Once Rangpur was filled with prosperity and glory, various aspects of amenity of the people of Rangpur have been revealed since the zamindari period. Many songs and stories have been written about their glorious history in the regional language here.
Even then, Rangpur is said to be backward compared to other parts of the country. But this perspective is changing.
Rangpur has started moving on the development highway within a decade of becoming a division and a city corporation. Rangpur is now changing with development in all fields including education, culture, employment and infrastructure. Rangpur was divided in 2010. Two years later, a city corporation was formed in Rangpur. After becoming a division, city corporation, metropolitan police, development started to be seen in Rangpur.
A 10-storey building of Rangpur Divisional Headquarters was constructed and inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the western edge outside the city considering the traffic congestion. Built at a cost of around Tk 100 crore, the complex has 10 offices including Divisional Commissioner and DIG Rangpur Range.
Construction work of permanent office of RAB-13 Battalion Headquarters is underway in Uttam Betarpara area at a cost of Tk 70 crore. Rangpur Divisional Women's Sports Complex has been set up and awaiting for inauguration in Uttam area. The new building of the Civil Surgeon's Office, the office of the Superintendent of Police, the Police Lines and the scenic building of the Police Hospital are fascinating to the pedestrians.
The work of a 17-storey cancer hospital at a cost of around Tk 100 crore is progressing at a fast pace in Rangpur Medical College Hospital to ensure health services to the people of the region.
Rangpur has been known as a fertile ground for literary and cultural activities since ancient times. Shilpakala Academy has been built at a cost of Tk 30 crore in the premises of Rangpur Town Hall. The auditorium of this modern building has 500 seats. Besides, there are various facilities including the latest sound system. It will be inaugurated soon.
Marine Academy has been set up at Pirganj in Rangpur for educational development. Cadets, deck officers and marine engineers of commercial ships are being trained here. The Marine Academy is affiliated to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University and conducts educational activities. Work on the project began in 2012. The Prime Minister herself inaugurated it in 2021. The Marine Academy has ultramodern training facilities in 35 infrastructures including academic building, administrative building, parade ground, dormitory building, seven residential buildings, mosque, ultramodern gymnasium, swimming pool and pond on 10 acres of land.
Meanwhile, gas supply through pipeline, Bangabandhu Novo Theater, Teesta Irrigation Project has been passed by ECNEC. The implementation of this project will further change the economic situation of the region. The business community thinks that the gas connection will lead to an industrial revolution in the region.
Also Rangpur Rural Development Academy in Taraganj, renovation of ecopark in Mithapukur, artificial buffalo breeding center in Pirgachha and some other developmental works are in progress.
Upgradation work is underway in six lanes of Elenga-Rangpur highway to improve communication system. After completing the six lane road, there will be an unprecedented development in the communication system. Trade and commerce with India and Nepal will be developed along with the expansion of industrial plants in North Bengal. Work is underway to build an economic zone in Rangpur.
Rangpur District Awami League General Secretary, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner and Mayor of Rangpur City Corporation appreciated the government initiatives to bring back the glorious days of Rangpur city and they think Rangpur will soon turn to be one of the most developed city in the country.