Netrokona

Netrokona Palli Bidyut Samity

2016-01-19T03:11:00.000-08:00

Since its inception in 1995. Netrokona Palli Bidyut Samity is playing a vital role in Agricultural, Industrial and Socio-Economic development of Netrokona District. The Rural Electrification Program conducted by Netrokona Palli Bidyut Samity has acted a leap-forward in the development of socio-economic structure of rural areas in Netrokona District as well as entire Bangladesh. It has significant and sustained impact on agricultural growth, industrialization and business & commercial activities in the rural areas. It is a consumer owned entity organized on the basic principles of Co-operative for distribution of electric power to its members and operates on No Loss - No Profit basis for the mutual benefits of all its Members.

The Orgonagram of PBS:

Helal Hafiz; Proud of Netrakona

2012-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Helal Hafiz was born 7 October 1948 at Bartaly Village of Atpara in Netrakona. He is a Bangladeshi famous poet.He is considered a true representative of the poets of his generation. He studied at Netrokona Datta High School, Netrokona College and University of Dhaka. His first collection of poems: Je Jale Agun Jwale published in 1986 was the best-selling Bengali book in Ekushey Book Fair of the year.

"Nishiddha Sampadakiya" ("The Banned Editorial"), one of his most quoted poems inspired at least two generations of revolutionaries and angry young men. During the Mass Upsurge in 1969 it became a popular slogan and a constant source of inspiration for Bengali political activists, specially students. He worked as a literary editor for many newspapers and as a gigolo for rich women. He was also known as a legendary gambler.

Union Parishad of Kendua Upazila, Netrakona

2012-09-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Asujia Union Parishad
Balaishimul Union Parishad
Chirang Union Parishad
Dalpa Union Parishad
Garadoba Union Parishad
Ganda Union Parishad
Kandiura Union Parishad
Mashka Union Parishad
Muzaffarpur Union Parishad
Noapara Union Parishad
Paikura Union Parishad
Roailbari Union Parishad
Sandikona Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Madan Upazila, Netrakona

2012-09-03T07:31:00.004-07:00

Fatehpur Union Parishad

Gobindasree Union Parishad

Kaitail Union Parishad

Madan Union Parishad

Maghan Union Parishad

Nayekpur Union Parishad

Tiasree Union Parishad

Changaon Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Khaliajuri Upazila, Netrakona

2012-09-03T07:30:00.001-07:00

Chakua Union Parishad

Khaliajuri Union Parishad

Krishnapur Union Parishad

Mendipur Union Parishad

Nagar Union Parishad

Gazipur Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Purbadhala Upazila

2012-09-03T07:28:00.002-07:00

Agia Union Parishad
Bairati Union Parishad

Bishkakunia Union Parishad

Dhala Mulgaon Union Parishad

Ghagra Union Parishad

Gohalakanda Union Parishad

Hogla Union Parishad

Jaria Union Parishad

Khalishaur Union Parishad

Narandia Union Parishad

Purbadhala Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Mohanganj Upazila

2012-09-03T07:26:00.003-07:00

Bara kashia Birampur Union Parishad

Baratali Banihari Union Parishad

Gaglajore Union Parishad

Maghan Siadhar Union Parishad

Samaj Sahildeo Union Parishad

Suair Union Parishad

Tentulia Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Netrakona Sadar Upazila

2012-09-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

Amtala Union Parishad

Challisha Union Parishad

Dakshin Bishiura Union Parishad

Kailati Union Parishad

Kaliara Gabragati Union Parishad

Laxmiganj Union Parishad

Madanpur Union Parishad

Medni Union Parishad

Maugati Union Parishad

Rauha Union Parishad

Singher Bangla Union Parishad

Thakurakona Union Parishad

DECORATE YOUR MOBILE

2012-09-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

Do you want to decorate your mobile by downloading movie, song, video clip, games, software and etc.? Click here and Download Latest Bangla or Hindi Songs,Mp3 Ringtones,Wallpaper and 3gp Videos, games and others for your mobile.

Union Parishad of Kalmakanda Upazila

2012-09-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

Bara Khapan Union Parishad
Kailati Union Parishad
Kalmakanda Union Parishad
Kharnai Union Parishad
Lengura Union Parishad
Nazirpur Union Parishad
Pogla Union Parishad
Rangchhati Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Durgapur Upazila

2012-09-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Bakaljora Union Parishad
Birisiri Union Parishad
Chandigarh Union Parishad
Durgapur Union Parishad
Gawakandi Union Parishad
Kakairgara Union Parishad
Kullagara Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Barhatta Upazila

2012-09-01T05:55:00.002-07:00

1.      Asma Union Parishad

2.      Barhatta Union Parishad

3.      Bausi Union Parishad

4.      Chhiram Union Parishad

5.      Roypur Union Parishad

6.      Sahata Union Parishad

7.      Singdha Union Parishad

Union Parishad of Atpara Upazila

2012-09-01T05:50:00.000-07:00

Baniajan Union Parishad
Duaz Union Parishad
Loneshwar Union Parishad
Sawarmusia Union Parishad
Sukhari Union Parishad
Sunai Union Parishad
Teligati Union Parishad

Mohanganj Upazila, Netrakona

2012-09-01T03:53:00.002-07:00

Mohanganj Upazila, with an area of 243.20 sq km, is bounded by barhatta and dharmapasha upazilas on the north, atpara, madan and khaliajuri upazilas on the south, jamalganj and Khaliajuri upazilas on the east, Atpara upazila on the west. Main rivers are Ghorautra, Mogra, Dhanu and Nawagang.

Mohanganj (Town) consists of 9 wards and 16 mahallas. The area of the town is 6.94 sq km. The town has a population of 21114; male 52.08%, female 47.92%. The density population is 3042 per sq km. Literacy rate among the town people is 52%.

Administration: Mohanganj thana was turned into an upazila in 1982. The upazila consists of 1 municipality, 10 union parishads, 142 mouzas and 163 villages. The union parishads belongs to mohonganj are-

Bara kashia Birampur Union
Baratali Banihari Union
Gaglajore Union
Maghan Siadhar Union
Samaj Sahildeo Union
Suair Union
Tentulia Union

Archaeological heritage and relics: Ancient fort at village Betham (Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah period), Shekher Bari Mosque (same period), Daulatpur Temple (876 BS).

Population: 129415; male 66525, female 63890; Muslim 80.57%, Hindu 19.09%, Christian and Buddhist 0.17% and others 0.17%.

Religious institutions: Mosque 217, temple 32.

Literacy and educational institutions: Average literacy 27.8%; male 32.7% and female 22.5%. Educational institutions: college 2, high school 8, madrasa 5, government primary school 5, non-government primary school 45, low cost school 3, satellite school 10; noted educational institution: Mohanganj Pilot High School (1931).

Cultural organisations: Rural club 36, playground 12, women's organisation 4, public library 2, cinema hall 3 and theatre group 1.

Main occupations: Agriculture 48.25%, fishing 2.62%, agricultural labourer 21.21%, wage labourer 2.53%, commerce 9.84%, service 3.49% and others 12.06%.

Land use: Cultivable land 24864.43 hectares, fallow land 390.84 hectares; single crop 52%, double crop 38% and treble crop land 10%; land under irrigation 71%.

Land control: Among the peasants, 33% are landless, 29% small, 27% intermediate and 11% rich; cultivable land per head 0.13 hectare.

Value of land: The market value of the land of the first grade is Tk 5000 per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops: Paddy, mustard seed and cotton.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops: Jute and potato.

Main fruits: Jackfruit, mango and black berry.

Poultries: 61.

Communication facilities Roads: pucca 16 km, semi pucca 37 km and mud road 397 km; railways 3 km; waterways 12 nautical mile.

Traditional transport: Palanquin, horse carriage, bullock cart and buffalo cart. These means of transport are either extinct or nearly extinct.

Manufactories: Flour mill 3, saw mill 15, ice factory 10, oil mill 2 and printing press 4.

Cottage industries: Goldsmith 15, wood work 26, blacksmith 14, tailoring 223, welding 9, potteries 11.

Hats, bazars and fairs: Hats and bazars are 38, most noted Hats Mohanganj and Chhesrakhali; fairs 2 (Nagdora and Barantar Mela).

Main exports: Paddy, egg and dry fish.

NGO activities: Operationally important NGOs are Social Progress Service, brac, proshika, asa, CPCD, Ahsania Mission and SAS.

Health centres: Upazila health complex 1, satellite clinic 2 and family planning centre 7.

(Source: Banglapedia, Wikipedia and others)

Kolmakanda Upazila, Netrakona

2012-09-01T03:42:00.000-07:00

Kolmakanda Upazila with an area of 377.41 sq km, is bounded by West Bengal of India on the north, Barhatta upazila on the south, Dharmapasha on the east, Durgapur and Netrakona Sadar upazilas on the west. Main rivers are Someshwari, Gunai; Pakata and Urdha; Bahar Beel is notable.

Kalmadanda (Town) consists of 2 mouzas. The town has an area of 8.37 sq km. It has a population of 9358; male 53.79%, female 46.21%; The density of population is 1121 per sq km. Literacy rate among the town people is 35.2%.

Administration

Kalmakanda thana was established in 1941 and was turned into an upazila in 1983. The upazila consists of 8 union parishads, 179 mouzas and 343 villages. The union belongs to Kalmakandaupazila are-

Bara Khapan Unio
Kailati Union
Kalmakanda Union
Kharnai Union
Lengura Union
Nazirpur Union
Pogla Union
Rangchhati Union

Archaeological heritage and relics

Tomb of Monai Shah at village Battala.

Population

209360; male 50.99%, female 49.01%; Muslim 90%, Hindu 8.95%, Christian 0.8% and others 0.25%. Ethnic nationals: Hajong, Garo and Hodi 525 families.

Religious institutions

Mosque 277, temple 22, church 4 and tomb 5.

Literacy and educational institutions

Average literacy 21.4%; male 26.3% and female 16.2%. Educational institutions: college 1, high school 12, madrasa 7, government primary school 75, non-government primary school 46, low cost school 12, NGO operated school 33; old educational institution: Kalmakanda Pilot High School (1941).

Cultural organisations

Rural club 22, cinema hall 2, playground 6.

Main occupations

Agriculture 50.21%, fishing 1.59%, agricultural labourer 25.59%, wage labourer 4.26% commerce 7.82%, service 1.52% and others 9.01%.

Land use

Cultivable land 26523.67 hectares; fallow land 2743.83 hectares; single crop 55%, double crop 40% and treble crop land 5%; land under irrigation 76%.

Land control

Among the peasants 36% are landless, 32% small, 27% intermediate and 5% rich.

Value of land

The market value of the land of the first grade is Tk 5000 per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops

Paddy, potato, wheat.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops

Jute, mustard seed, varieties of pulse.

Main fruits

Jackfruit, mango, banana and black berry.

Fisheries, dairies, poultries

Fishery 7, poultry 5.

Communication facilities

Roads; pucca 8 km, semi pucca 19 km and mud road 345 km; waterways 11 nautical mile.

Traditional transport

Palanquin, horse carriage, bullock cart and buffalo cart. These means of transport are either extinct or nearly extinct.

Manufactories

Ice factory 2, flour mill 2, saw mill 11, printing press 1 and oil mill 1.

Cottage industries

Goldsmith 7, wood work 92, blacksmith 52, tailoring 175, welding 6, potteries 70.

Hats, bazars and fairs

Hats and bazars are 35, most noted hats are Nazirpur, Kalmakanda, Panchgaon; fairs 2.

Main exports

Paddy.

NGO activities

Operationally important NGOs are CARE, caritas, asa, proshika, CPCD, SAS, Education, Cooperative, Savings and Credit Society.

Health centres

Upazila health complex 1, satellite clinic 2 and family planning centre 8.

(Source: Banglapedia, Wikipedia and others)

Durgapur Upazila

2012-09-01T03:15:00.002-07:00

Durgapur Upazila, with an area of 293.42 sq km, is bounded by Meghalaya (State of India) on the north, netrokona sadar and purbadhala upazilas on the south, kalmakanda upazila on the east, dhobaura upazila on the west. The Garo hills and valleys are on the northern part of the upazila. Main rivers are Someshwari, kangsa, Old someshwari.

Durgapur (Town) The town is now a municipality with an area of 10.8 sq km and population 20491; male 50.95%, female 49.05%. It has 9 wards and 27 mahallas. Literacy rate among the town people is 47.5%.

Administration

Durgapur thana was established in 1874 and was turned into an upazila in 1982. The upazila consists of 7 union parishads, 134 mouzas and 225 villages. The Union parishads belongs to Durgapur are-

Bakaljora Union
Birisiri Union
Chandigarh Union
Durgapur Union
Gawakandi Union
Kakairgara Union
Kullagara Union

Historical events

At the end of the nineteenth century Hajong Revolt occurred under the leadership of Mona Sarder protesting against the compulsion of labour in in the Hatikheda free of cost. tonk movement (1942-43) and tebhaga movement (1946-47) occurred under the leadership of Comrade moni singh. Later these revolutions spread all over East Bengal.

Population

169135; male 50.49%, female 49.51%; Muslim 80%; Hindu 12%, Christian 8%. Ethnic national: Garo and Hajong 850 families.

Religious institutions

Mosque 267, temple 18 and church 5.

Literacy and educational institutions

Average literacy 23%; male 18.1% and female 17.8%. Educational institutions: college 2, high school 18, government primary school 58, non-government primary school 70, low cost school 6, madrasa 26, NGO operated school 28, kinder garden school 2, satellite school 10. Noted old educational institutions: Birishiri Picinal High School (1892), Birishiri Mission Girl's High School (1899), SKPS High School (1918), Gujirkona High School (1946), Durgapur Entrance School (1879), Upendra Biddyapit (1913-14).

Cultural organisations

Rural club 40, public library 1, cinema hall 1, playground 14, theatre stage 2, theatre group 3, and women's organisation 1.

Main occupations

Agriculture 46.73%, fishing 1.77%, agricultural labourer 25.17%, wage labourer 4.29% commerce 8.96%, service 2.91%, and others 10.17%.

Land use

Total cultivable land 18962.36 hectares, fallow land 699.72 hectares; single crop 17%, double crop 72% and treble crop 11%; land under irrigation 76%.

Land control Among the peasants

36% are landless, 31% small, 25% intermediate and 8% rich.

Value of land

The market value of the land of the first grade is Tk 6000 per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops

Paddy, jute, corn and cotton.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops

Linseed, sweet potato, sesame and pulses.

Main fruits

Jackfruit, mango, black berry (jam).

Fisheries, dairies, poultries

Fishery 14, dairy 6.

Communication facilities

Roads: pucca 18 km, semi pucca 37 km and mud road 495 km; waterways 15 nautical mile.

Traditional transport

Palanquin, horse carriage, bullock cart, buffalo cart. These means of transport are either extinct or nearly extinct.

Manufactories

Flour mill 4, ice factory 2, saw mill 32.

Cottage industries

Weaving 17, goldsmith 26, woodwork 65, blacksmith 27, tailoring 237, welding 22, potteries 37.

Hats, bazars and fairs

Hats and bazars 28, most noted are Durgapur, Zhanjail, Shivaganj, Gujir Kona; fairs 3

Main exports

Rice, ceramic clay.

NGO activities

Operationally important NGOs are brac, asa, proshika, caritas, World Vision.

Health centres

Upazila health complex 1, sub health centre 1 and family planning centre 7.

(Source: Banglapedia, Wikipedia and others)

Kendua Upazila

2012-09-01T02:54:00.001-07:00

Kendua Upazila, with an area of 303.60 sq km is bounded by netrokona sadar and atpara upazilas on the north, nandail and tarail upazilas on the south, madan upazila on the east, Nandail, ishwarganj and gauripur upazilas on the west. Main rivers are Bauri and Patkura.

Kendua (Town) consists of 9 wards and 26 mahallas. The area of the town is 3.49 sq km. It has a population of 18584; male 51.50%, female 48.50%. The density of population is 5325 per sq km. Literacy rate among the town people is 44.4%.

Administration

Kendua thana, now an upazila, was established in 1941. The upazila consists of 13 union parishads, 227 mouzas and 311 villages. The Union Parishads are-

Asujia Union
Balaishimul Union
Chirang Union
Dalpa Union
Garadoba Union
Ganda Union
Kandiura Union
Mashka Union
Muzaffarpur Union
Noapara Union
Paikura Union
Roailbari Union
Sandikona Union

Archaeological heritage and relics

Roail Bari durga, Jalal Mosque (1513 AD/ 919 H), Jafarpur Khoaj Mosque.

Population

265628; male 134365, female 131263; Muslim 94.95%, Hindu 4.75%, Christian 0.05%, Buddhist 0.07% and others 0.18%; ethnic nationals, 110 families.

Religious institutions

Mosque 390, temple 12, place of pilgrimage 2.

Literacy and educational institutions

Average literacy 24.6%; male 25.03% and female 21.7%. Educational institutions: college 4, government high school 1, non-government high school 26, madrasa 14, government primary school 53, non-government primary school 21; old educational institutions: Kendua Joyhori Pilot High School (1832), Ashujia High School (1849).

Cultural organisations

Rural club 16, urban club 4, public library 1, playground 6, women's organisation 1.

Main occupations

Agriculture 59.38%, fishing 1.17%, agricultural labourer 18.46%, wage labourer 2.29% commerce 6.16%, service 2.58%, others 9.96%.

Land use

Cultivable land 25507 hectares; fallow land 13131.12 hectares; single crop 25%, double crop 50% and treble crop 25%; land under irrigation 72%.

Land control Among the peasants

28% are landless, 38% small, 36% intermediate and 12% rich; cultivable land per head 0.15 hectare.

Value of land

The market value of the land of the first grade is Tk 6500 per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops

Paddy, potato, wheat, mustard seed, onion, garlic, chilli and tobacco.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops

Lindeed, sesame, sweet potato and varieties of pulses.

Main fruits

Jackfruit, mango, banana, papaya, olive and black berry.

Fisheries, dairies, poultries

Fishery 10, poultry 66.

Communication facilities

Roads: pucca 47 km, semi pucca 7 km and mud road 498 km; waterways 6 nautical mile.

Traditional transport

Palanquin, horse carriage, bullock cart and soari. These means of transport are either extinct or nearly extinct.

Manufactories

Ice factory 8, flour mill 5, bakery 8.

Cottage industries

Goldsmith 47, wood work 200, blacksmith 70, tailoring 43, welding 12, potteries 120, bamboo work 54, bidi 1.

Hats, bazars and fairs

Hats and bazars are 25, most noted Hats are Roail, Chirang Rayer Bazar, Basur Bazar, Bakurhati Bazar; fairs 5, most noted Sathie Mela, Boirati Mela and Kendua Mela.

Main exports

Mustard seed, onion, garlic, banana and chilli.

NGO activities

Operationally important NGOs are CARE, caritas, Natun and Swabalambi Tarun Sangha.

Health centres

Upazila health complex 2, sub health centre 3 and family planning centre 14.

(Source: Banglapedia and Others)

Barhatta Upazila

2012-09-01T02:31:00.004-07:00

Barhatta Upazila (netrokona district) with an area of 221.50 sq km is bounded by kalmakanda and dharmapasha upazilas on the north, atpara and mohanganj upazilas on the south, Mohanganj and Dharmapasha upazilas on the east and netrokona sadar upazila on the west. Main rivers are Dhalai and Kangsha; noted canals are Nalhati and Aothitpur; noted depressions Kalahogla Beel, Magura Beel, Lungi Beel, Urha Beel, Makra Beel and Naldugi Beel.

Barhatta (Town) stands on the Kangsha River. Its area is 3.29 sq km. It consists of 3 mouzas. The town has a population of 5602; male 52.98%, female 47.02%. The density of population is 1703 per sq km. The literacy rate among the town people is 46%. The town has two dakbungalows.

Administration
Barhatta thana, now an upazila, was established in 1905. The upazila consists of 7 union parishads, 147 mouzas and 228 villages.

Historical events
During the war of liberation the freedom fighters destroyed the Thakurkona Railway Bridge by explosive in order to resist the advance of the Pak army. To liberate the Thana headquarters from the occupation army the freedom fighters attacked the police station and in the encounter that followed few civilians were killed. Barhatta upazila was liberated on 8 December 1971. This day is being observed as the Barhatta Day.

Marks of War of Liberation
In memory of martyr Mukshed Mia the Barhatta Chandrapur road has been named Shahid Mukshed Road.

Religious institutions
Mosque 164, temple 65, tomb 6.

Population
142174; male 51.42%, female 48.58%; Muslim 86.30%; Hindu 13.45%, Christian 0.02%, Buddhist 0.03%, ethnic nationals 0.12% and others 0.08%.

Literacy and educational institutions
Average literacy 23.8%; male 28.8%, female 18.5%. Educational institutions: college 2, higher secondary school 2, secondary school 12, junior school 1, madrasa 38, government primary school 56, non-government primary school 30, satellite school 10 and community primary school 3.

Locally published newspapers and periodicals
Monthly Makorsa.

Cultural organisations
Club 30, public library 1, playground 14, theatre group1 and women's organisation 2.

Main occupations
Agriculture 48.56%, fishing 2.21%, agricultural lablourer 24.22%, wage labourer 3.13%, commerce 8.71%, service 2.72% and others 10.45%.

Land use
Total cultivable land 13516.79 hectares; single crop 16%, double crops 71, treble crops 13%; land under irrigation 23%.

Land control
Among the peasants 41.43% are landless, 16.90% small, 32.43% intermediate and 9.24% rich.

Value of land
The market value of the land of the first grade is about Tk. 5000 per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops
Paddy, jute, potato, cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops
Tobacco, linseed, sesame and pulses.

Main fruits
Jackfruit, mango, banana, black berry (jam), papaya, water melon, etc.

Fisheries, dairies, poultries
Fishery 32, livestock 2, dairy 7, poultry 295.

Communication facilities
Roads: 288 km, pucca 28 km, semi pucca 3 km and mud road 257 km.

Traditional transport
Palanquin (extinct), horse carriage (nearly extinct) and boat.

Manufactories
Rice mill 35, ice factory 5, saw mill 10.

Cottage industries
Goldsmiths 18, wood works 250, blacksmiths 35, tailoring 230, welding 8, bamboo works 120, potteries 210.

Hats, bazars and fairs
Hats and bazars are 14, the most noted of which are Gopalpur Bazar, Barhatta Bazar, Fakirer Bazar, Garier Bazar, Bousi Bazar and Aothitpur Bazar. Main fairs: Baroni Mela at Barhatta Sadar and at Chatti Village; annual fairs are also held at Laufa, Noihati, Dashal and Goraund village every year during the occasion of bull fights.

Main exports
Rice, fish and egg.

NGO activities
Operationally important NGOs are brac, asa, Bangladesh Nari Progoti Sangha, Popy, Sova, Pari, SPS, SDS Foundation, PAK, Usha Cooperative Society Ltd. and Palash Destitute Woman's Sangha.

Health centres
Upazila health complex 1, satellite clinic 1, family planning centre 6.
Source: Banglapedia

Atpara Upazila

2012-09-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

Atpara Upazila, Netrakona, with an area of 195.13 sq km, is bounded by barhatta upazila on the north, madan and kendua upazilas on the south, mohanganj upazila on the east netrokona sadar upazilas on the west. Main rivers are Mogar, Banari, Dhali, Ghora utra. Tushai and Nurundi rivers are almost silted; noted haors: Nagara, Ganesh, Kamrail and Dhaliban; noted beels: Atashi beel, Gama beel, Elsi beel and Kafanga beel.

Atpara Town stands on the bank of the Magara, consists of two mouzas. It is an area of 9.04 sq km. The town has a population of 7825; male 51.88%, female 48.12%. The density of population is 865 per sq km. The literacy rate among the town people is 25.4%. The town has one auditorium, two dackbungalows, one public library.

Administration:

Atpara thana, now an upazila, was established in 1926. The upazila consists of seven union parishads, 139 mouzas and 175 villages.

Archaeological heritage and relics :

Three domed Saramushia-Haripur Mosque (Mughal period), remnants of building and Shiva Mondir of Roy Bari (zamindar) of Rameshwarpur and the remnants of seven buildings on the Nurundi River bed.

Population

120491; male 51.15%, female 48.85; Muslim 97.08%, Hindu 2.78% and others 0.14%.

Religious institutions

Mosque 218, temple 44 and sacred place 1.

Literacy and educational institutions

Average literacy 24%, male 29.1% and female 18.7%. Educational institutions: college 2, high school 14, junior high school 5, madrasa 17, government primary school 55, non-government primary school 41, satellite school 7, community school 3.

Cultural organisations

Rural club 42, public library 2, cinema hall 1, auditorium 1, shilpakala academy 1 and playground 5.

Main occupations

Agriculture 56.02%, fishing 2.11%, agricultural labourer 21.74%, wage labourer 2.43%, commerce 7.33%, service 2.68% and others 7.69%.

Land use

Total cultivable land 14492.11 hectares; fallow land 5183.36 ha; single crop 30%, double crop 53% and treble crop land 17%; land under irrigation 69%.

Land control

Among the peasants 10.95% are landless, 24.61% marginal, 31% small, 24% intermediate and 9.44% rich.

Value of land

The market value of the land of the first grade is approximately 10000 Taka per 0.01 hectare.

Main crops

Paddy, wheat, mustard seed, chilly, brinjal, onion, garlic, pulse, linseed, sesame, betel leaf, vegetables and potato.

Extinct or nearly extinct crops

Jute, tobacco, sweet potato, arahar, khesari, mug and mas kalai.

Main fruits

Jack-fruit, mango, jam (black berry), banana, lotka (dubi), litchi, olive, coconut, betel nut, papaya, tetul, boroi, jambura (grave fruit) etc.

Fisheries, dairies, poultries

dairy 1, poultry 255 and fishery farm 12.

Communication facilities

Roads- pucca road 5 km, semi pucca 7 km mud road 265; water ways 50 km.

Traditional transport

Palanquin (extinct), bullock cart and horse carriage (nearly extinct), boat.

Manufactories

Boiler mill 1, saw mill 10, chira mill 2, oil mil 1, spices mill 2, ice cream factory 3 rice and flour mill 25.

Cottage industries

Bamboo works 225, goldsmiths 25, blacksmith 245, potteries 275, wood workers 180, tailoring 225 and welding 12.

Main hats, bazars and fairs

Hats and bazars are 17 the most noted are Teligati, Nazirganj, Brajer Bazar, Avoylasha and Lalchand Bazar; fair- 2

Main exports

Paddy, betel leaf, banana, fish, leather, dubi, olive and jambhura (grape fruit).

NGO activities

Operationally important NGOs are brac, grameen bank, asa, proshika, Gram Unnayan Sangstha, Swabalambi, Jana Unnayan Sangstha, Atta Karma Sangsthan Jubo Kalyan Samiti and Jatiya Torun Sangha.

Health centres

Modern hospital 1, upazila health complex 1, satellite clinic 2, family planning centre 2, Red Crescent hospital 1.

Source: Banglapedia

NGO in Netrakona

2012-08-31T08:35:00.004-07:00

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Birishiri Bahumukhi Mahila Samabay Samity
P.O: Birishiri, Thana: Durgapur,
Netrokona

Community Development Association
Vill. Borni, P.O. Bangla, Netrokona.

Fundacion Ayuda Humanatarian A Bangladesh an Espana
Vill.: Choto Gara, Post+Thana:
Netrakona, Dist: Netrakona.
Phone: 01718-023499

Gram Unnayan Sangstha
Banowapara, Netrakona.

Love for Distressed People Bangladesh
Birishiri, Durgapur, Netrokona.
Phone: 01718-268791

Mamudpur Samajik Unnayan Sangstha
Mamudpur, Mohanganj, Dist:
Netrakona.

Manob Kalyankami Anathalaya
P.O. Chandigarr, Netrokona

Mohila Samaj Kalyan Samity
Tengapara, Mohanganj, Netrokona

Orthanaitik O Manabik Unnayan Sangstha (OMUS)
Jamtala Bazar, P.O: Kumribazar,
Netrokona

Socio-Economic and Rural Advancement Association (SERA)
Khondakar Niketan, 247 nagra,
Netrakona-2400
Phone: 0951-62542

Shram Unnayan Sangstha (SUS)
N.I. Khan, Bhaban, Mukterpara,
Netrakona.
Phone: 0951-62214, Fax: 0951-62244

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity
Shibganj Road, P.O. & Dist. Netrokona
Phone : 0951-61566
Fax: 0951-61766

Women Environment and Development Organisation (WEDO)
Nazirgonj Bazar, P.O: Madhukhali, P.S:
Aatpara, Dist: Netrokona.
Phone: 01711-048310
Fax: 0951-61399

Educational Institutions of Netrakona

2012-08-31T08:33:00.001-07:00

Abu Abbas Degree College
Barhatta college
Sha Sultan degree mohabiddalaya
Teligati Degree College
Susung Degree College, Durgapur
Durgapur Mohila Degree College
Shaheed Smrity Biddapit,Roailbari, Kendua, Netrakona
N,Akanda Kamil(Master's)Madrasha
PTI, Netrokona
Chandranath College, (proposed Banghabandu College), Amtola Road,netrakona
Netrokona Govt. College
Netrokona Govt. Women College
Netrakona High School, Netrakona
Anjuman Adarsha Govt. High School, Netrokona
Datta High School
Chandronath High School
Jahanara Girls High School
Netrakona Adarsho Balika Bidyalaya, Netrakona
Atpara College, Netrakona.
Indramohan Bidyapit, East Malni, Netrakona.
Mogra Academy, Mukterpara, Netrakona.
Brilliant Study Center, East Malni, Netrakona.

List of Madrasa in NETRAKONA District

BALIKANDI JAMIA ISLAMIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BALIKANDI
Post office : TELIGATI
Union : TELIGATI
Thana : ATPARA
District : NETRAKONA

SUKHARI BAZAR ISLAMIA DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : SUKHARI
Post office : SUKHARI
Union : SUKHARI
Thana : ATPARA
District : NETRAKONA

CHAYASHI M.A.I DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : CHAYASHI
Post office : PAHARPUR
Union : BANIAJAN
Thana : ATPARA
District : NETRAKONA

SHORMOSHIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SHORMSHIA
Post office : SARMAISA
Union : SARMAISA
Thana : ATPARA
District : NETRAKONA

SIRAJAM MONIRA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BANIAJAN
Post office : ATPARA
Union : BANIAJAN
Thana : ATPARA
District : NETRAKONA

TILSINDUR O S DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : TILSINDUR
Post office : FAKIRAR BAZAR
Union : ROYPUR
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

MONASH K.B. FAZIL MADRASA
Village/Road : MONASH
Post office : MANAS
Union : ASMA
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

YATIMKHANA JANNATUL ULUM DAKHIL
MADRASHA
Village/Road : GORAUND
Post office : ATITPUR
Union : BARHATTA
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

NOIHTI BALAM KONAPARA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : NOIHTI
Post office : CHERAM
Union : CHHIRAM
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

MADHUAKONA A. U. SR. MADRASAH
Village/Road : MADHUAKONA
Post office : NAZIRPUR
Union : CHANDIGARH
Thana : DURGAPUR
District : NETRAKONA

DURGAPUR DINI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SADHUPARA
Post office : SUSANG
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : DURGAPUR
District : NETRAKONA

NURPUR BOALI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : NURPUR BOALI
Post office : NURPUR BOALI
Union : MENDIPUR
Thana : KHALIAJURI
District : NETRAKONA

SHIBNAGAR KANDAPARA DAKHIL MARASAH
Village/Road : KANDAPARA
Post office : NAZIRPUR
Union : NAZIRPUR
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

RAHIMPUR M.D.S. DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : RAHIMPUR
Post office : BARADOLL
Union : NAZIRPUR
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

KAILATY F U (SR) FAZIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : KAILATY
Post office : BARHATTA
Union : ASMA
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

DASHDHAR MISBAHUL ULUM DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : DASHDHAR
Post office : DASHDAR
Union : BAUSHI
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

BARHATTA A K KHAN DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BARHATTA
Post office : BARHATTA
Union : BARHATTA
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

BAUSHI MOGUL UDDIN DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : DAHAR PARA
Post office : RUPGANJ BAZAR
Union : BAUSHI
Thana : BARHATTA
District : NETRAKONA

FULPUR ISLAMIA SENIOR ALIM MADRASAH
Village/Road : FULPUR
Post office : FULPUR MADRASAH
Union : CHANDIGARH
Thana : DURGAPUR
District : NETRAKONA

KRISHNAPUR DARUL ULUM ISLAMIA ALIM
MADRASHA
Village/Road : KRISHNAPUR
Post office : K KALAYANPUR
Union : KRISHNAPUR
Thana : KHALIAJURI
District : NETRAKONA

RANGSATI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : RANGSATI
Post office : CHITI
Union : RANGCHHATI
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

PANCHHAT DKAHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : PANCHHAT
Post office : PANCHHAT
Union : GAZIPUR
Thana : KHALIAJURI
District : NETRAKONA

ANANDAPUR ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : ANANDAPUR
Post office : ANANDAPUR
Union : NAZIRPUR
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

BISHNAPUR MOHASINIA DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : BISHNAPUR
Post office : KALMAKANDA
Union : KHARNAI
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

GOBINDAPUR MOHAMMADIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : HAT GOBINDAPUR
Post office : HAT GOBINDAPUR
Union : KHARNAI
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

KALAMKANDA AL JAMIATUL ISLAMIA DAKHIL
MADRASAH
Village/Road : CHANDPUR
Post office : KALMAKANDA
Union : KALMAKANDA
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

RAMNATHPUR D.S.DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : RAMNATHPUR
Post office : RAMNATHPUR
Union : POGLA
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

P.G. DARUS SALAM DAKAHIL MADRASAHA
Village/Road : GUTURA
Post office : PNAR PARUYA
Union : POGLA
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

FAKIR CHANDUAILL MOHD.DARUSSUNNAH DAKHIL
MADRASHA
Village/Road : FAKIR CHANDUAIL
Post office : PANCHKATA BAZAR
Union : NAZIRPUR
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

HILFUL FUZUL DAKDIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SHAMPUR
Post office : BISHAMPUR
Union : KAILATI
Thana : KALMAKANDA
District : NETRAKONA

ROYALBARI FAZIL MADRASA
Village/Road : ROAILBARI
Post office : ROAIL BARI
Union : ROAILBARI
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

BHARA PARA FAZIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : BHARAPARA
Post office : BIDDABALAVE
Union : GARADOBA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

TATULIA AL HELAL DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : GOBINDOPUR
Post office : TATULIA MIRPARA
Union : ASUJIA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

GONDA ISLAMIA SENIOR FAZIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : GANDA
Post office : GANDA
Union : GANDA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

MONKANDI M,U. ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : MONKANDA
Post office : ATHER BARI
Union : GANDA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

RAIPUR PIZAHATI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : RAIPUR
Post office : RAYPUR BERIBARI
Union : MASHKA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

RAJGHATI D,U,ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : RAMNAGAR
Post office : DALPA RAMPUR
Union : DALPA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

DIGHLI MACHIALI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : MACHIALI
Post office : MACHIALI
Union : MASHKA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

PAIKURA MOHIA ISLAM DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : PAIKURA
Post office : SUNDAIL
Union : PAIKURA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

KOWRAT DAKHIL ADRASHA
Village/Road : KOWRAT
Post office : NOWPARA
Union : NOAPARA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

KENDUA ASRAFIA HOSSAINIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : KENDUA BAZAR
Post office : KENDUA
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

DULLY BAIRATI E U DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BAIRATI
Post office : BAIRATI
Union : PAIKURA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

GOGDA MUZAFARPUR DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : MUZAFARPUR
Post office : MOZAFFARPUR
Union : MUZAFFARPUR
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

SHIBPUR BAWSHARI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SIBPUR
Post office : GOPALPUR
Union : BALAISHIMUL
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

BASTA ISLIMIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BASTA
Post office : TIASREE
Union : TIASREE
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

NOAGAON DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : NOAGAO
Post office : RAJTALA
Union : NAYEKPUR
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

ALHAJ MOZAFFAR AHMED ALIM MADRASAH
Village/Road : MADAN
Post office : MADAN
Union : MADAN
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

BALALI BAGHMARA KHANDAKAR ABDUR RAZZAK
DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BALALI
Post office : BALALI
Union : TIASREE
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

KAILATI FATEPUR DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : KAILATI
Post office : KAILATI FATEPUR MADRASHA
Union : ROAILBARI
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

WAT HAFIZIA DHAKIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : WAT
Post office : GARADOBA
Union : GARADOBA
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

ALHAZ ATIQUE AMBIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BATTRA
Post office : CHIRANG BAZAR
Union : CHIRANG
Thana : KENDUA
District : NETRAKONA

KADAM SREE DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : KADAM SREE
Post office : KADAMSREE
Union : GOBINDASREE
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

GOBINDASREE DARUL LILUM DAKIHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : GOBINDASREE
Post office : GOBINDASREE
Union : GOBINDASREE
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

JAHANGIRPUR ISLAMIA ALIM MADRASAH
Village/Road : JAHANGIRPUR
Post office : JAHANGIRPUR
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

HASAN ALI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : HANSKURI MAIDHAM
Post office : JAHANGIRPUR
Union : CHANDGAON
Thana : MADAN
District : NETRAKONA

KHALUA DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : KHALUA
Post office : KHALUA
Union : SAMAJ SAHILDEO
Thana : MOHANGANJ
District : NETRAKONA

MAGHAN DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : MAGHAN
Post office : MAGHAN
Union : MAGHAN SIADHAR
Thana : MOHANGANJ
District : NETRAKONA

JAYPUR JAMILA TUL ULUM DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : JOYPUR
Post office : JOYPUR
Union : SAMAJ SAHILDEO
Thana : MOHANGANJ
District : NETRAKONA

MOHANGANJ DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road :
Post office : MOHONGONJ
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : MOHANGANJ
District : NETRAKONA

KANDI M .U ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : KANDI
Post office : ANANTAPUR
Union : KAILATI
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

BAGRA FAZIL DEGREE MADRASHA
Village/Road : BAGRA
Post office : CHOLLISH
Union : DAKSHIN BISHIURA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

DUGIA ABBASIA EMDADUL FAZIL
(DEGREE)MADRASHA
Village/Road : SOLPODUGIYA
Post office : BURIJURI
Union : AMTALA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

GORDI ISLAMIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : GORDI
Post office : HATKHALA BAZAR
Union : MAUGATI
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

NOABONDA ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : NOABONDA
Post office : BAKALJORA
Union : KALIARA GABRAGAT
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

SHIBPROSADPUR DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SHIBPROSADPUR
Post office : DEOPUR
Union : AMTALA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

N. AKAND KAMIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : KOLLEGE ROAD
Post office : NETROKONA
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

MADANPUR SHAH SULTAN ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : MADANPUR
Post office : MADANPUR
Union : MADANPUR
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

JAMIA AHAMMADIA R,S, DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SATARASREE
Post office : REJBHIYA ATIMKHANA
Union : THAKURAKONA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

BALI MOHISHATI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SREEPUR
Post office : DAKSHIN BISHIURA
Union : DAKSHIN BISHIURA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

PATLAI MOHIUL ULUM DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : PATLI
Post office : NARIAPARA
Union : KALIARA GABRAGAT
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

MOUJEBALI SHOHIDIA ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : MOUJEBALI
Post office : SHAHERBANU ATIMKHANA
Union : KAILATI
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

LATIFA ABBAS MOHILA ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : BARHATTT
Post office : NETROKONA
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

LAKSHMIGANJ HANNANIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : LAKSHMIGANJ
Post office : LAKSHMIGANJ
Union : LAKSHMIGANJ
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

SAMSUL ALAM HASIMIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : ADPUR
Post office : DAKSHIN BISHIURA
Union : DAKSHIN BISHIURA
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

PASCHIM MEDNI DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : PASCHIM MEDNI
Post office : NETROKONA
Union : MEDNI
Thana : NETROKONA SADAR
District : NETRAKONA

DHARA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : DHARA
Post office : KHALISHAPUR
Union : KHALISHAUR
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

NARANDIA DAKHIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : KHAGURIA
Post office : HIRANPUR
Union : GOHALAKANDA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

KAPASIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : KAPASIA
Post office : PORAKANDULIA
Union : GHAGRA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

HIRANNO POTTY FAZIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : HIRANNO POTTY
Post office : BIL GORA
Union : GHAGRA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

MOHIMA RAHMANIA GULAM MOSTAFA DHAKIL
MADRASAH
Village/Road : MONIMA
Post office : ALAMPUR
Union : BAIRATI
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

PODUR KHANDA DHAKIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : PODUR KHANDA
Post office : MOUDAM BAZAR
Union : AGIA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

SIDDIQUIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : DOLKOR
Post office : KALIHAR HATKHALA BAZAR
Union : HOGLA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

DHAKIN KAZLA ALHAZ MOULANA ABDUL WAHED
KHAN DHAKIL MADRASAH
Village/Road : DAKSHIN KAJLA
Post office : KAZLA
Union : BAIRATI
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

BARHA JASMOTIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : BARHA
Post office : DEWTOKON
Union : JARIA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

ALIPUR ALIM MADRASAH
Village/Road : ALIPUR
Post office : ALIPUR MADRASHA
Union : GOHALAKANDA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

MATHANG ISLAMIA ALIM MADRASHA
Village/Road : MATHING
Post office : ALAMPUR
Union : BAIRATI
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

TALIMAT-E-ISLAMIA DAKHIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : SHALDIGHA
Post office : SHAYAMGANJ
Union : GOHALAKANDA
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

PURBADHALA HOSSAINIA FAZIL MADRASHA
Village/Road : NOAPARA
Post office : PURBADHALA
Union : WARD NO-
Thana : PURBADHALA
District : NETRAKONA

Credit Facilities for Netrakona's Peoples

2012-08-31T08:31:00.002-07:00

The strong need for capital is often cited as a major precondition for economical development. In Netrakona District, loans can be taken from the following institutions:

Bank

Official bank rates probably circiuate around the ten percent mark per year. Poor businessmen and farmers are deprived of those credit facilities because they are not creditworthy by the official banks’ standards. But even those who would get a loan, allegedly face demands for a bribe and have to wait for a long time until they actually obtain the money. As far as I could understand, even the Krisi-Bank does not really provide reliable credit facilities to the farmers.

Moneylenders

The reasons mentioned above lead especially the poor people to the moneylenders in their village. They are often rich landlords themselves and discovered money lending as a second income source. Their advantage is a loan on trust, no need for securities and an immediate provision of the money. The main seasons for money lending are from January to March and in September/October, when the need for agricultural inputs, such as fertilizer, is high. A Muslim moneylender in Pukuria, a small village near Netrakona town, claimed that he was a small farmer before and gradually had saved some money, which he had started lending to other people about fifteen years ago. Since then, he could increase his land property from 30 decimals of land to more than one and a half acres. Still, he works as a farmer himself, but also lends some of his land to other farmers. Most of his borrowers are farmers, but there are also businessmen. The majority takes a loan around 1000-5000Tk and pay back within three months. However there are also borrowers who take 30.000 or 50.000Tk and some people need one to two years to pay back the loan. He said that that he gave the money on trust and that if somebody didn’t pay back, he would just not get a second loan. He makes written contracts only from 30.000Tk onwards.

The interest rate is measured from the rest loan so the absolute amount decreases with the repayment. He claimed that from small farmers he didn’t take mortgage, only from those farmers, who take more than 20.000Tk. His wish was to stress that he was also generous, telling me that when somebody had taken a big loan and paid all the interest, he waived a small part of the loan. Also, he, like others in the society, helped poor people with the costs of their daughters’ wedding. He himself has got two sons and two daughters. One daughter suffers from bone cancer. She was in Mymensingh in a private hospital for treatment and stays at home now. His wife once was the president of a SUS women group but she is no longer a member. ‘Five years ago’, he said, there were about 30 moneylenders in town, but now there are only three to four of them left. NGO micro credit activities have taken over. But still he has got comparative advantages in spite of the high interest rate: He can provide the money immediately and his repayment is flexible. Unlike the NGOs, there are no groupduty and no compulsory weekly repayments. Apparently, this is why farmers still take money from him.

Another Muslim moneylender lives in Komri, about ten Kilometers outside of Netrakona. He is married and has two boys and one daughter, latter one is studying in a college in Mymensingh. He claimed, that he had inherited his 30 acres of land from his grandfather and had bought very few land additionally. He doesn’t work on his land, but rents it out to tenants and they share input costs and profit.

In addition to this, he owns several fishponds and also some shops in the village. On his property, there are several brick houses with tin roof, a sign of wealth. According to his statement, he started money lending eight years ago and borrows only small amounts about 100-5000Tk to farmers, based on trust (“village family”). He said, that most of them paid back in two to three months. However, five percent would be ‘loss’. By this, he meant that those people needed much more time to pay back the credit.

Maybe, he didn’t mention that he also borrows significantly more money at 20% interest. Instead, he also gave the impression of being an indulgent man, stressing that if somebody could not pay the interest, he sometimes renounced on it. Also, when the tornado in April 2004 hit Kanchongpur, he had rushed to the spot in the same night, and later had helped with food and money.

NGOs

The non-government sector favors the women’s group approach as a security instead of assets or land. Savings that are accumulated at an NGO account gradually build up a second deposit. At Sabalamby, every member has to give 20Tk a week on its savings account for twelve weeks, before she gets the first credit over 4000Tk. The credit has to be paid back in 50 weeks, including the fixed interest rate of ten percent of the initial loan. This rate one of the lowest among the Bangladeshi NGOs. But the savings also go on and after two years, when the amount is sufficient, Sabalamby honors them with a bank oriented interest rate, currently around five percent. The SUS staff visits the women group every week to collect the payments and to counsel the members.

There is a group book where the installments of all the members are written down. The group leader has to sign the book and obtains a voucher. She is responsible for the organization and representation of the members. Furthermore, every single member has got her personal book with a pass photo.

Current interest rate for the savings, amount of total savings, number of the week (1-50), amount of weekly installment, amount of interest paid in respective week, penalty fine (i.e. if paying is repeatedly not in time), total balance of credit and the signature of the SUS staff. Once the first credit is paid back, a new credit over 5000Tk can be obtained and so on.

In general, micro credit seems to keep the system going, but the critique is also manifold. Some people say that micro credit from the NGOs is not enough input to bring about positive changes for a big family. On the other hand, there is no doubt about that the weekly installment paying modus is very tough for the beneficiaries. Many would prefer a monthly rate but this would probably not fit with the idea of the system. There are definitely incidents of membership in several NGOs, in order to pay the installments of one credit with the loan taken from another NGO. Some people also have to ask neighbors to help them with the payments. Last but not least, there are clever husbands, who take several wives, all being members of a women’s group, to skim off the profit.

Language

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Social Problems

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Main problems in the society

Dowry

Although a family with many children can also expect to receive dowry, the statistically higher birthrate of girls and coincidence, which may “bless” a family with more boys and “dam” others with daughters, lead to severe financial burdens for many families. These burdens will even become more unequally distributed if the population actually sticks to family planning and limits the number of their children. Even an extreme poor family must calculate around 5000Tk dowry for one daughter. This is probably more than a three months’ income. In the Netrakona District, dowry is still a must for the far majority of the families, when it comes to the marriage of their daughters. Except for some NGO staff, who have the awareness and the strength to avoid dowry payments, most parents are caught in the trap of tradition and pressure of the village society. The women groups of Sabalamby are well aware of the problematic, but some also claim that it is just not(yet) possible to avoid money and costly gifts such as furniture if they want to find a husband for their daughters. However, they are willing to try at least which creates hope for the future. The innumerable incidents of violence against women who cannot procure additional dowry even after marriage alone cry for total abolition of this custom.

Gambling

Just like alcohol, gambling is one of the un-Islamic behaviors, but nevertheless it is a serious problem that concerns the men. Frustrated by unemployment and lack of perspectives, many of them squander their money and time at the expenses of their family. The sufferers are once again the women, not uncommonly facing additional dowry demands to finance the addiction of their husbands. On Fridays, one can often observe men playing cards in the open, claiming that they don’t compete for money.

Drug addiction

In a Daily Star article from 29th February 2004 it was mentioned, that probably 30 per cent of the youths were addicted to drugs such as phensidyl, hemp, country made wine, Indian wine and heroin. This number is probably exaggerated but one cannot deny that drug use is very common, particularly among youths and students. Many drug-addicted people are later influenced and paid by the political parties to conduct anti-social activities. According to that article, the drugs are smuggled in from India almost openly through numerous border points in Kalmakanda and Durgapur Upazilas. The trading spots in Netrakona town, where young addicts and peddlers go to just after sunset, include Garuhatta, the old court building premises at Muktapara, Baro-Pukurar Par at New Town and the BADC building premises at North Satpai. Furthermore, it is alleged, that a section of both the border guards and the police are involved in the trade.

Restaurants of Netrakona

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There are big differences in the quality of the rural and urban restaurants or hotels as the Bengalis say. Some are just a better tea-stall and others remind more ofa fast food restaurant a la Mc-Donald’s, if one considers the plastic furniture. Rice will always be available. Basic side dishes include curry vegetables and chicken. Drinking the water may be hazardous and if even at peak times there are not many people in it, it’s a sign, that the food is probably not recommendable. However, I have never become sick from a hotel yet and most of the time I enjoyed excellent dishes. Just the service is completely different to that of western restaurants, but has its own charm. One just has to be a little flexible, i.e. to curious waiters.

Hotel Keya

Keya is actually a children’s name but also the name of a restaurant in Netrakona. Bimol, the owner, possesses three restaurants in Netrakona. His father was a farmer, but already owned one restaurant. At hotel keya, a misti (sweets) factory adjoins, where among others, the famous orange colored pretzel sweets (Jilapi) are manufactured. The restaurant offers Ruti (bread), Bhat (rice), Sobji (vegetables), Dal (lentils) and Mangsho (meat). However, only murgi (chicken) and (khasi) are available but goru (beef) is not because Bimol is Hindu. Further more, guests can order Rui, katol and ilish mach (different kinds of fish) and Dim (egg). As a dessert Suji (sweet mash) and Chana Misti (small red or yellow colored balls) and other sweets are served. Bimol says, that food business generally brings around 20% profit.

He sits at the till, but employs fourteen staffs in the back: One Ruti baker, three kitchen staff, among them one woman, as well as eight waiters. Further people work in the Misti production. Working hours are from six in the morning to eleven in the evening, but between the peak times, three hours are break. Rush hours are 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. – 9 p.m. However, lunchtime from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. is most important. The chief cook gets 75Tk per day for his work, the auxiliary cook 65Tk and the women who cuts the raw food receives 45Tk. The waiters obtain 30-60Tk per Tag, depending on their experience. Twelve staffs actually live on the premises of the restaurant. They don’t have to pay for food and accommodation, Bimol also reimburses them every day costs such as hair cutting. Guests at hotel keya are mainly well-to-do shopkeepers, such as jewellers or those who have a bigger store on the bazaar. Civil servants, coming from outside of Netrakona are regular guests as well.

It is very interesting to observe, that most of the restaurants don’t make their own cha(tea), apparently because this needs too much effort, such as an additional stove. On the other hand, there is usually a tea stall opposite to the restaurant, from where the waiters purchase the ca. By doing this, the hotel doesn’t make profit. The same is true for soft drinks, often brought from a nearby shop. This concept is very much different to western gastronomy where beverages contribute very much to the profit of a restaurant.