It is said that the name Pabna comes from 'Pobon', a notorious bandit of this region. Pabna is divided into nine
upazilas: Aatghoria, Berra, Bhangura, Chatmohor, Faridpur, Ishwardi, Santhia, Sujanagar, and Pabna Sadar. Hindu saint Thakur Aanukul Chandra, mathematician Jadob Chakroborty, folklorist Mohammad Monsuruddin, poet Bonde Ali Mian, first finance minister of Bangladesh Captain Monsur Ali, essayist Promotho Chowdury, and philanthropist Gopal Chandro Lahiri were all born in this district.
Edward College of Pabna is a famous institution in Bangladesh. Gopal Chandro Lahiri was the founder of it.
The birthplace of both Thakur Aanukul Chandra and Pabna Mental Hospital is Hemayetpur, adjacent to the district town.
Six rivers flow through/beside Padma—Jamuna, Aatrai, Boral, Ichamoti, Gumani and Hursagar. More attractive archaeological sights for tourists are Varara Mosque (1755 AD), Kazipara Mosque (Bhangura), Chatmohor Shahi Mosque (1568 AD), Jore Bangla Temple (18th century), Snan Mondir (Temple of Bath), and Shether Kuthir (1779 AD).
Hardinge Railway Bridge, Pabna Sugar Mills, Ishwardi Railway Junction, and Lalon Shah Highway Bridge on the river Pabna also attract tourists.
Quick Tips:
It is prohibited to cross the Hardinge Railway Bridge on foot.
Don't laugh at the lunatic people when you visit the mental hospital.
Best Way To Get Around:
There is a domestic airport in Ishwardi, Pabna, but there is no daily air service. So it's preferable to journey by bus/coach from Gabtoli bus stand.