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Background of District Administration

More than two hundred years ago, British Indigo planters established indigo farms in this region. Due to the fertile land, this area was particularly conducive to indigo cultivation, which led to the establishment of a greater number of indigo factories and farms in Nilphamari compared to other parts of the country. At the beginning of the 19th century, indigo factories were set up in places such as Durakuti, Dimla, Kishoreganj, and Tengonmari.

At that time, the Greater Rangpur region, and specifically Nilphamari, was known for its high crop production due to the fertile soil. This attracted a large number of indigo planters to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous indigo farms. A large indigo factory was located near the old railway station, about three kilometers north of the current Nilphamari city. Furthermore, the old building, which is now used as the Officers’ Club, was once an indigo factory.

It is believed that the term 'neel khamar' (indigo farm) eventually transformed into 'neel khamari' in the local language. The name Nilphamari is thought to have originated as a corruption of 'neel khamari.'

Nilphamari is an ancient settlement. Historical evidence and ancient texts suggest that early human settlements existed in the area. The Binno Dighi (Binnadi Dighi), excavated in the 9th century BCE by King Birat, recalls Nilphamari’s ancient history. Other historical landmarks in the district include the ruined fort of Dharmapal, Harishchandra's path, Bhima's mother’s stove, and the fort of Moynamoti.

Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Nilphamari district is formed by the alluvial deposits carried by the Himalayan rivers. The sediment from the Karatoya, Atrai, and Teesta rivers has enriched the soil and increased the land’s fertility. The region is considered a piedmont alluvial plain. Over time, the shifting river paths have transformed Nilphamari into a fertile plain.

Nilphamari has been the focal point of numerous historical events. Evidence of ancient human settlements beneath the soil suggests that the region has seen waves of migration throughout its history. Over time, through wars and struggles, people settled permanently in the area. Key historical movements such as the Peasant Uprising, Indigo Rebellion, Tebhaga Movement, Language Movement of 1952, and the Liberation War of 1971 are all significant chapters in Nilphamari's history. The people of Nilphamari were always vocal in their protests and resistance during these uprisings.

With a population of around 2 million, Nilphamari is often regarded as an underdeveloped, poverty-stricken, and monga-prone region. The primary reasons for its economic underdevelopment include unequal land ownership, a high number of landless people, dependence on agriculture, lack of industrialization, and unemployment. Despite these socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, the region remains one of the country’s food-surplus areas due to its fertile soil, the use of controlled river water from the Teesta Barrage for agricultural purposes, and a large labor force. By ensuring the quality of education, utilizing human resources effectively, and promoting industrial development, the region can be transformed into a promising area for future growth.