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Begum Rokeya Memorial: A Tribute to Women's Empowerment

Explore the life and legacy of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women's rights, at her memorial in Pairaband, Rangpur. A tribute to empowerment and education.

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The Begum Rokeya Memorial in Pairaband, Rangpur, Bangladesh, honors Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a pioneer of women's rights and education during the British Raj. The memorial features a museum showcasing her life, works, and legacy, along with gardens and training centers. It serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.

A brief summary to Begum Rokeya Memorial

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter, more reflective experience.
  • Take your time to read the exhibits carefully; they offer deep insights into Begum Rokeya's life and the historical context of her work.
  • Check in advance for any special events, workshops, or educational programs that might be happening during your visit to enhance your understanding.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the surrounding gardens for a peaceful respite and to appreciate the beauty of the memorial's setting.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Rangpur city center, the most practical way to reach Begum Rokeya Memorial is by bus. Head to the Rangpur Central Bus Terminal and look for a bus heading towards Pairaband. Purchase a ticket for approximately BDT 20-30. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes. Ask the bus conductor to alert you when you arrive in Pairaband. From the Pairaband bus stop, the memorial is a short walk along Pairaband Road. Alternatively, BRTC city buses also ply the route from Paglapeer to Pirganj via Rangpur, with stops at Pairaband. Bus fares are approximately BDT 20-30.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Rangpur city center, a taxi or ride-sharing service (if available) offers a direct route to the Begum Rokeya Memorial in Pairaband. This is a more convenient but also a more expensive option. The ride typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around BDT 300-500 for a taxi or ride-sharing service from Rangpur to Pairaband. Confirm the fare with the driver before you begin your journey.

  • Rickshaw/Easy Bike

    From specific points within Rangpur or nearby Mithapukur, cycle rickshaws or 'easy bikes' (electric rickshaws) are a viable option for the final leg of the journey. Negotiate the fare beforehand; a typical ride from Mithapukur to Pairaband should cost around BDT 50-80, depending on the distance and your bargaining skills. This mode of transport offers a slower, more immersive experience of the local surroundings.

  • Walking

    If you arrive at Baldipukur Bus Stop, the Begum Rokeya Memorial is a 3.5 km walk. From the bus stop, head east. After about 1 km, turn left. Continue straight for about 2.5 km, and the memorial will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.

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Discover more about Begum Rokeya Memorial

Nestled in the tranquil village of Pairaband, the Begum Rokeya Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary life and work of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, a true visionary and champion of women's rights in Bangladesh. Born in Pairaband in 1880, Rokeya emerged as a leading voice for female education and empowerment during a time when women faced significant social constraints. The memorial center, established on 3.15 acres of land near Rokeya's birthplace, serves as a museum and a tribute to her enduring legacy. It offers visitors a chance to delve into her life story, explore her literary contributions, and understand the socio-political context in which she fought for change. The exhibits showcase her writings, including the feminist science fiction novella 'Sultana's Dream,' her essays in 'Matichur,' and her critiques of social injustices in 'Abarodhbasini'. Rokeya's early life was marked by both privilege and restriction. While her family was relatively affluent, she and other women were confined by societal norms that limited their access to education and public life. Despite these challenges, Rokeya's elder brother secretly taught her Bengali and English, igniting a passion for learning that would fuel her lifelong mission. The memorial complex includes a beautiful garden, an office building, a four-story dormitory, a research room, a library, and a brass sculpture of Begum Rokeya. Following her husband's death in 1909, Rokeya dedicated her life to establishing and running the Sakhawat Memorial Girls' High School in Calcutta. This school became a beacon of hope for Muslim girls, providing them with access to education and opportunities that were previously denied. The center also hosts various training programs aimed at empowering youth and promoting employment, carrying forward Rokeya's vision of social upliftment.

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