Begum Rokeya Memorial Centre, Pairaband
The birthplace of Begum Rokeya, pioneer of women's education, with the ruins of her family home and a memorial centre.
Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, the writer and educator who campaigned for the education and rights of Muslim women in Bengal, was born in Pairaband village in 1880. Today the village in Mithapukur upazila honours her with a memorial centre built in the early 2000s, which includes a library, an auditorium, a small display about her life and guest rooms.
A short walk away are the remains of the brick family house where she grew up, now little more than broken walls in a grove. Many visitors come on 9 December, Rokeya Day, when there are discussions and cultural events. On other days the place is quiet, and it is worth reading a little of her work, such as Sultana's Dream, before you come.
How to go
Pairaband is about 15 km south of Rangpur on the Rangpur-Dhaka highway. Take a local bus or CNG to Pairaband (≈30 min, 30-60 BDT), then a van or battery rickshaw to the centre.
Where to stay
Stay in Rangpur city (1,500-8,000 BDT).
