior School | Molani | Baman kumar | 11 | 1 | 169 | 74 |
| Alowa khoa s.c. High School | PaltaPara | BarsaluPara | 19 | 2 | 554 | 223 |
| Alowakhoa Girls High School | PaltaPara | Barshalu Para | 16 | 3 | 245 | 245 |
| Uttar Rampur Dakhil Madrasah | Rampur | Bamankumar | 14 | 154 | 67 | |
| Blarampur High School | Balarampur | Arajimondal Haat | 22 | 2 | 269 | 69 |
| Balarampur Mirza Golam Hafiz Girls High School | Balarampur | Arohimondal Haat | 21 | 3 | 139 | 139 |
| Balarampur Dakhil Madrasah | Balarampur | Araji mandal Haat | 17 | 2 | 263 | 113 |
| Lilar Mela Dakhil Madrasah | Balarampur | Arazi mondal Haat | 19 | 2 | 221 | 97 |
| Balarampur Adarsha College | Chameshwari | Araji mandal Haat | 65 | 10 | 415 | 148 |
| Chuchuli Battali Haat High School | Chuchuli | Pateswari | 16 | 218 | 85 | |
| Battali Haat Girls High School | Chuchuli | Patowari | 15 | 5 | 191 | 191 |
| Ranigong High School | Dahastaha | Pateswari | 16 | 2 | 281 | 87 |
| Duhasuha Dakhil Madrasah | Duhasuha | Pateswari | 16 | 287 | 68 | |
| Kalitola model Junior Girls School | Lakhmidwar | Boda | 16 | 6 | 61 | 61 |
| Laksmidar High School | Laksmidar | Boda | 19 | 4 | 218 | 82 |
| Shaatkhamar High School | SHaatkhamar | Boda | 16 | 3 | 149 | 67 |
| Satkhamar islamia fazil Madrasah | Satkhamar | Boda | 32 | 2 | 363 | 138 |
| Dalua High School | Baragaon | Giragaon | 18 | 2 | 273 | 89 |
| Dhamor Girls Junior School | Dhamor | Mirzapur | 13 | 3 | 118 | 118 |
| Dhamor Gachbari High School | Dhamor | Mirzapur | 17 | 1 | 153 | 59 |
| Dhamor Haat Ideal jr Girls School | Dhamor | Giragaon | 15 | 5 | 91 | 91 |
| DangirHaat Adarsha High School | Jugikati | Mithapur | 18 | 2 | 260 | 59 |
| Bangabandhu Dangirhaat Adrasha collage | Jogikata | Mirzapur | 28 | 4 | 99 | 37 |
| Sonapatila High School | Sonapatila | Futkibari | 18 | 1 | 269 | 88 |
| Latijhar Junior Girls School | Latijhar | Giragaon | 13 | 5 | 87 | 87 |
| Haji samir Uddin High School | Panishail | Giragaon | 16 | 1 | 237 | 100 |
| Panishail Sipahipara Dakhil Madrasah | Panishail | Giragaon | 17 | 3 | 257 | 91 |
| Bara aulia Mazar Sarif b.l. High School | Baraawlia | Mirzapur | 17 | 2 | 191 | 98 |
| Bara aulia Mazar Sharif Dakhil Madrasah | Baro aulia | Mirzapur | 16 | 1 | 186 | 76 |
| Shaheed Mukti Joddha Azizur Rahman Junior School | Mirzapur | Mirzapur | 19 | 3 | 173 | 57 |
| Manikpeer Mazar Sarif Junior School | Kalikapur | Chotodap | 14 | 5 | 95 | 42 |
| Josimun Nasa Junior Girls School | Kalika pur | Chotodap | 15 | 4 | 75 | 75 |
| Mirza Gholam Hafiz Degree College | Kalikapur | Chotodap | 38 | 6 | 502 | 252 |
| Panbara High School | 1 No Mirzapur | Mirzapur | 36 | 3 | 218 | 98 |
| Lakshmipur Adarsha Junior sec.Girls chool | Lakshimpur | Mirzapur | 14 | 4 | 127 | 127 |
| Lakhipur Islamia Alim Madrasah | Laksmipur | Mirzapur | 21 | 373 | 132 | |
| Mirzapur Bilateral High School | Mirzapur | Mirzapur | 13 | 2 | 275 | 119 |
| Mirzapur Moulana Azimuddin Ahmed Alim Madrasah | Mirzapur | Mirzapur | 17 | 2 | 251 | 93 |
| Sardar Para High School | SardarPara | Raseya | 18 | 4 | 208 | 107 |
| Atowari Nesaria Salehia Dakhil Madrasah | Baradap | Chotodap | 15 | 268 | 4 | |
| Atwari Pilot High School | Chottodhap | Chotodap | 25 | 2 | 570 | 0 |
| Atwari Pilot Girls High School | Chottodhap | Chotodap | 30 | 13 | 631 | 631 |
| Gobindapur Junior Girls School | Gobindapur | Chotodap | 14 | 3 | 109 | 109 |
| Baradap Adarsha High School | Baradap | Chotodap | 17 | 1 | 236 | 95 |
| Sondosha Dhighi Junior Girls School | Raghunathpur | Chotodap | 17 | 5 | 92 | 92 |
| Radhanagar Junior School | Radhanagar | Radhanagar | 15 | 2 | 84 | 43 |
| Radhanagar hazi Sahar Ali High School | Radhanagar | Radhanagar | 17 | 2 | 280 | 75 |
| Radhanagarh Girls High School | Radhanagar | Radhanagar | 21 | 5 | 264 | 264 |
| Raseya High School | Raseya | Rashya | 15 | 1 | 164 | 71 |
| Raseya Dinmara High School | Raseya | Raseya | 18 | 3 | 286 | 93 |
| Hazi abul Hossain JUNIOR School | Bodhgaon | Toria | 12 | 1 | 154 | 20 |
| Bodhgaon Dakhil Madrasah | Bodhgaon | Toriya | 16 | 3 | 214 | 70 |
| Chaprajhar Adarsha jr. School | Chaprajhar | Toria | 13 | 1 | 74 | 47 |
| Chheprajhar Dakhil Madrasha | Chaprajhar | Twaria | 13 | 2 | 231 | 90 |
| Darkhor (Dungdungi) High School | Darkhor | Atowari | 16 | 162 | 60 | |
| Purba Darkhoor Dakhil Madrasah | Darkhor | Atowari | 17 | 253 | 78 | |
| Darkhor Junior Girls School | Katali | Puraton atowari | 16 | 6 | 87 | 87 |
| Katali High School | Katali | Toria | 16 | 157 | 76 | |
| Atwari Adarsha mohila College | Kismat Dap | Chotodap | 27 | 5 | 163 | 163 |
| NituPara High School | NituPara | Toria | 18 | 1 | 137 | 53 |
| BarogHaaty Junior School | Toria | Toria | 13 | 1 | 143 | 81 |
| Toria High School | Toria | Toria | 25 | 2 | 250 | 58 |
| Toria Adarsha Girls High School | Toria | Toria | 20 | 5 | 148 | 148 |
| Toria Nuton Haat Dakhil Madrasah | Toria | Toria | 17 | 2 | 28 |
Banglabandha Land Port in Panchagarh of Bangladesh
| Map of Banglabandha land port: |
| Banglabandha land port links: |
| Banglabandha land port still dysfunctional on lack of Indian support – The Daily Star Dialogue between Media and Trade Personnel at Panchagarh – Economic Journalists Network |
| Photos of Banglabandha land port: |
Banglabandha land port is located in about 10 acres of acquired land at the north-western tip of Bangladesh in Tetulia under Panchagarh district on the Bangladesh-India highway. The place is of international character and used for Nepal transit traffic passing through a small corridor of India. It is about 22 meter away from the Bangladesh-Indian borderline.
Location: Among the active LCSs in the country, Banglabandha is the most important one, because of its geographical location. Banglabandha land port is the corner-most point of the north- western region of the country; about 57 km north of Panchagarh district headquarter, 5 km from Shiliguri and 10 km from Jalpaiguri town of west Bengal in India. Darjeeling is 58 km away while Nepalese border transit point Kankorvita is 61 km away. The Bhutanese border is only 68 km away from Banglabandha point. That is why this port offers an enormous potential not only for boosting sub- regional trade but also for promoting tourism.
Opportunities: Highway road is available from Panchagarh to Banglabandha land port and the distance is about 6okm to reach the port site. At present, different types of goods such as fertilizer, jute, medical equipment, plastic material, readymade garments, electrical goods, textile, computer and parts, machinery, army goods, chemicals, tea, pulses, rice, onion, apple, marble slab, live animals and miscellaneous are exported and imported through this port.
The Indian exporters are now using Hilli and Burimari land Ports to export their goods to Bangladesh. It is expected that Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan will prefer to use Banglabandha for international trade and commerce.
Moreover, people interested to travel Darjeeling, one of the most attractive tourist places of India, Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and Bhutan would prefer to travel through this route after establishing immigration facilities at this land port.
The government also feels encouraged to take initiative to develop a land port at Banglabandha as landlocked Nepal showed interest in using Mongla port for import their goods from other countries. Bangladesh gives discount on port charges for Nepal- bound goods.
However, a 52-km road over the Indian Territory links Banglabandha land port with Kakorvita border point in the Himalayan kingdom Nepal.
India allows only two hours a day for using the road as transit for transporting goods between Bangladesh and Nepal.
The growing Tea Industry
The overall socio-economic condition of common people is changing fast in Panchagarh following a faster growth of the tea sector.Local tea growers, chamber leaders and officials concerned opined that setting up of more tea processing industries, competitive markets at the grass roots for tea leaves, supply of natural gas and resolving problems like power crisis could accelerate the production of tea. At the same time, hundreds of Panchagarh females, who lived in utter miseries due to abject poverty for years together, are now changing their fate and achieving self-reliance by earning wages as plucking workers in the dozens of tea gardens at the officially recognized third Tea Zone of the country.
The growing tea sector in Panchagarh has ushered in a new hope for further enhancing the standard of socio-economic life and women empowerment, they said. The female workers are yet to get their just wages from the garden-owners as the growing tea-farming sector in the region has been facing manifold problems including present unfair prices of the tea leaves for the tea farmers. Presently, over 7,000 skilled and unskilled workers, mostly women, have been working in 246 tea gardens, including 18 big estates, 13 medium-size and 215 small-scale gardens set up on more than 1,815 acres of land in Tetulia and its surrounding areas, they said. Of them nearly 2,300 workers, mostly women, are working alone at the giant Kazi and Kazi Tea Estate (KKTE) at Tetulia which has earned reputation in both national and international markets by producing, processing and marketing the famous and most popular Mina Organic Tea and earning foreign exchange.
Small-scale tea farmer Mozahedul Hassan of village Dwarikamari in sadar upazila while talking to BSS said he has been growing tea in 7 bighas of land after selecting 20 bighas for the purpose and lifting 50 to 60 kg tea leaves every week from the garden.
Small-scale tea farmers Abdur Rahman of village Dorjipara, Esahaq Ali Mandal of village Pediagoach and Raju Mia of village Majhipara in Tetulia upazila and Motiar Rahman of sadar upazila expressed similar views to BSS recently. Development Officer of Panchagarh Regional Tea Board, Amir Hossain told BSS that there are tremendous scopes for expansion of the tea farming area in Panchagarh and Bangladesh Tea Board has been providing necessary trainings to the selected farmers and per hectare subsidy of Tk 14,000. Assistant Manager of TTCL Manjur Hassan said smooth supply of 220-volt power is required for processing and producing tea and the required voltage is not available most of the time, which compels using power generators that increases production costs.
According to Director of Small-scale Tea Farming Project and Director of Bangladesh Tea Board (Dev) Azharul Islam, the government has taken steps for expanding newer Tea Zones for further increase of tea production in the country to meet the growing demand.
PANCHAGARH BANK
Atwari
Grameen Bank
1. Balarampur Br.
2. Mirjapur Br.
Sonali Bank
1. Atwari Br. Ph: 88-0568-61392 Ext.13
2. Bhajanpur Br.
Agrani Bank
1. Mirjapur Br.
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
1. Atwari Br., Chotodap, Ph: 88-0568-61392/ 7
2. Mirjapur Br.
3. Toriya Br., Toriya
Janata Bank
1. Janata Bank, Atwari Br., Ph: 88-0562-392/ 06
Tetulia
Grameen Bank
1. Bhajanpur Br.
2. Shalbahan Br.
Sonali Bank
1. Tetulia Br. , Ph: 88-0568-75011
Agrani Bank
1. Salbahan Hat Br.
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
1. Bhajanpur Br.
2. Tirnai Hat Br.
3. Tetulia Br., Ph: 88-0568-61290/ 6
Panchagarh Sadar
Grameen Bank
1. Satmera Br.
2. Kamot Kajaldighi Br.
Sonali Bank
1. Panchagarh Sadar Br., Ph: 88-0568-61216
Agrani Bank
1. Panchagarh Sadar Br., Ph: 88-0562-61215
2. Tunir Hat Br. Kanat Kazaldighee
3. Chakla Hat Br.
4. Jagdal Hat Br. Satbara
Pubali Bank
1. Panchagarh Br., Kadamtola Road, Panchagarh Bazar, Ph: 88-0562-254
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
1. Dhakkamara Br., Ph: 88-0568-61259
2. Goaljharhat Br. Sathmera
3. Haribhasha Br.
4. Panchagarh Br. Islambag, Ph: 88-0568-61218
Janata Bank
1. Panchagarh Sadar Br., Ph: 88-0562-256
Boda
Grameen Bank
1. Moyadandighee Br.
2. Sakoa Br.
Sonali Bank
1. Boda Br., Ph: 88-05653-56116
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
1. Boda Br., Ph: 88-0568-56106
2. Jhalaishalshiri Br. Natun Hat
3. Kaliagonj Br., Amtola Kazipara
4. Sakoa Br.
Janata Bank
1. Balaramput Br., Ph: 88-0562-210/ 07
Debiganj
Grameen Bank
1. Dandapaul Br.
2. Debiduba Br.
Sonali Bank
1. Debiganj Br. Ph: 88-0568-61541 Ext.07, 88-0551-89150
Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank
1. Debiganj Br., Ph: 88-0568-61541/ 43
2. Kaliagonj Hat Br.
3. Laxmir Hat Br. Pamili
4. Sonahar Jogonath Hat Br. , Sonahar
Janata Bank
1. Debiganj Br., Ph: 88-0562 / 19
2. Fulbari Br.
Tourist spots and places of interest in Panchagarh
Atwari
As tourist spot, Atwari has the three domed mosque at Mirzapur, Chhaprajhar (Pahar bhanga) and Sardarpara, which bears the relics of Mughal architecture; remains of the ruined the “Zamindar Bari” of Aloakhoa. The Bara Awliyar Majar is another notable place in the upazila.
Atwari has the marks of War of Liberation of 1971. These are 2 mass graves, 1 twin grave and 1 martyr memorial monument.
Tetulia
Tetulia has great hospitality for tourists. It has a “Dak Banglo” situated on the bank of river Mahananda facing Darjeeling, a charming ice city of India. Tea of Tetulia has same quality like tea of Darjeeling. The “Kazi & Kazi” tea garden, the “Tetulia Tea” garden, the Banglabandha land port are the attractive places for the visitors.
Remnants of a fort at a place named Buraburi between Bhajanpur and Tetulia. Also Bhadreswar temple and Shiva-temple are the two tombstones of the Greek sculptural.
Bhadreswar Temple
Vitorgarh
Panchagarh Sadar
Maharaja Dighi (Pond) at Bhitargarh is well known tourist attraction of the sadar upazila. Bhitrar Shalmara is a notable beel (Lake). Shal forest of Bhitargarh and the government forest on the banks of the Chawai and Karatoya are notable.
During the War of Liberation in 1971 the guerilla fighters demolished the bridge on the Chawai near the Amarkhana camp thereby obstructing the advance of the Pak-army towards the north. At the initial stage of the war Maqbul Darji & the Badi Howladar (EPR) were killed in an encounter with the Pak army which however lost eighteen of its soldiers.
The Shaheed Farooque Ahmad memorial monument at Dhakka-mara in Panchagarh town is the marks of war of liberation. Also the grave of the martyr freedom fighter Sakimuddin at Jagdal-hat in front of the Baital Aman mosque is another Mark of the war.
Boda
The Vadeswari mosque, Vadeswari temple and Govinda temple are the tourist attractions in Boda.
Vadeshari Mosque
Vadeswari Temple
Shaldanga Golokdham Temple
Debiganj
In Debiganj, the Revenue office building and old residential house of the raja of Kuch-Bihar is famous; Also Jagabandhu Thakur-bari is another place of interest for the tourists. The town has one Dakbungalow (Rest house).
Jogbondhu Thakurbari
Other tourist spots other places of interest near Panchagarh
- Kantoji Temple in Dinajpur.
- Biggest Mango Tree of Bangladesh, in Thakurgaon - in Mondomala village of Baliadangi upazilla has the biggest mango tree of the country. It’s name is “Shurjopuri Aam Gachh (Mango tree)”. From a distance, the hug number of it’s branches looks like a mango garden. The large tree is on 3 acre. of land. The tree has 20 naut encircled. Saidur Rahman of Mondomala village is the owner of the tree. This large tree produces a lot of mango every year.
- Thakurgaon Sugar Mills - is situated in 5 k.m. south from Thakurgaon city. Established in 1957, this industry is still (2009) the largest industry in Thakurgaon district.
- Residence of Raja (King) Tonkonath - the residence of Raja Tonkunath is one of the transference of attributes of Thakurgaon. This is also knows as Ranishonkoil Jomidar Bari. Jomidar (Landlord) Tonkunath achieved the title “Raja (King)” from the British government, from then it was know as Rajbari (residence of the king). In the east side of Ranishonkoil upazilla, this Rajbari is in the bay of Kulik river. Jomidar Buddhinath Chowdhuri started to build this residence, and Raja Tonkunath finished the build.
- Jamalpur Mosque.
- Gobindojiu Mondir (Temple) - in the bay of the Tangon river, Raja Gobinda Narayan Thakur build Gobindojiu temple in near 1707. This temple has the golden statue of Radha-krishno.
- Shibmondir in Harinmari.
- Shibmondir in Baliadangi - There is a 400 years old Shib mondir (temple) in 8 km north-south side of Baliadangi upazilla of Thakurgaon district. The 30 feet tall temple has reduced its height a lot due to subside.
- Nekmorod Majar Shorif.
- Jamuna Resort – Nestled by the Mythological Jamuna River (Bramaputra) the Jamuna Resort is captivating with stunning views of the Bridge and the breath-taking landscape. To feel the rich and exotic atmosphere of the tropics and the might of the legendary river Jamuna. When you enter the place you will naturally feel the new concept of warmth hospitality, luxury and comfort.
| Panchagarh Rocks Museum, Panchagarh | Panchagarh Rocks Museum Photo |
The Panchagarh Rocks Museum, in Panchagarh Government Mohila College, is the first rocks museum in Bangladesh, set up at the initiative of Nazmul Haque, Principal of the Colleg, in 1997. Nazmul Haque, principal of Panchagarh Government Mohila College, discovered the rocks and founded an educational institution based museum on March 1, 1997. The Deputy Commissioner, Panchagarh, A.F.M. Saiful Islam formally inaugurated the museum on October 25, 1997.
The rocks museum was set up here due to the congenial geo-graphical atmosphere at the food of the Himalayan Mountains and the Zoological characteristics of this area different from the other parts of Bangladesh. The Stones of the “Tertiary periods” extending from 1.6 million to 60 million years have been found in the districts of Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in India adjacent to Panchagarh district. The stone made tools and other materials of the “Neolithic age are discovered in the areas of “Badamtam”, “Dongrabosti”, “Kalimpong”, “Puddong”, ” Sindidong” in Darjeeling, A huge number of specified Rocks was also found in Panchagarh district.
| Prof. Nazmul Haque |
The museum is divided into two parts, external and internal. In the external gallery has a huge number of rocks; and in the internal gallery, there are small stones of different ages. The samples of old architecture of this region are reflected in the traits or ethnical characteristics of this region.
Collection of Rocks: Petrified Wood and Fossilized Rocks, Granite, Quartzite Shell, Lime Stone, Sist, Hard Rock, Basalt, Silica, Nice, Clay-Rock etc. have been preserved in the museum for public display. These are sized by 3-4 inches to 10 feet there 60 pieces of rocks.
There are about 50 pieces of archaeological Rocks preserved in the museum. Most of these Rocks are transferred from another place. Symbolic human figures, engraved on some rocks, different incomprehensible letters and words along with ‘Chinese’ are also found. ‘Biahmmi’, ‘Kharsty’ language are inscribed. Some geometrical diagrams and bows and arrows are engraved. Some slabs are made of Rocks. These works prove the existence of the aborigines and the tradition of human habitation in the region.
Besides “Puja” (prayer) offerings on pieces of rocks, stone made plant and bowel, stairs, low stone seats, flat rocks for crushing ets. used of rocks for various purpose prove that “neolithic” civilization fully flourished in this region.
The stone slabs with artistic engravings collected from Vitargarh are similar to the engraved stones of Paharpur Bodha Bihar. It is assumed that at least some small “Bodha Bihar” existed in that area in ancient time.
The other collections, are mostly countable. Two Archaeological boats (made with only one truck of tree and about 500 to 1000 years ago and Multicolored sand and earth, petrified ‘shall wood’ and net, ancient pictured bamboo fearing, various antics, ancient writings.Shamsuzzaman Khan, Director General of National Museum and Hanti Glasi, Professor, Indiana University of USA visited the Rocks Museum on May 14, 2000.
Kazi & Kazi Tea, the first organic tea garden in Bangladesh, located in Panchagarh, are the untouched lands of Tetulia. Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate (KKTE) acquired this beautiful, scenic garden in 2000, & introduced a forefront concept that was transforming the way tea was perceived. They launched an organic farming methodology – the first in the nation.
The family-owned enterprise, which was founded by Kazi Shahid Ahmed, fused the old, tea-producing traditions with the new & created a process that although unexplored, was nonetheless beneficial for both the company and the community. The family, who believes in a natural and holistic form of living, situated this as their foundation. Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed, son of Kazi Shahid Ahmed, said, “We don’t see that there’s an alternative!” As the only organic tea producer in Bangladesh, the company now manufactures bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides on-site, a practice that various tea associations, including the Bangladesh Tea Board, recognize as the healthiest and safest option.
In a country inundated with over 150 tea gardens, Kazi & Kazi Tea realized their commitment & vision needed to establish a new, useful concept; one that not only served the company’s purpose, but also benefited the community. Having the resources and ambition, the company now needed to determine their framework, and how they wanted to function.
Many of the social services created by the company, which include cattle rearing, organic farming awareness, safe hygiene distribution, health and recreation & adult education, are geared to raise the awareness and participation of organic farming among farmers, sellers, and consumers, & to alleviate poverty levels. These programs provide a healthy and progressive environment for all those involved. Kazi & Kazi Tea went as far as to recruit a batch of management trainees and offer them the option of becoming stakeholders. The laborers worked not only for a fixed salary or wage, but with the ability to take over small plots in which they could cultivate and experiment. Dr. Ahmed has high expectations, stating, “In the long run, we would be happy to try to extend similar stake holding to our workers, & become the first tea garden, or perhaps company in Bangladesh to have such a widely shared stake in an enterprise.” The project is still relatively young to pinpoint its success, but the outlook is promising.
Progress of Kazi & Kazi can be measured in many ways; the most definite way is through their research and the methods they use to implement their learning. With Kazi & Kazi Tea, this means their ability to apply their knowledge in new, unique ways. Once they have created the necessary programs, the results need to be reviewed and improved upon. It is not enough to simply provide the assistance, the company needs to respond and elevate the working conditions.
According to Dr. Ahmed, the company is in the process of developing their own research center based on their own findings and practices. “We are now setting up a small research center called the Institute of Sustainable Development (ISD) in association with another affiliate, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, to do original research not only on organic farming, but alternative, holistic models of living and development.” The company hopes that ISD will link them to international scholars and scientists to attend a broader perspective.
Aligned with their aspirations and future is Kazi & Kazi Tea’s product line, which is the final point & determinant of the company’s efforts. Meena Tea, which was introduced in 2003 as the first organic tea produced in Bangladesh. The liquor’s golden color and strength in flavor are the distinguished characteristics of the tea. In following suite with this successful brand, the company is looking to launch a small quantity of tea in packet loose leaf and tea bags, which will be sold though their affiliated organic outlet Meena Bazaar in Dhaka City, and other outlets or retailers. “We are also in the process of installing machines to produce organic green tea by early next year.” These branded packets will be the first single-estate, pure organic tea marketed in the country, since their economy does not support such practices that wish to reduce the use of poly or plastic materials. Kazi & Kazi Tea is trying to package their products using jute bags and hand-made rough-hewn tea chests. “All of this is a unique and unprecedented effort in this market.”
The company’s objective goes hand in hand with their actions, and they are dedicated to maintaining high standards and ensuring superior quality. They are very hopeful about their future, and with their successful venture into organic tea, they have every reason to be. “Please remember, that while our vision is large and optimistic, we are a very, very young garden – only five years – and some goals are necessarily far off, but we are so energized, that much of it is already initiated,” said Dr. Ahmed. Although the company is not doing any direct exports yet, they were able to sell their tea at Harrods in London in 2004, which has shown interest in continuing to carry the product for later 2005.
Tetulia Tea is named for the region in northern Bangladesh, located in Tetulia. The company was established in 2000.
Tetulia is the only tea garden in Bangladesh to be USDA certified organic garden.
The garden sprang forth from virgin land nestled against the Himalayas to the north to the Brahmaputra and Ganges rivers to the South. Into this perfect tea-growing land, Tetulia Tea has introduced strong, vibrant saplings, which were planted with care in the new millennium.
With the producing organic tea, Tetulia Tea has the mission is to sustain the land and the people while producing top-quality tea. Established on virgin soil and grown following Masanobu Fukuoka’s “natural farming” method.
In the motto of rebuilding the local ecosystem, their cooperative has established revolutionary education, health and cattle-lending programs for the people working in the garden and surrounding areas in Tetulia.
Gemcon Limited being the pioneer in the field of SPC electric poles, established the plant over a land of 35 Acres in Panchagarh district which is situated in the least developed area in the northern part of Bangladesh. All the products in the plant are manufactured by using indigenous raw materials. The factory has created direct or indirect job opportunity for more than 1500 people and helping the nation in poverty alleviation.
Gemcon Limited was incorporated in the year 1983. Immediately after incorporation; a project was undertaken to manufacture SPC Electric poles, Concrete, Railway sleepers, Sheet piles, Hollow core slabs, PC blocks and other concrete products with approval of the government of Bangladesh. While Bangladesh Power Development Board accorded its consent for such a plant, the project was financed by Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Sangtha and Investment Corporation of Bangladesh.
Gem Jute Limited was established in Panchagarh in 2003, with the corporate vision is to improve the livelihood of the local population by providing employment and advancement opportunities, stimulate the local economy through direct and indirect economic activities. Gem Jute promotes sustainable development and support the environment by providing high-quality, organic, biodegradable products to the world market.
In January 31, 2006, this company achieved the ISO 9001:2000 certification.
Gem Jute limited products the following items:
1. Hessian cloth
2. Hessian bags
3. Sacking cloth
4. Gunny bags
5. Nursery cloth
6. Canvass
7. Ropes
8. Rot-proof cloth
9. Poly coated bags to protect seeds & other materials from air
10. Export yarn, all qualities including CRM, CRT and other fine yarn ranging from 4.8 lbs to 38 lbs.
11. Diversified products such as fancy bags, shopping bags, upholstery, curtain cloth, etc.
The Gem Jute Ltd. mill has been built on 60 acres of land. Gemcon (the parent company) started purchasing land for the establishment of Gem Jute Mills in 2002. It took 2 years to purchase enough land to build the mill. Development began in 2002 & was ready for machinery in 2003. Most machines are fully or almost assembled, while new machines are continuously being added.
The company objectives are to serve the local people by creating job opportunities, defend the environment, protect traditional agro-industries, and earn foreign currency for the country through a profit-making venture.
Panchagarh Sugar Mills Ltd.
Under Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) , Panchagarh Sugar Mills Ltd. is the oldest industry of the district. The factory is situated in Panchagarh Sadar.
Panchagarh Sugar Mills was set up by the Government in 1965-69 at a cost of Tk.55.55 million. It is near the district Head Quarter of Panchagarh and is the northern most sugar mill in Bangladesh. Machinery and equipment of the sugar mill were supplied by M/S. Stork Werkspoor of Holland. The sugar mill started its trial production in 1969-70. Since independence of Bangladesh (until 2005), the sugar mill has produced 8,536 m. tons of Sugar per annum on average at an average sugar recovery rate of 8.10% from sugarcane.
Highest sugar production was 16,612 m. tons in 1994-95. There are about 31,000 acres of cane-cultivable land in the mill-zone of Panchagarh Sugar Mill of which 10,500 acres per annum on average is brought under sugarcane cultivation.
| Name of the Company : | Panchagarh Sugar Mills Ltd. |
| Factory Address : | Panchagarh Sadar, Panchagarh, Bangladesh |
| Year of Establishment : | 1969 |
| Date of Incorporation Registration : | 20 July 1970 |
| Date of Commencement of Production : | 1969-70 | ||||
| Date of Placement under Corporation : | President Order No. 27 of 1972 | ||||
| Status : | Public Limited Company | ||||
| History of the Company : | Panchagarh Sugar Mills Ltd. was established in the year 1970 under the erstwhile EPIDC and owned by the Government | ||||
| Operational Structure : | Name of Product 1. Sugar 2. Molasses (By-Product) | Installed Capacity 10,160 MT. 4,500 MT. | No. of shift (s) 3 - | ||
| Human Resources : | Officer (Permanent) Staff (Permanent) Staff (Seasonal) Worker (Permanent) Worker (Seasonal) Total | 48 256 172 192 145 813 | |||
| Organization : | i) Board of Directors ii) General Manager iii) Divisional Manager | ||||
| Shareholders : | Govt. of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh / BSFI 100% | ||||
| Sector : | Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation – Sugar and Food Sector. | ||||
| Regulatory Environment : | State Owned Enterprise, regulated by Companies Act 1913. | ||||
| Current Status : | Running | ||||
| Total land area (198.46 acres) : | Total Factory Residential Area Experimental Farms Cane Purchase Centre Land (Commercial Farm) | 40.00 acres 26.00 acres 110.85 acres 21.61 acres Nil | |||
Production :Solthori Mosque, Atwari, Panchagarh Other Tourist Spots and Places of Interest in Panchagarh Softhori Mosque, is in middle of Atwari – Boda road and on the border of Atwari and Thakurgaon upazila. This mosque is considered as the oldest mosque of the district. The mosque is a similar copy of the dome mosque of Mugrapara of Sonargaon in Narayanganj district of Bangladesh, which was build during the Sultani period, in 1478. Softhori Mosque was build by Sudharu Saha. No information was found about its construction time, but for its design and structure, it is considered that Solthori Mosque was build during the Sultani period. Squire sized Solthori Mosque has only 12 foot width walls, with no principal place for the Imam. Hence the height of the entrance gate is very low, the musollis needs to lower their head to enter inside the mosque. And only 5 people can pray together once. North and South side walls has 2 small doors, and has squire panel on the walls. All four walls are connected with four round minarets. East and west side walls does not have panels on the walls. The wide compound of the front has an arch. The arch has changed its real look for time to time constructions or changes. Also the walls was designed with flower and leafs. For earthquake, Solthori Mosque subsided a lot, but was constructed recently (in 2007). [Source : Photo and description taken from Panchagarh Jelar Itihas O Lokosanskriti ] | (2001-2002) 12390 M. Tones (2002-2003) 9708 M. Tones (2003-2004) 8011 M. Tones (2004-2005) 7030 M. Tones (2005-2006) 10105 M. Tones Some photos of Marshall Distilleries, in Panchagarh.
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