Rangpur Division is one of the Divisions in Bangladesh. It was formed on 25 January 2010, as Bangladesh's 7th division. Before that, it was under Rajshahi Division. The Rangpur division consists of eight districts. There are 58 Upazilas or subdistricts under these eight districts. Rangpur is the northernmost division of Bangladesh and has a population of 17,610,956 in the 2022 Census. The major cities of Rangpur Division are Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Saidpur. Once considered the poorest division in Bangladesh, with over a third of the population living in extreme poverty in 2016, according to World Bank data, Rangpur has seen a major transformation, largely driven by industrial growth and improved infrastructure. Rangpur is now home to thriving industries, including food processing, textiles, and light engineering, especially in cities like Rangpur and Saidpur. The establishment of manufacturing units for ceramics, electronics, and consumer goods has stimulated the local economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. Saidpur has also become a center for railway workshops and an expanding light engineering sector. The expansion of natural gas lines, better road infrastructure, and enhanced rail connectivity have been crucial to supporting these industries, allowing for more efficient production and distribution across the region. While agriculture remains important, with Rangpur being a key producer of rice, potatoes, and sugarcane, it is the rise of industry and infrastructure that has accelerated the division’s economic progress. The development of industrial zones, access to utilities like gas and electricity, and improved transport networks have positioned Rangpur as a growing hub for industry and commerce, helping lift the division out of its past struggles. This industrial and infrastructural growth reflects the determination and innovation of the people, transforming Rangpur into a region of increasing prosperity.

History

Mansingh, commander of Emperor Akbar, conquered part of Rangpur in 1575. Rangpur came completely under the Mughal empire in 1686. Mughalbasa and Mughalhat of Kurigram district still bear marks of the Mughal rule in the region. During the Mughal rule part of Rangpur was under the sarkar of Ghoraghat, and part under the sarkar of Pinjarah. Rangapur Ghoraghat has been mentioned in the Riyaz-us-Salatin. During the early period of the company rule Fakir-Sannyasi Rebellion and peasant rebellion were held in Rangpur.

Administrative divisions

Rangpur Division was formed by taking 8 northern districts of Rajshahi Division. Now it has 8 Districts, 58 Upazilas, 1 City Corporation, 21 Pourasavas and 536 Union councils.

Demographics

According to the 2011 census, the total population of Rangpur Division is 15,787,758 and population density is 980/km2. 51.18% of total population is male, and 48.82% is female. Bengali's are the majority community. Notable native ethnic groups are Santal, Munda, Oraon, Rajbanshi including Kaibarta and Koch. Most of the people of Rangpur Division are Muslims. Hindus are a large minority whereas a small number of adherents of Christianity and other religions are also seen.

Communication

Rangpur has good road, rail and air communications with the capital as well as other parts of the country. The N5 (National Highway 5) links the division with the capital. There are a total of 21 express trains which connect different districts of the division with the capital and other parts of the country. There are also three Domestic airports, among them Saidpur Airport is the major one.

Transportation

The main transportation methods here are by air, rail, or road. To travel by air, people have to first travel to Dhaka Domestic Airport and then fly to Saidpur Airport (DAC-SPD route). Seven flights travel this route daily. The US-Bangla Airlines, Novoair, and the Biman offer the flights. The distance by airways from Dhaka to Saidpur is 254.28 km (158 mi). By rail, the district is accessible from Kamalapur Railway Station which runs a daily-except-Sunday train Rangpur Express to Rangpur Railway Station. The total journey by rail is of 453 km (281 mi). By road, travelers have to travel 307 km (191 mi) using the Savar-Kaliakair route or 327 km (203 mi) using the Tongi-Mawna route, Shamu.

Legacy

Rangpur has lent its name to the fruit Rangpur (fruit) and Tanqueray Rangpur Gin.