| Santahar | |
| Native Name: | সান্তাহার |
| Nickname: | City of Rail |
| Settlement Type: | Town |
| Pushpin Map: | Bangladesh Rajshahi division#Bangladesh |
| Pushpin Label Position: | centre |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location of Santahar in Rajshahi Division |
| Coordinates: | 24.8071°N 88.9861°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  Bangladesh |
| Subdivision Type1: | Division |
| Subdivision Name1: | Rajshahi |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Bogra |
| Subdivision Type3: | Upazila |
| Subdivision Name3: | Adamdighi Upazila |
| Established Date: | 1878 |
| Timezone: | BST |
| Utc Offset: | +6 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code |
| Postal Code: | 5800-5899 |
| Population Total: | 31,037 |
| Population Density Urban Km2: | 3,043 |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | BengaliEnglish |
| Blank Emblem Size: | 120px |
| Blank Emblem Type: | Logo of the Rajshahi City Corporation |
| Area Total Km2: | 10.20 |
Santahar (bn|সান্তাহার) is a town located in Adamdighi Upazila, in Bogura District, in Rajshahi Division, in Bangladesh. Santahar is mostly known for its agricultural activies and for being a transit hub. The town provides educational institutions, religious institutions, healthcare facilities, markets and shops, and other essential services for its citizens. Santahar has both urban and rural citizens. The landscape of Santahar includes rivers and agricultural fields that make up the town and its surroundings.
During the British colonial era, the British East India Company created Santahar as an intermediary stop on their rail line from Kolkata to Siliguri. The town evolved into a transportation hub and an agricultural centre, particularly for rice cultivation.[1]
The town's location facilitated the efficient movement of goods and personnel, thereby enhancing regional trade and connectivity. Over time, Santahar became integral to the economic and social fabric of northern Bangladesh, supporting agricultural activities and fostering local commerce.[2]
Under Pakistan's rule, Santahar was also settled by many Urdu speakers.[3] There were the usual clashes between the Bengali and Urdu speakers in the town and it is estimated that 20,000 – 50,000 Urdu speakers had lived in Santahar at its peak. Santahar also witnessed the Santahar Massacre, a massacre of non-Bengali speaking residents in the area by Mukti Bahini, during Bangladesh's liberation war.[4] [5]
Following Bangladesh's independence in 1971, Santahar continued to expand its railway infrastructure, adapting to technological advancements and evolving transportation needs. Today, the town remains an important junction on the Bangladesh Railway[6] network, contributing significantly to the country's transport sector and serving as a key link between major cities and regions, as well as an agricultural centre.
The Dhaka-Santahar Highway provides a vital connection between Santahar and the capital city Dhaka, providing better access for trade and commerce.
The Bogra-Santahar road connects the town to Bogra, a regional centre, as well as other smaller towns and cities.[7]
More about the Santahar Junction Railway Station
Many rail services in Bangladesh have a stoppage in Santahar, at the junction station, a vital connection for both freight and passenger rail services. Some passenger services include: the Banglabandhu Express, Drujatan Express, and Lalmoni Express. The Mitali Express, which is a co-owned rail service between India Railways and Bangladesh Railway,[8] also stops at Santahar, on its way to Siliguri from Dhaka and back.[9] [10]
Rickshaws are the main modes of transport within the city. Inter-city bus services also stop at Santahar.[11]
Bengali is the main language for the people of the town. Many distinctive Bengali dialects and regional languages are also spoken, such as the North Central Dialect, which is spoken throughout Rajshahi[17]