Saidpur

Introducing Saidpur

Saidpur is a quiet backwater town where the atmosphere of the Raj lingers. Near the old train station is one of Bangladesh’s few surviving English-style churches. The southern part of town has some impressive red-brick buildings from the latter period of the Raj. The town used to be home to Rangpur airport and received a few visitors. But with no commercial flights currently operating, few people visit. If you want to slow the pace right down then this is a nice place to get into small-town life.

There are a couple of banks that might be persuaded to change cash at bad rates, but you’ll have to continue on to Rangpur or Dinajpur to change travellers cheques. There is an internet café (9am-11pm; per hr Tk 20) with s-l-o-w connections past the railway lines.

The dirty central market is a fun place to explore and is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of southern Asia. At the northern end of town, near the train station, is the rusty red 150-year-old church, built by the British. It’s kept locked but the caretaker lives in the house next door and will open up for you. It’s in surprisingly good condition and services are attended by the members of the 25 Christian families in the neighbourhood.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009