Kushtia

City and District headquarter of Kushtia District

This article is about the city. For the district, see Kushtia District. For the subdistrict, see Kushtia Sadar Upazila.

City in Khulna, Bangladesh

Kushtia

কুষ্টিয়া

City

Skyline of Kushtia

Kushtia Municipal Building

Mausoleum of Lalon Shah

Kushtia Stadium

Shilpakala Academy

Haripur Bridge

Kushtia Medical College

Nickname:

Cultural capital

Kushtia

Location within Khulna Division

Show map of Khulna division

Kushtia

Location within Bangladesh

Show map of Bangladesh

Coordinates: 23°54′15″N 89°07′34″E﻿ / ﻿23.904082°N 89.126157°E﻿ / 23.904082; 89.126157
Country|  Bangladesh
Division| Khulna
District| Kushtia
Upazila| Kushtia Sadar
Municipality established| April 1, 1869; 156 years ago (1869-04-01)
Government

• Type| Municipality
• Body| Kushtia Municipality
Area

[1]

• Urban

| 42.79 km2 (16.52 sq mi)
Population

(2022)[2]

• Urban

| 221,804
• Urban density| 5,200/km2 (13,000/sq mi)
Time zone| UTC+06:00 (Bangladesh Standard Time)
Postcode|

7000, 7001, 7002

Municipal code| 60
ISO 3166 code| BD-30
Website| Kushtia Municipality

Kushtia (Bengali: কুষ্টিয়া (listenⓘ)) is a city located on the banks of the Gorai River in Bangladesh. It serves as the headquarters of Kushtia District and is considered the cultural capital of Bangladesh.[3] The city is known for its Tiler Khaja (sesame sweets), kulfi malai, and the Mausoleum of Lalon Shah.[4][5] Kushtia is home to numerous medium and heavy industries that playing a vital role in the national economy.[6][7] The area of Kushtia Municipality is 42.79 square kilometres (16.52 sq mi). According to the 2022 Bangladeshi census the population of Kushtia Municipality is 221,804.[8]

In 1864 the 'Kushtia Union Committee' was formed with 10 villages under the Kushtia subdivision. During this time, the town of Kushtia developed in the mouzas of Mojompur and Bahadurkhali. In 1869 the Kushtia Municipality was established.[9] With the construction of the Kushtia and Kushtia Court railway station in 1871 various industries began to emerge in the town. Among them, Mohini Mill and Renwick Jajneswar & Co Limited are notable.

## Etymology

[edit]

Kushtia has long been widely recognized as the "Cultural Capital" of Bangladesh. However there are differing opinions among historians regarding the origin of the name "Kushtia." The most widely accepted theory is found in Hamilton’s Gazette published in 1820. According to it Kushtia was once a major producer of jute. In the local dialect jute was called "Koshta" (a term still in use) or "Kushti" from which the name "Kushtia" is believed to have originated.

Some believe the name came from the Persian word 'Kushtah' meaning 'island of ashes'. Another theory suggests that the town developed around the "Kushti port" during the reign of the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.[10] [11]

## Geography

[edit]

Kushtia is located to the west of the capital Dhaka, north of Khulna and southeast of Rajshahi between 23º42΄ to 23º59΄ north latitude and 88º55΄ to 89º04΄ east longitude.

Southern part of the city

### Rivers and Canals

[edit]

The Gorai River near Haripur Bridge

To the north of Kushtia flows the Gorai River and to the east lies the Kaliganga River. The city mainly developed around the Gorai River. The Gorai is a distributary of the Padma River and the Kaliganga is a branch of the Gorai. To improve connectivity between the city and the areas of Haripur and Kaya a road bridge was constructed between 2013 and 2017 from Thanapara to Haripur named Haripur Bridge. People also cross the river via Ghorar Ghat in the Big Bazar area.

In 1949, the Gorai Canal was excavated to benefit Kushtia’s municipal residents, reduce waterlogging of agricultural land in parts of Mirpur Upazila, and expand the local waterways. The canal is 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi) long.[12] In 1954–55 under the Ganges-Kobadak Irrigation Project the Chourhas Canal was excavated.

## Transport

[edit]

Road
Chourhas Mor

A bus terminal was constructed in Kushtia in 1991 known as Kushtia Central Bus Terminal or Chourhas Bus Terminal.[13]

The commercial activities of the city are centered around NS Road. The city is connected by two national highways and three regional highways. The national highways are N704 known as the Kushtia–Jhenaidah or Kushtia–Rajshahi Highway, and N713 also known as the Kushtia Bypass Road which was constructed between 2016 and 2018.[14] The Kushtia–Jhenaidah Highway was upgraded to four lanes between 2020 and 2025.[15] The regional highways are R710 known as the Kushtia–Dhaka or Kushtia–Rajbari Highway, R745 know as Kushtia–Meherpur Highway and R747 know as Kushtia–Chuadanga Highway.

Rail

The first railway station in Bangladesh Jagati railway station is located in Jagati, Kushtia. On 15 November 1862 a 53.11 km broad-gauge railway line from Ranaghat in Kolkata to Jagati was inaugurated and the Jagati station was constructed. Later on 1 January 1871 the railway line was extended by 75 km to Goalundo Ghat leading to the establishment of Kushtia Court and Kushtia railway stations.[16] Currently, Kushtia Court railway station is the main station in Kushtia. It serves 4 intercity trains, 1 commuter train and 1 local train.[17]

## Education

[edit]

See also: List of educational institutions in Kushtia

Kushtia Medical College

During British rule several schools were established in Kushtia including Kushtia High School (1861), Kushtia Government Girls High School (1884), Kushtia Mission Secondary School (1898), Jagati Secondary School (1914), Dinmoni Secondary School (1930), Mohini Mohon Vidyapith (1941), and Sirajul Haque Muslim Secondary School (1945). In 1961 Kushtia Zilla School was founded which is currently one of the most popular schools in the city.

A college was established in Kushtia in 1910 but was closed due to lack of government financial support. Later in 1947 Kushtia College was established. It was nationalized in 1965 and renamed 'Kushtia Government College'. In 1964 Kushtia Polytechnic Institute was founded. In 1966 Kushtia Government Mohila College was established which was nationalized in 1979 and renamed 'Kushtia Government Women's College'. In 1967 the Government Commercial Institute was established which is now known as Kushtia Government Central College. In 1983 Kushtia Homeopathic Medical College was founded. In 1984 Kushtia Government Technical School and College was established. The plan to establish a medical college in Kushtia was initiated in 1978–1979 but it was postponed. Eventually in 2011 Kushtia Medical College was established and began its academic activities at Kushtia General Hospital. The college was officially inaugurated in 2023.

Kushtia has six colleges affiliated with the National University. These are Kushtia Government College Kushtia Government Mohila College Kushtia Islamia College Kushtia Adarsha Degree College Gorai Mohila College and Syed Masud Rumi Degree College. Other secondary and higher secondary institutions in Kushtia fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Jessore.

## Economy

[edit]

The economy of Kushtia is industry-based. The medium and heavy industries located here contribute to the national economy.[6][7] In addition to the BSCIC Industrial neighbourhoods Khajanagar and Poradah also play a significant role in this regard. According to a 2019 report by Prothom Alo 30 percent of Bangladesh's rice demand is met by production in Khajanagar.[18]

Big Bazar

The commercial center of Kushtia is Big Bazar. This market developed on the bank of the Gorai River at the eastern end of NS Road. The age of the market is evident from its old buildings and other infrastructure. The famous 'Rajar hat' (Hat of king) of Kushtia is located on the southern side of Big Bazar.[19] On the northern side of the market, there is a ghat named 'Ghorar Ghat'. An advisory committee is responsible for managing this market.[20]

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

1872| 9,245| —
1881| 9,717| +0.55%
1891| 11,199| +1.43%
1901| 5,330| −7.16%
1911| 6,095| +1.35%
1921| 7,849| +2.56%
1931| 9,405| +1.83%
1941| 13,842| +3.94%
1951| 21,129| +4.32%
1961| 24,952| +1.68%
1974| 36,199| +2.90%
1981| 71,062| +10.12%
1991| 72,427| +0.19%
2001| 86,066| +1.74%
2011| 102,988| +1.81%
2022| 221,804| +7.22%
Note: In 1901, three wards of Kushtia Municipality were separated to form a union.[21][22][8]

According to the 2022 Bangladesh census, Kushtia city had a population of 221,804.[8]: 388–394

Religions in Kushtia city (2011)[23]

Religion |  | Percent
Islam |

| 89.84%
Hinduism |

| 9.66%
Other or not stated |

| 0.50%

According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, Kushtia city had 23,037 households and a population of 102,988. 15,788 (15.33%) were under 10 years of age. Kushtia had a literacy rate (age 7 and over) of 74.85%, compared to the national average of 51.8%, and a sex ratio of 947 females per 1000 males.[23]

## Places of interest

[edit]

* Mausoleum of Lalon Shah
* Kushtia Municipality Office
* Municipal Building
* Municipal Museum
* Bijoy Ullas (sculpture)
* Palki and Bearers (sculpture)
* Tagore Lodge (Kushtia Kuthi Bari)
* Mohini Mill

Parks and entertainment centers

* Kamrul Islam Siddique Municipal Shishu Park
* Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Shishu Park
* Porimal Theatre
* Shaheed Abrar Fahad Stadium
* Kushtia Swimming Pool
* Haripur Bridge
* Zila Parishad Rabindra-Lalon Garden

## Notable people

[edit]

* Abrar Fahad – BUET student who was beaten to death by leaders of the university's Chhatra League branch
* Abdul Karim Shah – Bangladeshi Baul singer
* Abul Ahsan Chowdhury – Writer and researcher
* Abul Barkat – (born: 27 September 1954) Professor and former Chairman of the Department of Economics at University of Dhaka
* Ahmed Kamal – Bangladeshi cricketer
* Aminul Haque Badsha – Co-founder of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalist, and author
* M Amir-ul Islam – Bangladeshi legal expert, politician, and former minister
* Anamul Haque – Bangladeshi cricketer
* Bibudhendra Sarkar – Canadian researcher
* Chandana Mazumdar – Bangladeshi vocalist
* Chamok Hasan – Bangladeshi author
* Farida Parveen – Renowned Bangladeshi singer
* Faruk Quazi – Bangladeshi journalist and legal reporter
* Haradhan Banerjee – Bengali film and television actor
* Jagadish Gupta – Bengali novelist and short story writer
* Khalid Hossain – Ekushey Padak-winning Nazrul Sangeet singer and researcher
* Milton Khondokar – Film lyricist, music director, and filmmaker
* Mohammad Badruddoza – Politician of Jatiya Party (Ershad) and former Member of Parliament for Kushtia-3
* Sabuz Hossain – Footballer in the Bangladesh Premier League
* Sayeem Rana – Lyricist, composer, music director, and professor
* S.I. Tutul – Bangladeshi singer
* Zobeda Khanum \- Educationist and litterateur

## Gallery

[edit]

* Mukti Maitree Memorial located at Chourhas intersection

* BRB Cable Tower (under construction)

* The first high-rise building in Kushtia, built in 1999. It is the first modern shopping mall in Khulna Division.

* Main gate of Kushtia Municipality

* Front view of Kushtia Municipal Building

* Kushtia Municipal Museum

* Kushtia Zilla Shilpakala Academy

* Jagati railway station (March 2024)

* Bridge connecting Kushtia and Old Kushtia (Haripur Bridge)

* Kushtia Central Shaheed Minar on 21 February 2025

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Bangladesh Geo Code: Kushtia District" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2022-07-05. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
2. ^ "Population and Housing Census 2022" (PDF). Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-09-25. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
3. ^ Shahinur Rahman (2021-06-30). "কুষ্টিয়াই বাংলাদেশের সাংস্কৃতিক রাজধানী" [Kushtia is the cultural capital of Bangladesh]. Ajker Patrika (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-02-16.
4. ^ Ali Ahsan Panna (2023-01-01). "দুই'শ বছরের ঐতিহ্য কুষ্টিয়ার তিলের খাজা" [200 years of heritage: Til Khaja of Kushtia]. Daily Inqilab (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-02-16.
5. ^ S. M. Rashed (2022-08-13). "পর্যটকদের প্রথম পছন্দ কুষ্টিয়ার কুলফি মালাই" [Kulfi Malai of Kushtia: A favorite for tourists]. Somoy News (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-02-16.
6. ^ a b Towhid Hasan (2022-06-24). "কৃষি অর্থনীতিতে দিনবদলের আশা" [Hopes of change in agricultural economy]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 2022-06-29. Retrieved 2024-07-10.
7. ^ a b Rajib Ahmed; Towhid Hasan (2017-10-11). "গ্যাস ছাড়াই শিল্প, আছে বিদ্যুতের যন্ত্রণাও" [Industries without gas; plagued by electricity crisis]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
8. ^ a b c Population and Housing Census 2022 National Report (PDF). Vol. 1\. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. November 2023.
9. ^ "কুষ্টিয়া পৌরসভার প্রেক্ষাপট" [Background of Kushtia Municipality]. Bangladesh National Portal - Kushtia District (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
10. ^ Shahjahan Aman (2021-10-15). "The Glory and Heritage Written Across the Pages of History". Bonik Barta. Retrieved 2024-03-17.
11. ^ "Etymology of Kushtia". National Information Portal - Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia. Retrieved 2024-03-17.
12. ^ Shaibal Aditya (2022-01-14). "Gorai canal in Kushtia remains inactive, project may be canceled". BD24 Live. Archived from the original on 2024-12-26.
13. ^ "No touch of development at Kushtia Bus Terminal". Barta24.com. 2018-11-21. Retrieved 2024-07-28.
14. ^ "Inauguration of Kushtia Bypass Road". Barta24. 2018-11-01. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
15. ^ "Jhenaidah–Kushtia–Paksey–Dashuria National Highway (N704) Kushtia City Segment Upgradation to 4 Lanes Project". Bangladesh National Information Portal - Roads and Highways Department, Kushtia. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
16. ^ Md. Zahid Hasan Jihad (2024-12-25). "The first railway station of the country is losing its existence". Bangla News 24. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
17. ^ Md. Zahid Hasan Jihad (2024-02-14). "Large trains at small platform at Kushtia Station cause suffering for passengers". Bangla News 24. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
18. ^ "চালের রাজা খাজানগর" [Khajanagar the king of rice]. প্রথম আলো (in Bengali). 2019-02-09. Archived from the original on 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2025-06-03.
19. ^ Habibullah Asaduzzaman Lincoln (2023-05-12). "কুষ্টিয়ার ঐতিহ্যবাহী 'রাজার হাট'". BD News 24. Archived from the original on 2023-09-18. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
20. ^ "কুষ্টিয়া বড় বাজার ব্যবসায়ী সমিতির নতুন উপদেষ্টা পরিষদ গঠন" [New advisory council formed for Kushtia Bara Bazar Traders Association]. Kushtiar Kagoj (in Bengali). 2024-10-01. Archived from the original on 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2024-10-05.
21. ^ "Nadia District : statistics, 1911-1912 to 1920-21" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-06-06.
22. ^ "Nadia District : statistics, 1900-1901 to 1911-1912" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-06-06.
23. ^ a b "Population & Housing Census 2011 (Zila Series & Community Series)". bbs.gov.bd. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to কুষ্টিয়া at Wikimedia Commons
* Kushtia travel guide from Wikivoyage
* Anoar Ali. সার্ধশতবর্শ স্মারকগ্রন্থ ১৮৬৯-২০১৯ [150th Anniversary Memorial Book 1869-2019] (PDF) (in Bengali). Kushtia: Kushtia Municipal Corporation. ISBN 978-984-34608-1-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-09-12.

* v
* t
* e

Kushtia

History|

History of Kushtia • Battle of Kushtia • Tank Ambush at Kushtia • Kushtia Police Lines killing field • Kohinoor Villa

Administration|

Kushtia Model Thana • Kushtia Municipality

Municipal Areas|

Courtpara • Khajanagar • Thanapara • Amlapara • Millpara • Lahini • Shapla Square • Mazampur • Jagati • Chourhas • Big Bazar • Barkhada

Education|

Rabindra Maitree University • Lalon University of Science and Arts • Justice Abu Zafar Siddique University of Science and Technology • Kushtia Medical College • Selima Medical College Hospital • Kushtia Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital • Kushtia Islamia College • Kushtia Government College • Kushtia Government Women's College • Kuwatul Islam Kamil Madrasa • Afsar Uddin Women Fazil Madrasa • Kushtia City College • Gorai Women’s College • Syed Masud Rumi Degree College • Educare Ideal School and College • Collectorate School and College, Kushtia • Kushtia Government Technical School and College • Police Lines School and College • K.S.M. Dhaka Minipara Higher Secondary School • Hasib Dream School and College • Sunup International School and College • Kushtia High School • Kushtia Zilla School • Kushtia Government Girls High School • Sirajul Haque Muslim Secondary School • Dinmoni Secondary School • Jagati Secondary School • Mohini Mohon Bidyapith • Kushtia Nursing Institute • Kushtia Government Polytechnic Institute • Kushtia Technical Training Center • Medical Institute

Religious sites|

Kushtia Central Jame Masjid • Mongolbari Old Jame Masjid • Kuthipara Old Jame Masjid • Gopinath Jeu Temple • St John's Cathedral • Kushtia Central Cemetery • Kushtia Central Eidgah • Church of Bangladesh Diocese of Kushtia

Places of interest|

Kamrul Islam Siddique Municipal Children’s Park • Kushtia Municipal Museum • Kushtia Municipal Building • Zilla Shilpakala Academy • Tagore Lodge • Rojob Ali Khan Chowdhury Building • Lalon Museum • Mausoleum of Lalon Shah • Haripur Bridge

Transport|

N704 • R710 • R745 • R747 • Kushtia Bypass Road • NS Road • Mir Mosharraf Hossain Road • Kushtia Central Bus Terminal • Poradah–Goalundo Ghat line • Jagati railway station • Kushtia Court railway station • Kushtia railway station

Others|

Tiler Khaja • Kushtia's Kulfi Malai • Porimal Theatre • Kushtia Stadium • Kushtia District Swimming Pool • Kushtia General Hospital • Kushtia Chest Disease Hospital • Gorai Canal • Gorai River • Mohini Mill • Kaliganga River • BRB Group • Allah’r Dal • Kushtia District Jail • Kushtia Sugar Mills Ltd. • Kushtia Rural Electrification Board • Kushtia Public Library • Lalon Mela • CRACK International Art Camp • BRB Cable Industries Ltd. • Kiam Metal Industries Ltd. • MRS Industries Ltd.

Newspapers|

The Azizan Nehar • The Kohinoor • The Jagoron • The Hitokori

Sculptures and monuments|

Kushtia Central Shaheed Minar • Gagan Harkara • Palki and Bearers • Bijoy Ullas • Mukti Maitree • Lalon Sculpture • From Autonomy to Independence • Saint's Ektara

Lists|

List of notable people from Kushtia • List of educational institutions in Kushtia • List of tall buildings in Kushtia • List of mosques in Kushtia • List of streets and roads in Kushtia

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* United States
* Israel

Other|

* Yale LUX

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*[±% p.a.]: Per annum growth rate
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