Ranirbandar is a traditional, renowned, and prominent commercial hub located at the junction of Chirirbandar, Khansama, and Parbatipur upazilas in the Dinajpur District of northern Bangladesh.
Naming history According to local history and folklore, there are two primary theories regarding the origin of the name "Ranirbandar," both centered around royal history and river-based maritime trade via the Ichamati River (Dinajpur).
In ancient times, large merchant boats operated through the rivers of this region. Legend states that a royal boat (Ranir Naoka) or a fleet belonging to a queen once anchored at the riverbank here. The local name "Ranirbandar" gradually developed centering on this royal arrival and the riverbank port or market ('Bandar').
According to another local historical perspective, a prominent resident named Rani Surmabala contributed significantly to the livelihood, development, and commercial expansion of the local people. To express gratitude for her generosity and cooperation, the local residents named this commercial area "Ranirbandar" after her.
In short, the area gained recognition as "Ranirbandar" from the combination of the words 'Rani' (Queen) and 'Bandar' (Port/Market).
History and heritage Glorious History of the Liberation War: Ranirbandar has a significant historical role in the Great Liberation War of 1971. The Ranirbandar J.B. High School ground stands as a historical witness, serving as one of the major killing grounds (Badhya Bhumi) and mass graves during the war.
Traditional Cattle Market: The biggest heritage of Ranirbandar is its traditional cattle market (Poshur Hat). It is recognized as one of the largest and most famous livestock markets in North Bengal, where bustling trade takes place throughout the year, especially during the Eid-ul-Adha season.
Location and area Location: East: Saidpur Upazila of Nilphamari District West: Dinajpur Sadar Upazila North: Khansama Upazila South: Chirirbandar Upazila North-East (Nishan Kon): Nilphamari Sadar Upazila South-East (Agni Kon): Parbatipur Upazila North-West (Bayu Kon): Kaharole Upazila
Estimated area: Approximately 127 square kilometers.
Demographic data According to the 2022 census, the demographic data of the area is as follows: Total population: 1,76,183 Male population: 88,701 (50.4%) Female population: 87,482 (49.6%) Population sensity: 1,385.4 people per square kilometer.
Ranirbandar area (Administrative boundaries) Ranirbandar area encompasses the following administrative units: Five Unions of Chirirbandar Upazila: Noshratpur Union Tetulia Union Satnala Union Alokdihi Union Fatejangpur Union
Southern parts of two Unions under Khansama Upazila: Bhavki Union: 4 Villages (Kumria, Bhavki, Chakaniya, Kachinia, Sabek Gotiya, Dhani Gotiya, Kongaon, Ghorideoba, and Marotiya) Goaldihi Union: 2 Villages (Two villages adjacent to Noshratpur and Fatejangpur unions of Chirirbandar upazila)
One Village of Parbatipur Upazila: Sonapukur Village under Belaichandi Union
Education According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, the overall literacy rate of the Ranirbandar area (spanning across Chirirbandar, Khansama, and Parbatipur upazilas) is 75.88%. Among them, the male literacy rate is 78.88% and the female literacy rate is 72.90%.
Educational institutions Secondary schools Sunlight School and College, Ranirbandar Alokdihi J.B. High School, Ranirbandar Child Care Residential School, Ranirbandar Ranirbandar Nazrul Institute (N.I) Girls' High School Noshratpur Palli Unnayan Adarsha High School, Ranirbandar South Noshratpur High School, Bolai Bazar Bhushirbandar High School Bhushirbandar Chomir Uddin Sarkar Memorial Girls' High School Singganagar High School, Tetulia Sukhipir Multi-purpose High School, Satnala Satnala Dimukhi High School Ghantaghar Adarsha Girls' High School Fatejangpur High School Hashimpur High School Hashimpur Mollapara High School Dangarhat High School Kachinia Girls' High School Kumria B.L. High School Sonapukur Suravi High School
Colleges Ichamati Degree College, Ranirbandar Ichamati Mohila College, Ranirbandar Ranirbandar Mohila College Sunlight School and College, Ranirbandar Fatejangpur Mahavidyalaya Sukhipir Mahavidyalaya, Satnala Alokdihi Ideal College
Markets and bazaars Notable markets (Hat-Bazaar) Ranirbandar Suihari Bazaar Ranirbandar Puratan Bazaar Ranirbandar Cattle Market (Poshur Hat) Kalitola Bazaar Bhushirbandar Hat and Bazaar Chowrongi Bazaar Gofoldih Bazaar Taraknath Hat Dangarhat Ghantaghar Bazaar Champatali Bazaar Kuihari Hat Baro Hashimpur Bazaar Kachinia Bazaar Fastganj Bazaar Sonapukur Rabeya Mor
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