North Bengal

North Bengal (উত্তরবঙ্গ/উত্তর বাংলা) is a term used for the north-western part of Bangladesh and northern part of West Bengal. The Bangladesh part denotes the Rajshahi Division and Rangpur Division. Generally, it is the area lying west of Jamuna River and north of Padma River and includes the Barind Tract. The West Bengal part denotes Jalpaiguri Division (Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong) and the Malda division (Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Malda) together. The Bihar parts include the Kishanganj district. It also includes parts of Darjeeling Hills. Traditionally, the Ganga River divides Bengal into South Bengal and North Bengal, divided again into Terai and Dooars regions. Jalpesh and jatileswar are some of the most popular sacred places. The population of the region is 30,201,873 (3 crore) as per the 2011 census. Majority of the population follow Islam, followed by Hinduism, the largest minority. The population of the region is 17,211,010 (1.7 crore) as per the 2011 census. Majority of the population follow Hinduism, followed by Islam. Small but significant population follow Christianity and Buddhism. The North Zone cricket team in Bangladesh is a first-class cricket team that represents northern Bangladesh (Rajshahi and Rangpur) in the Bangladesh Cricket League. Rajshahi, is the divisional capital of Rajshahi Division. The city has an excellent railway transport system. Sirajganj, is an important city situated on the bank of Jamuna River. Sirajganj District is known as the gateway to North Bengal. Pabna, is an important city situated on the bank of Padma River. Jagannath Temple is one of the most beautiful Hindu Temple in northern Bengal in this city. Ishwardi, is a city in Pabna District. It is also the headquarters of the western zone of Bangladesh Railway. Rangpur, is a city located in the Rangpur District. It is the headquarters of Rangpur Division. It is one of the modern cities in this division. Bogra, is a major city located in the Bogra district, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh.