Sylhet

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Coordinates: 24°54′N 91°52′E
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the city of Sylhet. For other uses, see Sylhet (disambiguation).

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 Sylhet
সিলেট
ꠍꠤꠟꠐ
সিলেট

Metropolis

সিলেট
 Clockwise from the top:
Downtown Sylhet, Sylhet Railway Station, Sylhet International
Cricket Stadium, Tea garden in countryside, Shah Jalal Dargah,
City Point.

Seal

Sylhet

Location of Sylhet in Bangladesh

Show map of Sylhet division Show map of Bangladesh

Show all

Coordinates: 24°54′N 91°52′E

Country Bangladesh

Division Sylhet Division

District Sylhet

Municipal Board 1867

Sylhet City Corporation 9 April 2001

Metropolitan city 31 March 2009[2]

Government

• Type Mayor–Council

• Body Sylhet City Corporation

• Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury

• Police Commissioner Md. Nisharul Arif

Area

• Urban 58 km2 (22 sq mi)

• Metro 518.43 km2 (200.17 sq mi)

Elevation 35 m (115 ft)

Population

(2011)

• Metropolis 1,316,467[1]

• Density 19,865/km2 (51,450/sq mi)

Demonym Sylheti
 Time zone UTC+6 (BST)

Postal code 3100

HDI (2019) 0.631[3]

medium

International airport Osmani International Airport

Regional Calling code +880821

Police Sylhet Metropolitan Police

Website scc.gov.bd

Sylhet (Bengali : সিলেট, Sylheti: ꠍꠤꠟꠐ; IPA: [sileʈ]) is a metropolitan city located in the
northeastern region of Bangladesh. It is the administrative center of Sylhet Division. It is
situated on the banks of the Surma River. The city has a population of approximately
700,000 people, making it the fifth-largest city in Bangladesh.
Sylhet is known for its tea plantations and natural beauty.[5] The city has a history that
dates back to the 14th century, and it has been ruled by various dynasties and empires,
including the Mughals, British, and the Nawabs of Bengal. The city is also home to
several important landmarks, such as the Shah Jalal Dargah, which is one of the holiest
sites in Bangladesh and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.[6]
Sylthet one of the most economically important cities after Dhaka and Chittagong.
[7]
Sylhet is a major commercial and financial center, and it is home to several
multinational companies and industries, including the tea industry, which generates a
significant amount of revenue for the city. The city has a diverse population,
with Bengalis, Tripuris, and other ethnic groups living together. The official language of
Sylhet is Bengali with Sylheti accent, but Sylheti language is the most spoken language
there. English is widely spoken and understood because people from Sylhet form a
significant portion of the Bangladeshi diaspara, particularly in the United Kingdom and
the United States. According to The Daily Star, about 85% of Bangladeshi population in
the UK comes from the Sylhet district.[8] Sylhet has a developed infrastructure, with a
modern airport, railway station, and bus terminals that connect it to other parts of the
country.[9] The city also has several educational institutions, including Sylhet Agricultural
University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, and Sylhet Cadet College.

Etymology and names[edit]

Sylhet is the anglicisation of শিলহট (Śilhôṭ), one of the archaic native names for the city.
The local name is generally thought to be directly derived from শ্রীহট্ট (Śrīhaṭṭa),
the Sanskrit name of the city, which was also commonly used in literary Bengali up until
the 20th-century.[10] The city of Śrīhaṭṭa takes its name from Śrīhaṭṭanātha, the tutelary
deity of the Nātha dynasty who promoted the early settlement of Nāthas in the Surma
and Barak valleys between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, founding the
Śrīhaṭṭa janapada and establishing Śrīhaṭṭanātha idols across the region.[11] The
later Hindu rajas of Sylhet, such as Gour Govinda, continued to pay tribute to the deity
as Hāṭkeśvara or Haṭṭanātha as evident from the Devipurana and copper-plate
inscriptions.[12]

History[edit]
Main article: History of Sylhet

In 1303, the Sultan of Lakhnauti Shamsuddin Firoz Shah conquered Sylhet by

defeating Gour Govinda.[13] Sylhet was a realm of the Bengal Sultanate. In the 16th-
century, Sylhet was controlled by the Baro-Bhuyan zamindars and later became a
sarkar (district) of the Mughal Empire.[14] Sylhet emerged as the Mughals' most
significant imperial outpost in the east, and its importance remained as such throughout
the seventeenth century.[15] British rule began in the 18th century under the
administration of the East India Company. Sylhet became a key source of lascars in the
British Empire with its ancient seafaring tradition. The Sylhet municipal board was
established in 1867.[16] Originally part of the Bengal Presidency and later Eastern Bengal
and Assam; the town was part of Colonial Assam between 1874 and 1947 when
following a referendum and the partition of British India, it became part of East Pakistan.
[13]
The Sylhet City Corporation was constituted in 2001. The Government of Bangladesh
designated Sylhet a metropolitan area in 2009.[17]
Modern history[edit]
In 1995, the Government of Bangladesh declared Sylhet as the sixth divisional
headquarters of the country.[18] Sylhet has played a vital role in the Bangladeshi
economy. Several of Bangladesh's finance ministers have been Members of Parliament
from the city of Sylhet. Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran was a longtime mayor of
Sylhet. Humayun Rashid Choudhury, a diplomat from Sylhet, served as President of the
UN General Assembly and Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament.
In 2001, the municipality was upgraded to the Sylhet City Corporation. It was made a
metropolitan city in 2009.[17]

Geography and climate[edit]

Sylhet is located at 24.8917°N 91.8833°E, in the northeastern region of Bangladesh
within the Sylhet Division, the Sylhet District and Sylhet Sadar Upazila. Sylhet has a
typical Bangladeshi tropical monsoon climate (Köppen Am) bordering on a humid
subtropical climate (Cwa) at higher elevations. The rainy season starts from April to
October and it is so hot and humid with very heavy showers and thunderstorms almost
every day, whilst the short dry season starts from November to February and it is very
warm and fairly clear. Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of 4,200 millimetres
(170 in) occurs between May and September.[19]
The city is located within the region where there are hills and basins which constitute
one of the most distinctive regions in Bangladesh. The physiography of Sylhet consists
mainly of hill soils, encompassing a few large depressions known locally as "beels"
which can be mainly classified as oxbow lakes, caused by tectonic subsidence primarily
during the earthquake of 1762.
Geologically, the region is complex having diverse sacrificial geomorphology; high
topography of Plio-Miocene age. Available limestone deposits in different parts of the
region suggest that the whole area was under the ocean in the Oligo-Miocene. In the
last 150 years three major earthquakes hit the city, at a magnitude of at least 7.5 on
the Richter Scale, the last one took place in 1918, although many people are unaware
that Sylhet lies on an earthquake prone zone.[20]

A tea garden at Jaflong, Sylhet

hide

v
t
e
Climate data for Sylhet, Bangladesh

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Averag 25.2 27.1 30.4 30.8 30.8 30.9 30.9 31.6 31.2 30.9 29.2 26.3
29.6
e high (77. (80. (86. (87. (87. (87. (87. (88. (88. (87. (84. (79.
(85.3)
°C (°F) 4) 8) 7) 4) 4) 6) 6) 9) 2) 6) 6) 3)

Averag 12.9 14.2 18.1 20.8 22.6 24.4 24.9 25.0 24.3 22.5 18.4 14.0
20.2
e low (55. (57. (64. (69. (72. (75. (76. (77. (75. (72. (65. (57.
(68.3)
°C (°F) 2) 6) 6) 4) 7) 9) 8) 0) 7) 5) 1) 2)

Averag 8 31 146 372 569 796 834 621 548 232 30 13 4,200
e (0.3) (1.2) (5.7) (14. (22. (31. (32. (24. (21. (9.1) (1.2) (0.5) (165.
rainfal 6) 4) 3) 8) 4) 6) 1)
l mm
(inche
 s)

Source: WMO[21]

Administration[edit]
Further information: Wards of Sylhet City Corporation

Sylhet is divided into 6 metropolitan thanas(police station) and consists of 27 wards and
224 mahallas. The thanas are:

 Bimanbandar Thana
 Kotwali Thana Google Maps
 Jalalabad Thana Google Maps
 Dakshin Surma Thana Google Maps
 Mogla Bazar Thana Google Maps
 Shah Paran Thana
It is a small city with an area of 26.50 km2.[22] The rapid growth and expansion of Sylhet
occurred during the colonial period. Sylhet Municipality was established in 1878. A
devastating earthquake demolished almost the entire town on 12 June 1897 following
which a modern and European model new town was built on the wreckage. Many new
roads were constructed in the late 1890s and Sylhet became really connected to the
other parts of the country with the establishment of an extension line of Assam Bengal
Railway in 1912–15. From the beginning of the 20th century, the importance of Sylhet
increased with the establishment of the tea industry. In the 1950s and 1960s, rapid
urbanisation took place in the town, fostered by the expatriate Sylhetis and the process
is still ongoing.
On 10 April 2001, Sylhet was changed to a city corporation from a municipal board, and
currently the city is administered by the Sylhet City Corporation. At present, Sylhet is the
district-headquarters as well as the divisional headquarters of the districts
of Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Sylhet District. The Sylhet City Corporation is
responsible for the services that are provided within the city which includes traffic,
roads, garbage collection, water supply, registrations and many others. The corporation
consists of the Mayor and 22 other commissioners, and focuses on the development of
the city.[23]
Military[edit]
Sylhet is strategically important for the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The Bangladesh
Army's 17th Infantry Division is based at Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet.[24] The
cantonment is also home of the School of Infantry and Tactics (SI&T) and the 1st Para-
commando Battalion, an elite commando unit of the Bangladesh Army.[citation needed]
Healthcare[edit]
Sylhet is also home to many hospitals that strategically provide healthcare to the
community such as the Shahid Shamsuddin Hospital District Hospital, Sylhet MAG
Osmani Medical College, Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College, North East Medical
College, Sylhet Women's Medical College, Parkview Medical College, Ibn Sina Hospital
Sylhet Ltd, Noorjahan Hospital (pvt) Ltd, Oasis Hospital, Mount Adora Hospital, Square
Medical Service, Popular Medical Service, Medinova Medical Service, Labaid Ltd and
the Mohanagar Hospital as well as world's leading five star hospital such as the Al
Haramain Hospital.[25]
Recently a medical university called Sylhet Medical University has been established in
the city. According to the Prime Minister's order to strictly monitor whether medical
standards are being properly maintained in medical colleges, a medical university will
be set up in each division. According to the order, Chittagong and Rajshahi Medical
University have already been established. Sylhet Medical University is the 4th Medical
University of the directive.[26][27]

Demographics[edit]
See also: Demographics of Bangladesh

According to the 2011 Bangladesh census, the city had a population of 485,138.[28] The
population growth rate of the city is 1.73%, which has reduced from 1.93% in 1991.
[29]
Sylhet has a sex ratio of 861 females to 1000 males and a literacy rate of 67.8%. [28] As
of 2001, It had average literacy rate of 69.73%.[30] The highest literacy rate was 84.24%
in Ward 22 and the lowest was 48.15% in Ward 10 (2001). The total number of
households was 97,991.
The majority of the population are Bengali Muslims of Sylheti background, while there
are significant minority groups which includes the Bengali Hindus, Bishnupriya
Manipuri and others.[31] Sylheti is spoken by the vast majority of the people,
while Standard Bengali is the official language used by the state government and
officials.[32][33][34]
Religions in Sylhet (2011)[28]

Religion Percent

Islam 87.26%

Hinduism 12.52%

Other or not stated 0.22%

The majority of Sylhetis are Muslims (87.3%), other religious groups include Hindus
(12.5%) and less than 0.2% of other religions, mainly Buddhists and Christians. The
majority of the Muslims are mainly Sunni Hanafis;[35] and there are significant numbers of
people who also follow Sufi ideals, the most influential are the teachings of Abdul Latif
Fultali.[36]
Economy[edit]
The Sylhet Metropolitan Area is one of Bangladesh's main business centres. Sylhet's
economy is closely linked with the Bangladeshi diaspora, especially the British
Bangladeshi community. The city receives a significant portion of the country's
annual remittances, which have driven growth in real estate and construction.[37] A
number of shopping centres, restaurants and hotels have opened as a result. Sylhet
also relies on religious tourism, with thousands of devotees visiting its Sufi shrines
annually, as well as ecotourism in its broader natural hinterland. Nature resorts have
been built in the city's outskirts. Several important Bangladeshi companies are based in
Sylhet, including Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution, Sylhet Gas Fields
and Alim Industries. Biman Bangladesh Airlines operates several flights from Sylhet to
the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Roads connect Sylhet with the Indian states
of Meghalaya and Assam.
Sylhet's hinterland plays a vital role in the economy of Bangladesh. It is home to the
country's largest natural gas fields, sole crude oil field,[38] largest tea plantations,
rubber, palm oil, cane, agarwood[39] and citrus farms. Rice production in the region is one
of the country's highest. Heavy industries include power plants, fertilizer plants, cement
plants and liquefied petroleum gas plants. Other major industries in the region
include ceramics, machinery and equipment, ready-made garments and
pharmaceuticals. Most of the tea production in Bangladesh is based around Sylhet, and
the industry also has significant exports. The area is also known for producing oranges
and other similar fruits. One of these fruit is called "Satkara" which is a variety of
grapefruit that can be used in pickles and even as an ingredient in traditional Sylheti
curry dishes.[citation needed]
Two Bangladeshi finance ministers from the city have been elected to the Jatiyo
Sangshad: Saifur Rahman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Abul Maal Abdul
Muhith of the Awami League. The present foreign affairs minister DR. A K Abdul
Momen who is younger brother of the former finance minister Abdul Muhith represents
the Sylhet-1 seat in parliament.
Utility[edit]
Sylhet has high rates of electric power shortage and water shortage. According to the
Power Development Board, Sylhet is only receiving 50 MW, which is half of the required
demand of 100 MW. The city corporation is also supplying only 22,500 gallons of water,
far less than the demand of about 65,000.[40] The major sources of water to the city is the
tube wells and the Surma River.[citation needed] Tests of tube wells in Sylhet District by the
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 1997 found that about 27.6%
contained more arsenic than the acceptable limit set by Bangladesh of 50 micrograms
per liter, and 49.2% contained more arsenic than the World Health Organization
standard of 10 micrograms per liter.[41] There are about 331 registered restaurants in the
city, only 15% maintain sanitary facilities and 85% have unhygienic conditions that are
unsafe for the public.[42]

Tourism[edit]
 Ratargul Swamp Forest

Sylhet's natural beauty and cultural attractions draw tourists from both domestic and
international destinations. The region is home to scenic landscapes, including the
renowned Ratargul Swamp Forest and the tea gardens of Sreemangal. Efforts are
being made to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Sylhet through museums,
cultural centers, and initiatives that support local artisans.
The cultural diversity and vibrant traditions of Sylhet reflect the region's historical, social,
and religious influences. With its distinct language, literature, festivals, music, dance,
and culinary delights, Sylhet continues to captivate visitors and serve as a testament to
Bangladesh's rich cultural tapestry.

Culture[edit]
Sylhet is known for its vibrant traditions, customs, festivals, music, dance, literature, and
cuisine. The cultural identity of Sylhet has been shaped by a blend of indigenous
practices, Sufi influences, and the assimilation of diverse communities. Sylhet is also
known for its vibrant music scene, and it is home to several renowned musicians and
artists.[43] The city has a rich literary tradition, and it has produced several notable writers
and poets, including Syed Mujtaba Ali and Humayun Ahmed.
Cuisine[edit]
Sylheti cuisine is known for its distinct flavors and aromatic dishes. Pitha (rice cakes),
shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard sauce), shatkora beef, and doi chira (flattened rice
with yogurt) are some popular delicacies. The region's love for tea is evident in its
numerous tea gardens and the consumption of "seven-layer tea," a unique layered
beverage.

Sports[edit]
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

Cricket is the most popular sport in Sylhet. Bangladesh Premier

League franchise Sylhet Strikers are based in Sylhet International Cricket
Stadium (M.A.G. Osmani Stadium), which was built in 2007 and has a capacity of
18,500 spectators. The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was renovated in 2013
especially to host matches of 2014 ICC World Twenty20. It is situated near lush green
tea gardens on the city fringe.[44] In the National Cricket League Sylhet Division has not
won any titles however did win in the One-Day Cricket League in 2001–02 season.
Notable players from Sylhet who have played for the Bangladesh national cricket
team include Rajin Saleh,[45] Enamul Haque Jr,[46] Tapash Baisya,[47] and Alok Kapali.
[48]
Chess player Rani Hamid was awarded the FIDE Women's International
Master (WIM) title in 1985, while her son Kaiser Hamid was the captain of
the Bangladesh national football team in the early 90s.[49]

Transport[edit]
Further information: Transport in Bangladesh

Sylhet MAG Osmani International Airport

Sylhet railway station

The main transport systems used in the city are cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws (mainly
known as baby-taxis or CNGs), buses, mini-buses and cars. There are about 80,000
rickshaws running each day. Bus service prices have increased as of 2008, up to 30%
higher, prices ranges from Tk 4 to 15.95.[50]
The N2 is the national highway that connects the city with country's capital and largest
city Dhaka as well as with many other parts of the country. The N2 highway is also part
of AH1 and AH2- two longest routes of the Asian Highway Network.
Air[edit]
The city of Sylhet is served by Osmani International Airport, located at the north of the
city. It is Bangladesh's third busiest airport and became an international airport due to
the demand of expatriate Bangladeshis and their descendants from the United Kingdom
and the United States. The main frequent airlines of the airport are Biman Bangladesh
Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair.
The airport received its first international arrival on 3 November 2002, with Biman
arriving from Kuwait via Abu Dhabi en route to Dhaka.[51] Meanwhile, it received first
direct international arrival on 15 March 2017 as a direct flight of Dubai based carrier
Flydubai landed at the airport.[52] Work started in 2006 to upgrade the airport to
international standards, including a new terminal building, a jetway, a taxiway, and
expansion of the runway to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.[53] It was confirmed that
in May 2007, Biman will be operating Hajj flights directly from the airport later in 2007.
[54]
Biman Bangladesh operates direct flight to London from Sylhet.[55] All Bangladeshi
airlines operate regular domestic flights to Dhaka and Biman operates regular domestic
flights to Cox's Bazar.[56]
The government has decided to construct a 34,919 square-metre high-quality
international passenger terminal building, cargo building, control tower, parking, taxiway
and other important infrastructures to meet the growing demand in line with the increase
of passengers and cargo transportation at the airport. Work started in 2020. [57][58]
Rail[edit]

Parabat Express train in Sylhet Railway Station

The Sylhet Railway Station is the main railway station providing trains on national routes
operated by the state-run Bangladesh Railway. Some important train that
origins/terminates :
Towards Dhaka[edit]

Train No. Train Name Train Type Departures

710 Parabat Express Intercity Daily (except Tue)

718 Jayantika Express Intercity Daily

740 Upaban Express Intercity Daily

774 Kalni Express Intercity Daily (except Fri)

10 Surma Mail Mail Daily

Towards Chittagong[edit]

Train
Train Name Train Type Departures
No.

724 Udayan Express Intercity Daily (except Fri)

720 Paharika Express Intercity Daily (except Fri)

14 Jalalabad Express Mail Daily

Towards Akahura[edit]

Train Departure
Train Name Train Type
No. s

18 Kushiara Express Mail Daily

Education[edit]
Main article: List of educational institutes of Sylhet

Further information: Education in Bangladesh

There are two public universities in Sylhet: Shahjalal University of Science and
Technology and Sylhet Agricultural University.[59] There are some prominent colleges in
Sylhet such as Jalalabad Cantonment Public School and College, MAG Osmani
Medical College, Sylhet, Sylhet Women's Medical College, North East Medical
College, Sylhet Engineering College,[60] Sylhet Cadet College, Murari Chand College,
[61]
Institute of Health Technology, Sylhet, Scholarshome, Blue Bird High School and
College, Sylhet Science And Technology College and Sylhet Polytechnic
Institute, Sylhet Government Women's College

Notable people[edit]
Main article: List of people from Sylhet

International relations[edit]
Sylhet had friendly relations with:
 St Albans, United Kingdom[62]
 Rochdale, United Kingdom[63]
The friendship link with St Albans was established in 1988 when the District
council supported a housing project in Sylhet as part of the International Year of Shelter
for the Homeless. Sylhet was chosen because it is the area of origin for the largest
ethnic minority group in St Albans.[62]
In March 2009, the Mayor of Sylhet, Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran, signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to form another friendship link between Sylhet and
Rochdale, home to around 10,000 people with Sylhet heritage, with the Mayor of
Rochdale Cllr Keith Swift at the Sylhet City Corporation.[citation needed]

See also[edit]
 Sylheti language
 Sylheti Nagari
 Barak Valley