Gaibandha at a glance in English, according to Population Census

2011 & other resources, for 35th BCS Viva Voce as well as other
examinations. Edited & compiled by NH Ahmed Shamim
Gaibandha Page
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Background:
Gaibandha was previously a subdivision/ Mahakuma of former greater Rangpur district.
Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the district name. There is hearsay that during the
reign of Pancho Pandab, the present district headquarters was used for tying about 60,000 royal cows
(meaning Gai in Bengali) of the kingdom of Birat. The district might have originated its name as
Gaibandha from the above word.

Geographic Area and Location:

Gaibandha district is bounded on
the north by Kurigram and Rangpur
districts, on the south by Bogra district, on
the east by Jamalpur, Kurigram districts
and Brahmaputra river, on the west by
Dinajpur and Rangpur districts. It lies
between 2502 and 2539 north latitudes
and between 8911 and 8946east
longitudes. Total area of the district is
2179.27 Sq. km [According to BBS, 2114.77
sq km]. The ancient name of the area was
Bhabanigonj (actually Bhabanigonj was

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the name of a village which was under
Fulchari thana). It has become a district on
15th February, 1984. The postal code is
5700 and NWD Code is 0541.

Administration:
The district was established in
1984. The district consists of 7 upazilas, 82
unions, 1101 mauzas (1106), 1250 villages
(1249), 3 paurashavas, 27 wards and 74
mahallas. The upazilas are Fulchhari,
Gaibandha Sadar, Gobindaganj, Palashbari,
Sadullapur, Saghatta and Sundarganj.

Administration Personalities:
Administrator of Zila Porishod: Syed Shamsul Alam (Hiru)
Deputy Commissioner (DC): Md. Abdus Samad

Township:
The area of Gaibandha Town is 17.63 sq km. This town was established in 1875 when the
subdivision was transferred from Bhabaniganj to Gaibandha. Gaibandha Municipality was established
in 1923.
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Archaeological Heritage and Relics:
Gaibandha is one of the oldest zilas of Bangladesh. A considerable number of archaeological
heritages are found in this zila. Among them Vardhan Kuthi of Gobindaganj (17th century), House of
Naldanga Zamindar along with its Shiva Linga made of black basalt, Vrisa Mandir of white stone and
a large pond, Mosque of Shah Sultan Gazi at Mirer Bagan (1308), Ochena Gach in Malibari, House of
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Bamandanga Zamindar, Mosque at Jamalpur, large pond at Faridpur, Masta Mosque at Gobindaganj, Page | 2
Bhabanigonj Post Office, Baguriya Tahsil Office are notable archaeological heritage and relics of this
district.

Historical Events:
This region was a part of the Mourya, Pala, Gupta and Kamarupa kingdoms at different times.
A movement was held in 1783 in this district against collection of excess taxes. Anti British
movement (1921) and Tebhaga movement (1946) were initiated in the district. Fayezuddin and Puti
Sheikh were killed by Police firing in 1949 in a movement to stop collection of tolls at hats and
bazars. A Peasant Convention was held at Fulchhari in 1956 under the leadership of Maulana Abdul
Hamid Khan Bhasani.

Famous Personalities:
Gaibandha is the homeland of many nationally and internationally renowned personalities.
Some of them are mentioned below:
T. I. M. Nurunnabi Chowdhury: He was born at Chondiya village of Fulchari thana under
Gaibandha district in 1885 AD. His father, Niyamat Ullah Chowdhury, was a respected Zotdar. He
completed his Honours Degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. He was appointed
an Indian Civil Service Officer in 1919. He was also the first Muslim ICS Officer from Gaibandha
region. He worked as Deputy Magistrate, S. D. O and District Judge. During Pakistan reign, he

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worked as Divisional Commissioner, Secretary of LGED and member of Board of Revenue. He
was the introducer of self-dependent movement of the country.

Ahmed Hossain: He was born at Zadur Tair village of Saghata thana under Gaibandha district in
1898 AD. After achieving B. A degree in Arabic Literature from Aligarh Muslim University, he
completed L.L.B from Calcutta University. He worked for Agricultural Ministry of Hossen Shahid
Sohrawardis Govt. as agricultural minister. He established Alia Madrasah and sugar mill at
Mahimagonj and Agricultural Training Institute in Gaibandha.

Abu Hossain Sarker: He was born at Khordo Komorpur village of Sadullapur upzila under
Gaibandha district in 1885 AD. His fathers name was Sarker Abdullah. He joined in politics
inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Moulana Abdul Kalam Azad, Shawkat Ali & Mohammad Ali. He
was elected chairman of Rangpur Zilla Board in 1937. He was assigned as the Chief Minister of
the then East Pakistan in 1955. His Govt. passed Purbo Bango Projasotto Ayen with a view to
demolishing Jamindari Protha. He also led to establish Bangla Academy. As a result, he was the
chief guest of inauguration programmed of Bangle Academy on 3rd December, 1955.

Shah Abdul Hamid: He was born at Folsigram of Gumanigonj union of Gobindogonj thana
under Gaibandha district in 1900 AD. He joined in Awami League in 1955. He was elected as a
member of the central Law Assembly in 1970. After liberation war, he was assigned as the first
speaker of Gono Parishad. He died on 2nd May (1st May-12:30 AM), 1972.

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 Hamid Uddin Kha: He was advocate, social worker, political person and athlete. He was the first
MLA of this region during the British reign. He was assigned as the first recruiting officer of the
British Army in the first world war of 1914. The British Govt. formed a combined managing
committee, Gaibandha and Kurigram Mohokuma, in 1921. He was the first elected member of the
committee. He was honored as KHAN SHAHEB by the British Govt. He was the first selected
Vice Chairman of Gaibandha Municipality. Page
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Khan Bahadur Abdul Mazid: He was born in 1880 at komornoi village near to Gaibandha town.
During the British reign, the Muslims were not interested in learning English. He inspired them to learn
English. He established a High Madrashah which is known N.H Modern high School at present. He
was the founder of Co-operative Movement. He honored title Khan Bahadur during the British reign.
He was the Honorary Magistrate and member of Rangpur Zila Board and Local Board.

Mohiuddin Kha: He was the first elected member of Rangpur region of Bangiya Ayen Parishad.
He also associated with Khelafat Movement and O-sohojog movement.

Tulsi Lahiri: He was born at Naldanga village of Sadullapur thana under Gaibandha district on 7th
April, 1897 AD. His fathers name was Surendranath Lahiri who was the manager of Dimla Estate
of Rangpur. After completing B. A. and B. L., he practised in Rangpur court and later Alipur court.
He was also a playwright. Based on the famine of the 1350 Bangla year (1943AD), he wrote
Dukhir Imam, Chera Tar, Mayer Dabi, Pothik, Lokkhi Priyar Songsar. He composed a numerous
songs besides acting on the stage. He was influenced by Kazi Nazrul Islam. And so, a lot of songs
of Tulsi Lahiri are known as Nazrul Geeti. He died on 22nd June, 1959.

Akhteruzzaman Elias: He was born on 12th February, 1943 at his maternal uncles house which
was situated at Gotiya village of Saghata thana under Gaibandha district. His fathernal grandfather

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lived at Chelopara in Bogra. His nickname was Monzu and his father Badiuzzaman Mohammad
Elias was a member of East Bengal Provincial Assembly. His mothers name was Begum Mariam
Elias. He worked as lecturer, vice-principal, professor in different period. He was a member of
Mofiz Uddin Shikkha Commission. He married Suraiya Tutul in 1973. He was a famous Bengali
writer who wrote Chilekothar Sepai which was about the psychological journey of a man during
the turbulent period just prior to Bangladeshi independence in 1971. It contains what is arguably
the most authentic description of life in Puran Dhaka. Khoabnama was another significant novel
in which he depicts the socio-political scene in rural pre-partition Bangladesh. He finished writing
the novel on 31st December, 1995. He also wrote a book on essays named Shongskritir bhanga
shetu. His short stories are Protishodh; Onno Ghore Onno Shor; Khoari; Milir hat e Sten
Gun; Opoghat; Jal Shopno, Shopner Jal; Raincoat; Dojokher Om; Dudhbhate Utpat; etc. On
13th January, 1996, the doctor ensured him of bone cancer. And so, his right leg was cut off on 20th
March, 1996. He was awarded Bangla Academy Puroskar (1983); Alaol Sahityo Puroskar
(1987); Profullo Kumar Sarker Sriti Anondo Puroskar (1996); Kazi Mahbub Ullah Swarno Padak
(1996); Sadat Ali Akondo Puroskar (1996); Ekushey Padak (posthumous) in 1999. He died on 4th
January, 1997 at Malibag Community Hospital and buried in the graveyard of South Bogra beside
his parents grave.

Poresh Chandra Chowdhury: He was born at Damodorpur village of Sadullapur thana under
Gaibandha district in 1919 AD. He was involved in the language movement and liberation war. He
died in 1992.

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 Siraz Uddin Ahmed: He was born at Amdohor village of Vatgram Union of Sadullapur upzila
under Gaibandha district in 1895 AD. He was well known advocate as well as politician. He was
assigned as the Deputy Speaker of the then East Pakistan Provincial Assembly. He died in 1969 AD.
Mahbub Elahi Ronju, Bir Protik: Valiant freedom fighter and Company Commander of the
"Ronju Company" in the War of Liberation, 1971. Page
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A. T. M Khaled (Dulu), Bir Protik: He was born in Gaibandha district on 27th January, 1952. His father
was Golam Moula Pramanik & mother was Rezia Khatun. He fought in the liberation war in the sector 11th.

Marks of the War of Liberation:

Rostam Ali Khandaker, Jahedul Haque Badal, Afzal Hossain, Kabez Ali, Osman Gani, Abdus
Sobhan, Mahmudul Haque Sahjada and Goutam Chandra Modak are the significant freedom fighters.
There are 3 mass killing sites, 3 mass graves and 2 memorial monuments that bear the testimony of
Liberation War in the district.

Population:
According to BBS, the district aggregate population is 23,79,255 of which males are 11,69,127 and
females are 12,10,128. The density is 1,125/km2 (2,900/sq mi) [According to http://www.gaibandha.gov.bd,
the population is 24,30,627 of which males are 12,30,938 and females are 11,99,689.]

Literacy:
Among population aged 7 years & over, the literacy rate of this district is 42.8% (Both male
and female) in which male 46.3% and female 39.5%. [According to http://www.gaibandha.gov.bd,
54%]. There are 1,251 primary schools.
Literacy (7+) rate of 2001 & 2011
Upazila 2001 2011

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Male Female Both Male Female Both
Fulchhari 33.2 22.1 27.7 34.6 27.9 31.2
Gaibandha Sadar 44.5 34.8 39.7 50.8 44.4 47.5
Gobindaganj 42.9 32.5 37.8 45.8 39.5 42.6
Palashbari 44.0 33.7 38.9 51.4 44.0 47.6
Sadullapur 40.4 30.9 35.7 47.0 41.3 44.1
Saghata 40.4 28.2 34.3 45.0 36.4 40.6
Sundarganj 36.2 26.0 31.1 44.3 37.1 40.6
Total 40.9 30.5 35.7 46.3 39.5 42.8
Temperature and Rainfall:
The maximum and minimum temperature in Gaibandha varies from 33.5C to 10.5C. The
annual average rainfall of the district is 2536 mm. The summer season commences in April and lasts
up to June. The monsoon usually sets in early June and continues till the end of September. The winter
season sets in early November and lasts up to the end of February. In the months of January & February
relatively severe cold is experienced in the district due to its proximity to the Himalayan hills.
Main Rivers:
Ghaghat, Karatoya, Bangali and Tista are the main rivers flows through Gaibandha Zila.
Industry:
There is one sugar mill, one cotton mill, 35 biscuit factories, 28 ice factories, one plastic pipe factory
in this district.
Prepared by : NH Ahmed Shamim
 General Information
1.01 Broad classification of area 2011
(In sq. km.) Upazila Total area Land area Reserve forest Riverine area
Fulchhari 314.03 277.56 0 39.60
Gaibandha Sadar 324.05 288.22 0 32.04
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Gobindaganj 460.42 431.96 0 28.40
Palashbari 185.24 185.19 0 0.12
Sadullapur 230.12 225.64 0 53.00
Saghata 231.02 206.61 0 19.16
Sundarganj 369.85 312.86 0 49.26
Total 2114.77 1928.04 0 221.58

1.02 Number of municipality, union, mauza, mahalla and village 2011

Upazila Municipality Ward (PSA) Mahalla Union Mauza Village
Fulchhari 0 0 0 7 80 85
Gaibandha Sadar 1 9 35 13 130 144
Gobindaganj 1 9 22 17 339 373
Palashbari 0 0 0 9 161 160
Sadullapur 0 0 0 11 166 169
Saghata 0 0 0 10 117 130
Sundarganj 1 9 17 15 110 189
Total 3 27 74 82 1103 1250

1.03 Number of household, population and density 2011

Upazila Household Population (000) Sex ratio Average size Density

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Male Female Both Sex (M/F) of household per Sq. km.
Fulchhari 40489 83 83 165 100 4.08 526
Gaibandha S. 109628 214 223 437 96 3.96 1349
Gobindaganj 132572 256 259 515 99 3.88 1118
Palashbari 63307 120 125 245 96 3.87 1321
Sadullapur 75235 140 147 287 96 3.82 1249
Saghata 68954 131 137 268 95 3.88 1159
Sundarganj 122098 226 236 462 96 3.77 1249
Total 612283 1169 1210 2379 97 3.88 1125

1.04 Population and literacy rate of 1981, 1991, 2001 & 2011 and number of voter 2011
Upazila Population (000) Literacy rate (%) Number of voter (000)
1981 1991 2001 2011 1981 1991 2001 2011 Male Female Total
Fulchhari 117 129 138 165 11.25 16.1 27.68 31.2 45 48 93
Gaibandha Sa. 287 359 392 437 27.14 28.2 39.68 47.5 134 144 278
Gobindaganj 322 415 461 515 14.63 23.1 37.76 42.6 161 171 332
Palashbari 172 210 231 245 20.8 26.4 38.9 47.6 75 81 156
Sadullapur 200 243 266 287 24 31.0 33.0 44.1 86 86 172
Saghata 169 232 250 268 19 22.0 34.0 40.6 83 87 170
Sundarganj 310 360 398 462 16.4 24.1 31.2 40.6 134 146 281
Total 1577 1948 2136 2379 19.9 24.3 35.7 42.8 718 763 1482

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1.05 Number of religious institution 2011
Upazila Mosque Eid-Gah Temple (Mandir) Church (Girza) Pagoda Others
Fulchhari 262 56 15 0 0 0
Gaibandha 750 327 98 0 0 0
Sadar
Gobindaganj 518 168 150 1 0 0 Page
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Palashbari 330 155 13 0 0 0
Sadullapur 437 230 32 0 0 0
Saghata 442 29 62 0 0 0
Sundarganj 724 212 70 0 0 0
Total 3463 1177 440 1 0 0

1.06 Name of land/ river port, important or historical/tourist places/objects, important/famous

crop or food production 2011
Upazila River port Historical/ Tourist Place/ Object Distance between DC Office
& upazila by road (km)
Fulchhari Balashi Ghat - 15
Gaibandha Sadar - Ochin Gach (Malibari), Mirer 1
Bagan, Pagla Pir Mazar
Gobindaganj - Raja birat, Masta Parchir Mosque 38
Palashbari - Dreamland Park 22
Sadullapur - Jamalpur Shahi Mosque 13
Saghata Karotoya - 22
Sundarganj - Bamondanga Rajbari 35

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