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Physical Features of Bogra Zila

Background: Bogra District was established in 1821 consisting of 9 thanas of which 4 from Rajshahi
Zila (Adamdighi, Bogra, Sherpur, Nawkhila), 3 from Dinajpur Zila (Lalbazar, Badalgachhi, Khetlal),
and 2 from Rangpur Zila (Gobindaganj, Dewanganj). Subsequnetly, in 1984 Bogra Zila was divided
into two zilas (Bogra and Joypurhat). It is generally believed that the zila was named after the name of
Sultan Mohammad Nasiruddin Bughra Khan who was an independent Ruler of Bengal during 1279
- 1282 A.D.

Area and Location: The total area of the zila is 2898.68 sq. km (1119.18 sq. miles). The zila is
bounded on the north by Gaibandha Zila and Joypurhat Zila, on the east by Jamalpur Zila and
Sirajganj Zila, on the south by Sirajganj Zila and Natore Zila and on the west by Naogaon Zila and
Joypurhat Zila. It lies between 24°32' and 25°07' north latitudes and between 88°58' and 89°45' east
longitudes.

Administration: Bogra Zila consists of 12 upazilas, 108 unions, 1672 populated mauzas, 2618
villages, 11 paurashavas, 111 wards and 360 mahallas. The upazilas are Adamdighi, Bogra Sadar,
Dhunat, Dupchanchia, Gabtali, Kahaloo, Nandigram, Sariakandi, Shajahanpur, Sherpur, Shibganj and
Sonatola.

Township: Bogra is a zila headquarters city of Rajshahi Division. Bogra Municipality was established
in 1876. It was reconstituted as Bogra Municipal Committee as per provisions of the Municipal
Administration Ordinance, 1960. It was renamed Bogra Paurashava according to the Bangladesh
Local Councils and Municipal Committee (Amendment) order, 1972. It consists of 21 wards and 127
mahallas. The total area of the city is 68.63 sq. km. The entire city area is under paurashava. Bogra is
known as the industrial city of the North Bengal. Construction of the Bangabandhu Jamuna
Multipurpose Bridge has enhanced all kinds of trade and commerce in Bogra. The town is famous for
its cultural activities.

Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Among the archaeological heritages, Kherua Mosque at
Sherpur, remnants of the historical Mahasthangarh, Bara Masjid, Mazar (tomb) of Shah Sultan Balkhi,
Gokul Medh, Parshuram's Palace, Vasu Vihara are the notable.

Historical Events: Mahasthangarh (Former Pundranagara), located 10 km. to the north of Bogra
town, was the capital of Pundravardhana. During the 4th to 8th century BC this region was ruled by
various dynasties. From the middle of 8th century it went under Pala rule that continued till 12th
century. Sena King Vijayasena conquered the region defeating the last Pala King Madanpala. Bogra
came under the Muslim rule after Bakhtiyar Khalji conquered Nadia. In 1281-1290 AD, Sultan
Nasiruddin Bugra Khan, the second son of the emperor of Delhi Sultan Giyasuddin Balban became
the ruler of Bengal. Bogra was named after him. The anti British Fakir-Sannyasi movement spread
over Bogra region since the early British rule. The leader of the fakirs Majnu Shah had direct
encounters with the British. The Indigo Rebellion spread over Bogra in mid 19th century.

Marks of the War of Liberation: There are mass graves at Sonatola Upazila and Dhunat Upazila;
memorial monument at Kahaloo High School compound, Adamdighi Burning Ghat and Dhunat which
bear the testimony of the War of Liberation in Bogra Zila.

Temperature and Rainfall: The annual average temperature of the zila varies maximum 34.6°C to
minimum 11.9°C and the average annual rainfall of the zila is recorded 1610 mm.

Rivers: The main rivers of the zila are Jamuna, Karatoya, Nagar, Bangali and Ichamati.

Crops: In the farmlands, varieties of crops namely aus, aman, boro paddy, jute, wheat, potato, betel
leaf, vegetables, spices, pulses, oilseed, cotton, sugarcane etc. are produced in Bogra Zila. Paddy
covers about 76.05% of the temporary cropped gross area. The zila is very famous for modern
irrigation and scientific cultivation system.

xiv Community Report: Bogra