Bagha Mosque, located at Bagha of Rajshahi. Photo: Wikipedia

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Feb 8, 2025 (BSS)- Prospects of expanding, flourishing and 
promoting the tourism sector in many areas of Rajshahi division are very 
bright as it has historical, archeological and natural sites to attract the 
tourists from home and abroad. 

There is a need for more investment through adopting time befitting measures 
of enriching the sites for bolstering the economic condition of the region 
after the best use of the tourism sector. 

Talking to BSS here Shafiuddin Ahmed, one of the think-tanks in this field, 
said the Rajshahi Division is rich in history, culture and archaeology. There 
are also some excellent natural sites. The popular tourist destinations are 
Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Chapainawabganj and Natore.

Sompur Mahavihar in Naogaon, Varendra Research Museum, Puthia Rajbari Complex 
and Bagha Shahi Masjid in Rajshahi, Mahasthangarh and Lakshindar Behular 
Basar Ghar in Bogura, Choto Sona Mosque in Chapainawabganj, Kusumba Mosque in 
Naogaon and Natore Royal Palace in Natore are among the top tourist 
destinations.

Varendra Research Museum, the oldest museum in Bangladesh, is managed by 
Rajshahi University and will be a trip down memory lane. The museum is barely 
a kilometre away from Rajshahi Zero Point. 

Among the natural attractions, Chalan Beel in Natore and Pabna, Nandail and 
Achranga Dighi in Joypurhat, Baba Adam's Shrine and Dighi in Bogura are some 
great sites.

Rajshahi is also famous for traditional sweetmeats like Roshkodom and 
Kanchagolla. Varieties of mangoes like Fazli, Langra, Khirshapat, Himsagor in 
Chapainawabganj are known to all. Rajshahi silk has fame around the world.

Like other public universities in the country, Rajshahi University (RU) is 
less than five kilometres to the east of the heart of the city. The campus 
offers a sight of a different life, a beautiful life. From Paris Road to 
Charukala Road, the placid campus offers a scenic beauty.

All these are sufficient for tourists from home and abroad. Time befitting 
measures of enriching the sites are also needed. Improved communication and 
services, along with the necessary infrastructure, will help draw investment. 
All the steps may bolster the economic condition of the region through 
tourism.

Dr Tasiqul Islam, former principal of Shahmukhdum Degree College, said it 
will be possible to earn millions of revenue from this sector if 
international standard hotels and motels are established in the region 
besides improving communication and security measures.

Sharing his views on the issue, Md Tarek Ali, a student in the department of 
sociology at RU, said the region nestled in the verdant plains of Bangladesh, 
holds inside its bounds a treasure trove of social legacy, characteristic 
quality, and chronicled noteworthiness.

However, the tourism spots remain, to a great extent, undiscovered in spite 
of its colossal potential. 

The advancement of Rajshahi's tourism division has the potential to serve as 
a catalyst for economic growth and thriving within the locale.

Ali mentioned that tourism, when supported deliberately, can create business 
openings in different segments, from neighborliness to transportation to 
craftsmanship to amusement.

Rajshahi can tackle tourism to invigorate business enterprises and small-
scale businesses, subsequently contributing to destitution easing and 
financial advancement by contributing to the framework side by side with 
advancing nearby businesses and showcasing activities.
 
It has also the potential to develop as an economical tourism goal that 
enhances the lives of both guests and local people alike through boosting the 
region's wealthy social legacy, normal excellence and human capital.

Ali opined that stakeholders collaborating synergistically can be the crucial 
means of opening up the existing potential and clear the way for a brighter, 
more affluent future for Rajshahi and its individuals.

Dr Naheed Sultana, regional director of Archeological Department, said huge 
development was done centering Mahasthangarh museum after acquiring six acres 
of land.

Besides, steps have been taken to expand tourism of 17 monument sites in the 
region. The northern region will turn into a potential tourist zone when the 
historical and ancient sites are protected and developed, she added.