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| Lake View in Madaripur, Bangladesh |
Madaripur (Bengali: মাদারীপুর জেলা) (Urdu and Punjabi: مداری پور) is a district in central Bangladesh. It is a part of the Dhaka Division.
History of Madaripur:
Madaripur subdivision was established in 1854 under the district of Bakerganj. In 1873 it was separated from Bakerganj and annexed to Faridpur district. Madaripur subdivision was turned into a district in 1984. Madaripur district was named after sufi saint Badruddin Shah Madar (15th century). He was one of the sufi saints who came to Bangladesh from some Middle Eastern country in the 15th century to propagate Islam in Bengal. Shah Madar's dargah or tomb on the bank of the Arial Kha is visited every year by countless people seeking the blessings of the saint.
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| Beautiful view of Madaripur, Bangladesh |
One of the most important historical events that took place in Madaripur is the Faraizi Movement led by Haji Shariatullah (1781–1840). During the War of Liberation many direct encounters were held between the freedom fighters and the Pakistan army in Madaripur. The freedom fighters of Madaripur captured 40 Pakistani soldiers including a major and a captain.
Demographics:
The total population is 1137008, among them: male 50.29% and female 49.71%. The religion of the majority of the people is Islam, but there are also some Hindus. The specifications are: Muslim 85.67%, Hindu 13.72% and others 0.61%. Mosques 2844, temples 53 and churches 5.
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| Location of Madaripur in Bangladesh |
Geography:
Faridpur District and Padma River are on the north of the Madaripur district. Barisal is on the south, Shariatpur and Meghna River are on the east. Gopalgong District and Padma River are to its west. Madaripur (Town) consists of 9 wards and 33 mahallas.
The area of the town is 34.81 km². A few years before Madaripur was famous for Jute business and Jute industry, This was initiated before 1970 by one of the wealthiest Person A.R Howlader.
After the independence of Bangladesh, government seized all large private industries and formed BJMC. The industry then became sick. Local political leaders are generated by that Jute mill. Because of the jute industries in Madaripur, it attracted many businessmen. It provided many jobs and comfort to the local peoples. After its success just before 2000, the business started to lose its profits.
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| Kalkini College, Madaripur, Bangladesh |
Literacy and Educational Institutions:
The average literacy rate of Madaripur is 65.6%; among them: male 52% and female 48.9%. Among educational institutions, there are 17 colleges, 117 high schools, 437 government primary schools, 262 non-government primary schools, 6 kindergarten schools, 1 primary training institute, 1 vocational institute and 60 madrasas.
Subdivisions:
Madaripur is divided into 4 upazilas: Madaripur Sadar, Kalkini, Rajoir and shibchar upazila. The largest city of the district is Madaripur.
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| Monkeys in Madaripur, Bangladesh |
Economy:
Main occupations Agriculture 33.32%, fishing 1.1%, agricultural labourer 23.53%, wage labourer 3.87%, industry 1%, commerce 11.98%, transport 1.93%, construction 1.19%, service 10.14%, others 11.94%.
Madaripur is famous for date molasses (pataligur). It is best in the country. It is sweet is also famous. There is a jute mill (AR Howlader Jute Mills) there. That jute mill is now abolished due to political crisis of the place and now it the safety zone for great monkeys. The Municipality graveyard, a mosque, an office of local police and RAB office is now in that place. A.R. Howlader is called as the founder of modern Madaripur.
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| Fasiatala Flower Field in kalkini Madaripur |
Cultural Organizations:
There are 139 clubs, 18 libraries, 10 cinema halls, 70 women's organizations.
Main Crops:
The main crops are jute, paddy, peanut, onion, garlic, chili, sugarcane, mustard, pulse Fasiatala Flower and wheat.
Communication Roads:
The total measurements of all kinds of roads are: Metal 163 km, Semi Metal 154 km and Mud Road 4010 km.
Health Centers:
There are 4 hospitals, 8 clinics, 2 TB hospitals, 1 diabetic association, 57 health and family planning centers.
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| River Arial Khan in Madaripur |
Places of Interest:
The main places of public interests in Madaripur are Dargah of Shah Madar, Bajitpur Pronabanda Temple, Kadambari Ganesh Pagol Temple, Khalia Rajaram Roy's House, Mostafapur Parbat's Garden, Arialkha River, etc. In the middle of the town, there is a large lake. This lake is one of the biggest lakes in Bangladesh. The Madaripur Lake has a great view. Madaripur district's mosque, Chowdhury clinic, Niramoy clinic, Madaripur Municipality, Officer's Club, and District Shaheed Minar all are around the lake. During winter, the crop fields covered with yellow mustard flowers give a refreshing view, essence and the music of humming bees. The honey after the season, "mustard honey," is unique to the area. Also a lot of birds from many parts of the world spend the winter here, so the local lakes may be a good place to visit during that time.