View source for Sylhet

{{About|the city||Sylhet (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Sylhet
| other_name         = Srihatta
| native_name        = সিলেট
| settlement_type    = [[Metropolis]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border      = infobox
| total_width = 300
| image_style = 
| perrow      = 1/2/2/2/2/1
| image1      = City point,sylhet (cropped).jpg
| caption1    = City Point
| image2      = Sylhet, by Murshed.jpg
| caption2    = Downtown Sylhet
| image3      = Ali Amjad's Clock (1164).jpg
| caption3    = [[Keane Bridge]] and [[Ali Amjad's Clock]]
| image4      = সিলেট আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়াম.jpg
| caption4    = [[Sylhet International Cricket Stadium]]
| image5      = Shah Jalal Mazar (03).jpg
| caption5    = [[Shah Jalal Dargah]]
}}
| pushpin_map        = Bangladesh Sylhet division#Bangladesh
| pushpin_label_position = centre
| pushpin_map_alt    = Sylhet
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Sylhet in Bangladesh
| coordinates        = {{coord|24|54|N|91|52|E|region:BD|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{Flag|Bangladesh}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Divisions of Bangladesh|Division]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Districts of Bangladesh|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Sylhet Division]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Sylhet District|Sylhet]]
| established_title  = [[Township|Municipal Board]]
| established_date   = 1867
| established_title1 = Sylhet City Corporation
| established_date1  = 9 April 2001
| established_title2 = [[Metropolis|Metropolitan city]]
| established_date2  = 31 March 2009<ref name="Metro">{{cite news |title=Bangladesh clamps down on beggars |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7978523.stm |work=BBC News |date=2 April 2009 |access-date=2 April 2009}}</ref>
| government_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref>tags -->
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–Council]]
| governing_body     = [[Sylhet City Corporation]]
| leader_title       = [[Mayor of Sylhet|Administrator]]
| leader_name        = Abu Ahmad Siddiqui
| leader_party       = 
| leader_title1      = 
| leader_name1       = 
| leader_title2      = [[List of city corporations in Bangladesh#City Council|City Council]]
| leader_name2       = [[Sylhet City Corporation#Ward and councillor list|42 constituencies]]
| leader_title3      = [[Parliament of Bangladesh|Parliament]]
| leader_name3       = [[List of constituencies of the Jatiya Sangsad#Sylhet Division|1 constituencies]]
| unit_pref          = Metric
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
<!-- for references: use <ref>tags -->| area_footnotes     = 
| area_magnitude     = <!-- -->
| area_total_km2     = 
| area_urban_km2     = 58.74
| area_metro_km2     = 177.81
| area_blank2_title  = <!-- square kilometres -->
| area_blank2_km2    = 
| area_note          = 
| dimensions_footnotes = 
| length_km          = 
| width_km           = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| population_as_of   = 2022
| population_footnotes = <ref name="2022census">{{Cite book |url=http://nsds.bbs.gov.bd/storage/files/1/Publications/PHCensus/Sylhet/District%20Report%20Sylhet.pdf |title=Population and Housing Census 2022 - District Report: Sylhet |date=June 2024 |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]] |isbn=978-984-475-284-9 |series=District Series |location=Dhaka |pages=}}</ref>
| population_urban   = 712,288
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 896,331
| population_density_metro_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = [[Sylhetis|Sylheti]]
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->| population_note    = 
| population_blank1  = [[List of cities and towns in Bangladesh|10th in Bangladesh]]
| population_blank2_title = Metro rank
| population_blank2  = [[List of city corporations in Bangladesh|10th in Bangladesh]]
| timezone           = [[Bangladesh Standard Time|Bangladesh Time]]
| utc_offset         = +6
| blank_name         = National Calling Code
| blank_info         = +880
| blank1_name        = [[Telephone numbers in Bangladesh|Calling Code]]
| blank1_info        = 0821
| elevation_m        = 35
| elevation_ft       = 115
| postal_code_type   = [[List of postal codes in Bangladesh|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 3100
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Bangladesh|Calling code]]
| area_code          = +880 821
| demographics_type1 = [[Languages of Bangladesh|Languages]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]{{*}}[[Bangladeshi English|English]]
| demographics1_title2 = Regional language
| demographics1_info2 = [[Sylheti language|Sylheti]]
| demographics_type2 = 
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref name="BBS">{{cite web | url=https://bbs.portal.gov.bd/site/page/b432a7e5-8b4d-4dac-a76c-a9be4e85828c | title=বাংলাদেশ পরিসংখ্যান ব্যুরো }}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = 
| demographics2_info1 = 
| blank_name_sec1    = [[UN/LOCODE]]
| blank_info_sec1    = BD ZYL
| blank3_name_sec1   = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2023)
| blank3_info_sec1   = 0.650<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{cite web |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/BGD/ |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=11 July 2025}}</ref><br /> {{color|#FFEB3B|medium}}· [[List of regions of Bangladesh by Human Development Index|19th of 22]]
| blank4_name_sec1   = [[Police]]
| blank4_info_sec1   = [[Sylhet Metropolitan Police]]
| blank5_name_sec1   = [[Airport]]
| blank5_info_sec1   = [[Osmani International Airport]]
| blank6_name_sec1   = Planning Authority
| blank6_info_sec1   = [[Sylhet Development Authority]]
| blank7_name_sec1   = Water Supply and Sewerage Authority
| blank7_info_sec1   = [[Sylhet WASA]]
| blank_emblem_size  = 120px
| image_map          = Sylhet City Corporation in Sylhet division (Bangladesh).svg
| blank_emblem_type  = Sylhet City Corporation Seal
| seal_alt           = Official Seal of Sylhet
| website            = {{URL|scc.gov.bd/}}
| footnotes          = 
| official_name      = 
| image_seal         = 
}}
'''Sylhet''' ({{Langx|bn|সিলেট}}, {{IPA|bn|sileʈ|pron|LL-Q9610 (ben)-Titodutta-সিলেট.wav}}) is a [[Metropolis|metropolitan city]] in the north eastern region of [[Bangladesh]]. It serves as the administrative center for both the [[Sylhet District]] and the [[Sylhet Division]]. The city is situated on the banks of the [[Surma River]] and, as of 2025, the metro area population of Sylhet is estimated to be 1,033,000, reflecting a 3.4% increase from 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sylhet, Bangladesh Metro Area Population 1950-2025 {{!}} MacroTrends |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/global-metrics/cities/20136/sylhet/population?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.macrotrends.net}}</ref> This makes it the third-largest urban area in Bangladesh.

Sylhet is known for its tea plantations and natural scenery.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Most Beautiful Tea Gardens in Bangladesh to visit |url=https://unb.com.bd/category/lifestyle/the-most-beautiful-tea-gardens-in-bangladesh-to-visit/78029 |access-date=5 March 2023 |work=[[United News of Bangladesh]]}}</ref> The region has been inhabited since ancient times, and since the city's establishment in the 14th century has been ruled by various dynasties including the [[Mughals]], the [[British Empire|British]], and the [[Nawabs of Bengal]]. The city is also home to several important landmarks, such as one of the Islamic sites in Bangladesh, the [[Shah Jalal Dargah]], which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chowdhury |first=Aisha Hayder |date=25 February 2021 |title=Sylhet in Spirit |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/shout/news/sylhet-spirit-2050589 |access-date=5 March 2023 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref> 

Sylhet is one of the most economically important cities in Bangladesh after [[Dhaka]] and [[Chittagong]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Megan |date=17 October 2022 |title=Discover the 9 Largest Cities In Bangladesh |url=https://a-z-animals.com/blog/discover-the-largest-cities-in-bangladesh/ |access-date=5 March 2023 |website=AZ Animals |language=en-US}}</ref> A major commercial and financial center, Sylhet is home to several multinational companies and industries, including the tea industry, which generates a significant amount of revenue for the city. Sylhet has diverse transport infrastructure, with a modern airport, railway station, and bus terminals that connect it to other parts of the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-01-09 |title=No more cobweb of cables! |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/no-more-cobweb-cables-1851652 |access-date=2023-03-05 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref> The city also has several educational institutions, including [[Sylhet Agricultural University]], [[Shahjalal University of Science and Technology]] and [[Sylhet Cadet College]].

==Etymology and names==
Sylhet is the [[Anglicisation (linguistics)|anglicisation]] of {{lang|bn|শিলহট}} (''Śilhôṭ''), one of the archaic native names for the city.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} The local name is generally thought to be directly derived from {{lang|sa|শ্রীহট্ট}} (''Śrīhaṭṭa''), the [[Sanskrit]] name of the city.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Monsur Musa |editor=Sharif Uddin Ahmed |chapter=History of the Study of the Dialect of Sylhet: Some Problems |title=Sylhet: History and Heritage |year=1999 |publisher=Bangladesh Itihas Samiti |isbn=978-984-31-0478-6 |pages=588 |language=en}}</ref> The city of Śrīhaṭṭa takes its name from ''Śrīhaṭṭanātha'', the [[tutelary deity]] of  the Nātha dynasty who promoted the early settlement of [[Nath|Nātha]]s in the Surma and [[Barak Valley|Barak]] valleys between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, founding the Śrīhaṭṭa ''[[janapada]]'' and establishing ''[[Hattanath|Śrīhaṭṭanātha]]'' idols across the region.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mujibur Rahman |last=Chowdhury |title=গৌড়-বঙ্গে মুসলিম বিজয় এবং সুফি-সাধকদের কথা |trans-title=Muslim conquest in Gauḍa-Vaṅga and discussion about Sufi ascetics |language=bn |url=https://sylheterdak.com.bd/details.php?id=30429 |work=[[Sylheter Dak]] |date=31 July 2019 |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=5 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005052346/http://sylheterdak.com.bd/details.php?id=30429 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The later [[Hindu]] [[raja|monarch]]s of Sylhet, such as [[Gour Govinda]], continued to pay tribute to the deity as ''Hāṭkeśvara'' or ''Haṭṭanātha'' as evident from the [[Puranas|Devipurana]] and copper-plate inscriptions.<ref name=achyut>{{cite book |author=[[Achyut Charan Choudhury|Choudhury, Achyut Charan]] |title=Srihatter Itibritta: Uttorangsho |year=2000 |orig-year=1916 |publisher=Kotha |location=Kolkata |language=Bangla |url=https://bn.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE:%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0_%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4_-_%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%82%E0%A6%B6.pdf/%E0%A7%AA%E0%A7%A7 |page=21 |chapter=উত্তর শ্রীহট্টের নামতত্ত্ব}}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|History of Sylhet}}

In 1303, the Sultan of Lakhnauti [[Shamsuddin Firoz Shah]] [[Conquest of Sylhet|conquered Sylhet]] by defeating [[Gour Govinda]].<ref name="Fazal2013">{{cite book |last=Fazal |first=Tanweer |year=2013 |title=Minority Nationalisms in South Asia |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6bGMAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA53 |publisher=Routledge |pages=53 |isbn=978-1-317-96647-0}}</ref> Sylhet became a part of the [[Bengal Sultanate]]. In the [[16th century]], Sylhet was controlled by the [[Baro-Bhuiyan]] [[zamindar]]s and later became a sarkar (district) of the [[Mughal Empire]].<ref name="Sangma1994">{{cite book |last=Sangma |first=Milton S. |title=Essays on North-east India: Presented in Memory of Professor V. Venkata Rao |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UaNQ_HLLt04C&pg=PA75 |year=1994 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-015-6 |pages=75}}</ref> Sylhet emerged after 1612 as the Mughals' most significant imperial outpost in Bengal east of Dhaka, and its importance remained as such throughout the seventeenth century.<ref>{{cite book |last=Nath |first=Pratyay |year=2019 |title=Climate of Conquest: War, Environment, and Empire in Mughal North India |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |isbn=978-0-19-949555-9 |pages=184–185}}</ref> [[British Empire|British rule]] began in the 18th century under the administration of the [[East India Company]]. Sylhet became a key source of [[lascar]]s in the British Empire due in part to its ancient seafaring tradition. The Sylhet municipal board was established in 1867.<ref name="sylhetcitycorporationbd.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org/ |title=Welcome sylhetcitycorporationbd.org - Justhost.com |website=www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org |access-date=26 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014249/http://www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org/ |archive-date=13 October 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Originally part of the [[Bengal Presidency]] and later [[Eastern Bengal and Assam]], the town became part of Colonial Assam in 1874. A devastating earthquake demolished almost the entire town on [[1897 Assam earthquake|12 June 1897]] following which a modern and European model new town was built on the wreckage.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} From the beginning of the 20th century, the importance of Sylhet increased with the establishment of the tea industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History Of Bangladesh Tea {{!}} Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh (TTAB) |url=https://ttabctg.com/about-us/history-of-bangladesh-tea/ |access-date=2025-01-02}}</ref>

In 1947, following a [[1947 Sylhet referendum|referendum]] and the [[partition of British India]], Sylhet became part of East Pakistan.<ref name="Fazal2013"/> In 1995, the Government of Bangladesh declared Sylhet as the sixth [[Divisions of Bangladesh|divisional headquarters]] of the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.londoni.co/index.php/travel-guide/29-location-guide/3-sylhet-bangladesh |title=Basics of Islam |website=Londoni |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-date=5 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905170347/http://www.londoni.co/index.php/travel-guide/29-location-guide/3-sylhet-bangladesh |url-status=dead}}</ref> Sylhet has played a vital role in the [[Economy of Bangladesh]]. Several of Bangladesh's [[Finance Minister of Bangladesh|finance ministers]] have been members of parliament from the city of Sylhet. [[Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran]] was a long time mayor of Sylhet. [[Humayun Rashid Choudhury]], a diplomat from Sylhet, served as [[President of the UN General Assembly]] and Speaker of the [[Jatiyo Sangshad|Bangladesh National Parliament]].

In 2001, the municipality was upgraded to the [[Sylhet City Corporation]]. It was made a metropolitan city in 2009.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org/index.php/cms/home/ |title=Welcome sylhetcitycorporationbd.org - Justhost.com |website=www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704033705/http://www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org/index.php/cms/home |archive-date=4 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Geography and climate ==
Sylhet is located in the northeastern region of Bangladesh within the Sylhet Division, the Sylhet District, and Sylhet Sadar Upazila. Sylhet has a typical Bangladeshi [[tropical monsoon climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''Am'') bordering on a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cwa'') at higher elevations. The rainy season runs from April to October, and is generally hot and humid with heavy showers and thunderstorms almost every day. The shorter dry season runs from November to February, with very warm and fairly clear weather. Nearly 80% of the annual average rainfall of {{convert|4200|mm|in|-1}} occurs between May and September.<ref>[http://weather.msn.com/monthly_averages.aspx?wealocations=wc:BGXX0010&q=Sylhet%2c+BGD+forecast:averagesm Monthly Averages for Sylhet, BGD] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701141245/https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/ |date=1 July 2019 }} MSN Weather. Retrieved 25 May 2009.</ref>

The city is located within a topographically distinctive region of Bangladesh characterized by dramatic hills and basins. The [[physiography]] of Sylhet consists mainly of hill soils and encompasses a few large depressions known locally as "[[beel]]s," which are frequently [[oxbow lake]]s caused by tectonic subsidence during [[1762 Arakan earthquake|the earthquake of 1762]].

Geologically, the region is complex and diverse; higher-elevation regions date partly to the Plio-[[Miocene]] age. Available limestone deposits in different parts of the region suggest that the whole area was under the ocean in the Oligo-Miocene. In the last 150 years, three major earthquakes have hit the city with magnitude of at least 7.5 on the [[Richter Scale]], most recently in 1918.<ref name="ds10Feb2006">{{cite news |last=Siddiquee |first=Iqbal |date=10 February 2006 |title=Sylhet growing as a modern urban centre |url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities24.htm |work=Our Cities: 15th Anniversary Special |publisher=The Daily Star |access-date=25 May 2009 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721161221/http://archive.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2006/15thanniv/ourcities/ourcities24.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Sylhet weatherbox}}
[[File:Tea garden 31118.jpg|thumb|A tea garden at Jaflong, Sylhet]]
[[File:পানিতে নিমজ্জিত রাতারগুল জলাবনের গাছ.jpg|thumb|Ratargul Swamp Forest]]

== Administration ==
{{Further|Sylhet City Corporation |Wards of Sylhet City Corporation}}

[[Robert Lindsay (colonial official)|Robert Lindsay]], who served as the District Collector of Sylhet from 1778 to 1790, mentioned Sylhet in his autobiography, ''Oriental Miscellanies: Anecdotes of Indian Life'', as 'a small bazaar (market)'. He wrote, "The town was then merely a small market. The inhabitants’ houses were situated on the hills and hidden behind forests and jungles."<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QyZsHAAACAAJ |title=Oriental Miscellanies: Comprising Anecdotes of an Indian Life by Robert Lindsay, Narratives of the Battle of Conjeveram by James and John Lindsay, Journal of an Imprisonment in Seringapatam by John Lindsay and An Adventure in China by Hugh Lindsay |date=1840 |publisher=C.S. Simms |language=en |chapter=7}}</ref> Exactly 100 years after his tenure, in 1878, Sylhet was upgraded into a municipality with an approximate area of about 1.75 square kilometers.<ref>{{Cite news|last=দাশ |first=সুমনকুমার |date=2021-05-07 |title=রবীন্দ্রনাথের শ্রীভূমি বনাম লিন্ডসের এডিনবরা |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AD%E0%A7%82%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE-%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE |access-date=2024-09-12 |work=[[Prothom Alo]]|language=bn}}</ref> The civic body of Sylhet was formed according to the Sylhet City Corporation Act, 2001, which came into effect on April 10, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd/bangla_all_sections.php?id=852|title= Sylhet City Corporation Act, 2001|website= bdlaws.minlaw.gov.bd}}</ref> On July 28, 2002, Sylhet Municipality board was upgraded to a City Corporation, which covered an area of 26.50 square kilometers and was divided into 27 wards. Currently, the city is administered by the ''[[Sylhet City Corporation]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|last=দাশ |first=সুমনকুমার |date=2023-06-20 |title=সিলেট সিটি করপোরেশনের বর্ধিত ১৫টি ওয়ার্ডে নিশ্চিত হয়নি নাগরিক সুবিধা |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/district/7xjrqdzgjg |access-date=2024-09-09 |work=[[Prothom Alo]]|language=bn}}</ref> On August 31, 2021, a gazette notification was issued to expand the area of Sylhet City Corporation. According to the gazette, several [[mouza]]s from four unions of [[Sylhet Sadar Upazila]] and three unions of [[Dakshin Surma Upazila]] were included in the City Corporation. Subsequently, the expanded areas were reorganized and boundaries were defined on a ward basis under Sections 29 and 30 of the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009. Currently, the City Corporation consists of 42 wards and covers an area of 79.5 square kilometers.<ref>{{Cite news|last= |first= |date=2022-02-24 |title=সিলেট সিটি করপোরেশনের নতুন ১২টি ওয়ার্ডের সীমানা নির্ধারণ |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/district/%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%A8%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%93%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A1%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A3 |access-date=2024-09-09 |work=[[Prothom Alo]]|language=bn}}</ref> At present, Sylhet is the district-headquarters as well as the divisional headquarters of the districts of [[Sunamganj]], [[Habiganj]], [[Moulvibazar District|Moulvibazar]] and [[Sylhet District]]. The Sylhet City Corporation is responsible for the services that are provided within the city which includes traffic, roads, garbage collection, water supply, registrations and many others. The corporation consists of the Mayor and 22 other commissioners, and focuses on the development of the city.<ref>[http://www.swadhinata.org.uk/sylhetpartnership/sylhet.htm The Sylhet City Corporation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212105351/http://www.swadhinata.org.uk/sylhetpartnership/sylhet.htm |date=12 December 2009 }} Swadhinata Trust. Retrieved 26 May 2009.</ref> Sylhet is divided into 6 metropolitan [[Thanas of Bangladesh|''thanas'']] (police stations), 42 wards, and 1224 mahallas.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

===Military===
The [[Bangladesh Army]]'s [[17th Infantry Division (Bangladesh)|17th Infantry Division]] is based at [[Jalalabad Cantonment]] in Sylhet.<ref>{{Cite news |title=PM launches 17 Infantry Division |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2013/09/17/pm-launches-17-infantry-division |work=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> The cantonment is also home of the [[School of Infantry and Tactics]] (SI&T) and the [[Para-Commando Brigade (Bangladesh)|1st Para-commando Battalion]], an elite [[commando]] unit of the Bangladesh Army.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

===Healthcare===
Sylhet is also home to many hospitals such as the Shahid Shamsuddin Hospital District Hospital, [[Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College]], [[Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College]], [[North East Medical College]], and [[Sylhet Women's Medical College]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

In 2018, [[Sylhet Medical University]] was established in the city, following the Prime Minister's order to found a medical university in each division with the goal of maintaining medical standards in colleges. According to the order, Chittagong and Rajshahi Medical University have already been established, and Sylhet Medical University is the fourth Medical University of the directive.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.ekushey-tv.com/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%97%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%8F%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%97%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%87/49455 |script-title=bn:আগামীতে ক্ষমতায় এলে প্রতিটি বিভাগে মেডিকেল বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় হবে |work=Ekushey TV |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |script-title=bn:সিলেট মেডিকেল বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় বিল পাস |url=http://www.ntvbd.com/bangladesh/215213/%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B2%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%259F-%25E0%25A6%25AE%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%25A1%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%2595%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%25B2-%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B6%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25A6%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25AF%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25B2%25E0%25A6%25AF%25E0%25A6%25BC-%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B2-%25E0%25A6%25AA%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25B8/amp |work=NTV |language=bn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926100600/http://www.ntvbd.com/bangladesh/215213/%25E0%25A6%25B8%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B2%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%259F-%25E0%25A6%25AE%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%25A1%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%2595%25E0%25A7%2587%25E0%25A6%25B2-%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B6%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25A6%25E0%25A7%258D%25E0%25A6%25AF%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25B2%25E0%25A6%25AF%25E0%25A6%25BC-%25E0%25A6%25AC%25E0%25A6%25BF%25E0%25A6%25B2-%25E0%25A6%25AA%25E0%25A6%25BE%25E0%25A6%25B8/amp |archive-date=26 September 2019}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{See also|Demographics of Bangladesh}}
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Sylhet City Corp. (2022)<ref name="2022census"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam in Bangladesh|Islam]]|green|90.52}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Bangladesh|Hinduism]]|darkorange|9.30}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.18}}
}}
As of the [[2011 Bangladesh census]], Sylhet has a population of 485,138.<ref name="census2011" /> The population growth rate of the city is 1.73%, a decrease from 1.93% in 1991.<ref name="BangladeshStatPock2007">[http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pb_wb_page.pdf Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, Statistical Pocket Book, 2007 ('''pdf-file''')] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928093839/http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/pb_wb_page.pdf |date=28 September 2007 }} 2007 Population Estimate. Retrieved 29 September 2008.</ref>  Sylhet has a sex ratio of 861 females to 1000 males and a literacy rate of 67.8%.<ref name="census2011">{{Cite web |title=Community Series - Sylhet District |url=http://203.112.218.65:8008/WebTestApplication/userfiles/Image/PopCen2011/COMMUNITY_SYLHET.pdf |website=bbs.gov.bd |publisher=[[Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

The majority of the population are [[Bengali Muslims]], while significant minority population groups include the [[Bengali Hindus]], [[Bishnupriya Manipuri]] and others.<ref>[http://research.brac.net/publications/Exploring_the_Marginalized.pdf Exploring the Marginalized] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100314/http://research.brac.net/publications/Exploring_the_Marginalized.pdf |date=27 April 2017 }} Samir Ranjan Nath. BRAC. February 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2017.</ref> [[Sylheti language|Sylheti]] is spoken by the vast majority of the people, while [[Bengali language|Standard Bengali]] is the official language used by the state government and officials.<ref name="omniglot">{{cite web |url=http://www.omniglot.com/writing/syloti.htm |title=Syloti-Nagri alphabet |work=omniglot.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.unicode.org/charts/PDF/UA800.pdf |title=Sylheti unicode chart}}</ref><ref>Christina Julios (2008). ''Contemporary British Identity: English Language, Migrants, and Public Discourse''. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. pp.40–41. {{ISBN|978-0-7546-7158-9}}</ref> 2,424 (0.45%) of the population are of an ethnic minority, of which 2,040 are [[Meitei people|Manipuri]].

The majority of people in Sylhet are Muslims (90.52%), while other religious groups include Hindus (9.30%) and less than 0.18% of other religions, mainly [[Buddhism in Bangladesh|Buddhists]] and [[Christianity in Bangladesh|Christians]]. The majority of Muslims in Sylhet are [[Sunni]]s who follow the [[Hanafi]] school of jurisprudence.<ref name=ourbang>{{cite web |url=http://www.ourbangla.com/islam/bd/bd1.asp |title=Islam in Bangladesh |website=OurBangla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219125652/http://www.ourbangla.com/islam/bd/bd1.asp |archive-date=19 February 2007 |access-date=3 August 2016}}{{self-published source|date=August 2016}}</ref> Significant numbers of people also follow [[Sufism|Sufi]] ideals, particularly the teachings of [[Abdul Latif Chowdhury Fultali|Sufi Shaykh Abdul Latif Fultali]].<ref name=BDUK>{{cite web |url=http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Arts/CRONEM/SOASBangladeshi%20diaspora%20PaperDRAFT-7June2005.pdf |title=Bangladeshi Diaspora in the UK : Some observations on socio-culturaldynamics, religious trends and transnational politics |author=David Garbin |date=17 June 2005 |publisher=University of Surrey |access-date=3 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923014220/http://www.surrey.ac.uk/Arts/CRONEM/SOASBangladeshi%20diaspora%20PaperDRAFT-7June2005.pdf |archive-date=23 September 2010}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Sylhet}}

{{More citations needed section|date=May 2024}}
The Sylhet Metropolitan Area is one of Bangladesh's main business centres. Sylhet's economy is closely linked with the [[Bangladeshi diaspora]], especially the [[British Bangladeshi]] community. The city receives a significant portion of the country's annual [[remittances]], which have driven growth in real estate and construction.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-berkshire-16190888 |title=Returning home to build mansion |date=22 December 2011 |work=BBC News}}</ref> A number of shopping centres, restaurants and hotels have opened as a result. Sylhet also relies on [[religious tourism]], with thousands of devotees visiting its [[Sufi]] shrines annually, as well as [[ecotourism]] in its broader natural hinterland.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} Nature [[resort]]s have been built in the city's outskirts. Several important [[List of companies in Bangladesh|Bangladeshi companies]] are based in Sylhet, including Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution, Sylhet Gas Fields and [[Alim Industries Limited|Alim Industries]]. [[Biman Bangladesh Airlines]] operates several flights from Sylhet to the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Roads connect Sylhet with the Indian states of [[Meghalaya]] and Assam.

Sylhet's [[hinterland]] plays a vital role in the [[economy of Bangladesh]]. It is home to the country's largest natural gas fields, sole [[crude oil]] field,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Haripur_Oilfield |title=Haripur Oilfield |website=Banglapedia}}</ref> largest tea plantations, rubber, [[palm oil]], [[Arundo|cane]], [[agarwood]]<ref name="archive.thedailystar.net">{{Cite news |last=Siddiquee |first=Iqbal |date=19 October 2011 |title=Agar farming sees export markets |work=The Daily Star |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-207067}}</ref> and [[citrus]] farms. Rice production in the region is one of the country's highest. Heavy industries include [[power plant]]s, [[fertilizer]] plants, cement plants and [[liquefied petroleum gas]] plants. Other major industries in the region include [[ceramics]], machinery and equipment, ready-made garments and pharmaceuticals. Most of the tea production in Bangladesh is based around Sylhet, much of which is eventually exported internationally.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History Of Bangladesh Tea {{!}} Tea Traders Association of Bangladesh (TTAB) |url=https://ttabctg.com/about-us/history-of-bangladesh-tea/ |access-date=2024-10-29}}</ref>

=== Utilities ===
Sylhet has high rates of electricity shortages and water shortages. According to the Power Development Board, as of 2009, Sylhet was only receiving 50 [[Megawatts#Megawatt|MW]], half of the required demand of 100 MW. The city corporation was also supplying only 22,500 gallons of water, far less than the demand of about 65,000.<ref>{{cite news |author=Iqbal Siddiquee |date=5 May 2009 |title=Power, water crises grip Sylhet city |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-86843 |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=29 May 2009}}</ref> The major sources of water to the city are the tube wells and the [[Surma River]].{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} Tests of tube wells in Sylhet District by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in 1997 found that about 27.6% contained more arsenic than the acceptable limit set by Bangladesh of 50 micrograms per liter, and 49.2% contained more arsenic than the World Health Organization standard of 10 micrograms per liter.<ref>{{cite news |title=Arsenic poisons Sylhet water |url=http://www.eng-consult.com/arsenic/as16.txt |newspaper=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=11 September 1997 |access-date=29 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041027040014/http://www.eng-consult.com/arsenic/as16.txt |archive-date=27 October 2004 |via=Engconsult Ltd.}}</ref> There are about 331 registered restaurants in the city, but only 15% maintain sanitary facilities and 85% have unhygienic conditions that are unsafe for the public.<ref>[http://journals.tums.ac.ir/upload_files/pdf/3104.pdf Study of Water Quality in Sylhet City and its Restaurants: Health Associated Risk Assessment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401095611/http://journals.tums.ac.ir/upload_files/pdf/3104.pdf |date=1 April 2010 }} Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Retrieved 29 May 2009.</ref>

=== Media and communications ===
State-owned [[Bangladesh Television]] operates a [[BTV Sylhet|relay station]] headquartered in the Kazitula neighborhood.<ref name="lalfita">{{cite news|url=https://www.banglanews24.com/cat/news/bd/59478.details|script-title=bn:১৬ বছর ধরে লাল ফিতায় বন্দি বিটিভির সিলেট কেন্দ্র|date=24 September 2011|access-date=8 November 2024|language=bn|work=BanglaNews24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608180950/https://www.banglanews24.com/cat/news/bd/59478.details|archive-date=8 June 2024}}</ref> From 2000 to 2002, privately owned [[Ekushey Television]] broadcast terrestrially on VHF channel 11 in Sylhet.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coverage|url=http://www.ekusheytv.com/htmldoc/corporate/coverage.html|access-date=8 November 2024|website=Ekushey Television|date=16 August 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020816181919/http://www.ekusheytv.com/htmldoc/corporate/coverage.html|archive-date=16 August 2002}}</ref>

== Sports ==
[[File:সিলেট আন্তর্জাতিক ক্রিকেট স্টেডিয়াম.jpg|thumb|left|[[Sylhet International Cricket Stadium]]]]
The [[Bangladesh Premier League]] franchise [[Sylhet Strikers]] are based in [[Sylhet International Cricket Stadium]] (M.A.G. Osmani Stadium), which was built in 2007 and has a capacity of 18,500 spectators. The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was renovated in 2013 specifically to host matches for the [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]]. It is situated near lush green tea gardens on the city fringe.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bdcrictime.com/sylhet-is-the-most-beautiful-test-venue-in-asia |title='Sylhet is the most beautiful Test venue in Asia' |first=Jannatul |last=Pieal |website=www.bdcrictime.com}}</ref> In the [[National Cricket League]], [[Sylhet Division cricket team|Sylhet Division]] has not won any titles but did win in the [[One-Day Cricket League of Bangladesh|One-Day Cricket League]] during the [[2001–02 Bangladeshi cricket season#National championships|2001–02 season]]. Notable players from Sylhet who have played for the [[Bangladesh national cricket team]] include [[Rajin Saleh]],<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/player/56074.html Players and Officials – Rajin Saleh] Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 May 2009.</ref> [[Enamul Haque Jr]],<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/player/55882.html Players and Officials – Enamul Haque jnr] Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 May 2009.</ref> [[Tapash Baisya]],<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/player/56176.html Players and Officials Hasibul Hussain who was the opening bowler in the 1999 World Cup – Tapash Baisya] Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 May 2009.</ref> and [[Alok Kapali]].<ref>[http://content-www.cricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/player/56251.html Players and Officials – Alok Kapali] Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 May 2009.</ref> Chess player [[Rani Hamid]] was awarded the [[FIDE]] [[Woman International Master#Woman International Master (WIM)|Women's International Master]] (WIM) title in 1985, while her son [[Kaiser Hamid]] was the captain of the [[Bangladesh national football team]] in the early 90s.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/details/article/147884/%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%80-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6/ |script-title=bn:ইতিহাসের সাক্ষী কায়সার হামিদ |work=Janakantha |date=14 October 2015 |access-date=11 May 2024 |language=bn}}</ref>

== Transport ==
{{Further|Transport in Bangladesh}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| width             = 170
| image1            = Sylhet Osmani Airport.jpg
| caption1          = [[Osmani International Airport|Sylhet MAG Osmani International Airport]]
| image2            = Sylhet Railway.jpg
| caption2          = [[Sylhet railway station]]
}}

===Road===
The main transport systems used in Sylhet are [[cycle rickshaw]]s, [[auto rickshaw]]s (mainly known as baby-taxis or CNGs), buses, mini-buses and cars. About 80,000 rickshaws run each day within the city. Bus service prices have increased up to 30% higher, and as of 2008 prices range from [[Taka|Tk]] 4 to 15.95.<ref>[http://www.newagebd.com/2008/nov/04/met.html Sylhet city bus services hike fares on whim] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615134038/http://www.newagebd.com/2008/nov/04/met.html |date=15 June 2009 }} New Age Metro. 4 November 2008. Retrieved 25 May 2009.</ref>

The [[N2 (Bangladesh)|N2]] connects the city with Bangladesh's capital and largest city, Dhaka, as well as with many other parts of the country. The N2 highway is also part of the [[Asian Highway Network]]'s two longest routes, [[Asian Highway 1|AH1]] and [[Asian Highway 2|AH2]].

===Air===
Sylhet is served by [[Osmani International Airport]], located at the north of the city. It is Bangladesh's third busiest airport, and it became an international airport due to demand driven by expatriate Bangladeshis and their families living in the United Kingdom and the United States. The most prevalent airlines at the airport are [[Biman Bangladesh Airlines]], [[US-Bangla Airlines]] and [[Novoair]].

Osmani International Airport received its first international arrival on 3 November 2002, with a Biman plane arriving from [[Kuwait]] via [[Abu Dhabi]] en route to Dhaka.<ref name=weeklyhol>{{cite news |title=Biman launches Kuwait-Sylhet flight |author=Weekly Holiday |publisher=Aviatour |date=22 November 2002}}</ref> Sylhet's first direct international flight arrived on 15 March 2017 when a Flydubai direct flight from [[Dubai]] landed at the airport.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/business/first-direct-international-flight-lands-sylhet-airport-1376566 |title=First direct international flight lands at Sylhet airport |work=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|The Daily Star]] |date=16 March 2017 |access-date=26 March 2017}}</ref> Work began in 2006 to upgrade the airport to international standards, including a new terminal building, a jetway, a taxiway, and expansion of the runway to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.<ref name=TheDailyStar040513>{{cite news |title=Osmani Airport expansion work begins in July |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/05/13/d40513070476.htm |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=13 May 2004}}</ref> In May 2007, Biman announced direct [[Hajj]] flights originating from the airport later that year.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newagebd.com/2007/may/12/front.html#26 |title=Runway expansion at Osmani Airport nearing completion |work=New Age |date=12 May 2007 |access-date=14 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615092705/http://www.newagebd.com/2007/may/12/front.html#26 |archive-date=15 June 2009}}</ref> As of 2020, Biman Bangladesh operates direct flight to London from Sylhet.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/biman-bangladesh-airlines-sylhet-london-sylhet-flight-inaugurated-1972169 |title=Biman's Sylhet-London-Sylhet direct flight resumes after 9 years |work=The Daily Star |date=4 October 2020 |access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> All Bangladeshi airlines operate regular domestic flights to Dhaka and Biman operates regular domestic flights to [[Cox's Bazar]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2020/11/10/biman-to-launch-sylhet-cox-s-bazar-flight-from-nov-12 |title=Biman to launch Sylhet-Cox's Bazar flight from Nov 12 |work=[[Dhaka Tribune]] |date=10 November 2020 |access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>

In response to the increase in passenger and cargo demand at the airport, work began in 2020 on a new {{convert|34919|m2}} international passenger terminal building, as well as a cargo building, a control tower, parking areas, and a taxiway.<ref>{{cite news |title=International terminal at Osmani Airport on the cards |url=https://www.banglanews24.com/national/article/71738/International-terminal-at-Osmani-Airport-on-the-cards |newspaper=[[Banglanews24.com]] |date=24 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sylhet's Osmani Int'l Airport getting improvements |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/sylhets-osmani-intl-airport-getting-improvements-1977349 |newspaper=[[The Daily Star (Bangladesh)|Daily Star]] |date=13 October 2020 |language=English |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>

===Rail===
[[File:Parabat Express.jpg|thumb|[[Parabat Express]] train in Sylhet Railway Station]]
The [[Sylhet railway station]] is the main railway station providing trains on national routes operated by the state-run [[Bangladesh Railway]].
Some train routes originating or terminating in Sylhet include the following.{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}

====Towards Dhaka{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}}====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Train No. !! Train Name !! Train Type !! Departures
|-
| 710 || [[Parabat Express]] || Intercity || Daily (except Tue)
|-
| 718 || Jayantika Express || Intercity || Daily
|-
| 740 || Upaban Express || Intercity || Daily
|-
| 774 || [[Kalni Express]] || Intercity || Daily (except Fri)
|-
| 10 || Surma Mail || Mail || Daily
|-
|}

==== Towards Chittagong{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Train No. !! Train Name !! Train Type !! Departures
|-
| 724 || Udayan Express || Intercity || Daily (except Fri)
|-
| 720 || Paharika Express || Intercity || Daily (except Fri)
|-
| 14 || Jalalabad Express || Mail || Daily
|-
|}

==== Towards Akahura{{Citation needed|date=November 2025}} ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Train No. !! Train Name !! Train Type !! Departures
|-
| 18 || Kushiara Express || Mail || Daily
|-
|}

== Education ==
{{Main|List of educational institutes of Sylhet}}

{{Further|Education in Bangladesh}}
There are two public universities in Sylhet: [[Shahjalal University of Science and Technology]] and [[Sylhet Agricultural University]]. There are also private universities such as [[Leading University]] and [[Metropolitan University, Sylhet|Metropolitan University]].<ref>{{cite web |title=List of Public Universities |url=http://www.ugc-universities.gov.bd/public-universities |website=University Grants Commission of Bangladesh |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |chapter=Bangladesh |title=International Handbook of Universities 2019 |year=2019 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |pages=249–302 |isbn=978-3-319-76971-4}}</ref> Other prominent colleges and schools in Sylhet include [[Jalalabad Cantonment Public School and College]], Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical college, Pathantula [[MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet|Parkview Medical College, MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet]], [[Sylhet Women's Medical College]], [[North East Medical College]], [[Sylhet Engineering College]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Sylhet Engineering College |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/campus/2008/11/02/feature_sylhet.htm |newspaper=The Daily Star |date=9 November 2008 |access-date=25 May 2009}}</ref> [[Sylhet Cadet College]], [[Murari Chand College]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Islam |first=Mohammad Shafiqul |date=25 March 2007 |title=Inter University Debate Competition: Metropolitan University Team Champion |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/campus/2007/03/04/newsroom.htm |newspaper=The Daily Star |access-date=25 May 2009}}</ref> [[Institute of Health Technology, Sylhet]], [[Border Guard Public School And College]], Scholarshome, Blue Bird High School and College, [[Sylhet Science And Technology College]], [[Sylhet Polytechnic Institute]], and [[Sylhet Government Women's College]].

==Notable people==
{{Main|List of people from Sylhet}}

==Twin towns – sister cities==
As of 2009, Sylhet has friendly relations with:
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[St Albans City and District|St Albans]], United Kingdom<ref name=stalbans>{{cite web |title=Councillors, mayoralty and town twinning |url=https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/councillors-mayoralty-and-town-twinning |website=stalbans.gov.uk |publisher=St Albans City & District Council |access-date=2021-08-18}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]], United Kingdom<ref>{{cite web |url=http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/CeListDocuments.aspx?CommitteeId=118&MeetingId=666&DF=08%2F07%2F2009&Ver=2.pdf |title=Rochdale Township Committee |publisher=[[Rochdale Borough Council]] |date=4 July 2019}}</ref>

The friendship link with St Albans was established in 1988, when the St Albans' [[Districts of England|district council]] supported a housing project in Sylhet as part of the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless. Sylhet was chosen because it is the home region for a large ethnic minority population in St Albans.<ref name=stalbans/>

In March 2009 the Mayor of Sylhet, Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form another friendship link between Sylhet and Rochdale, home to around 10,000 people with Sylheti heritage. The Mayor of Sylhet signed it alongside the Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Keith Swift, at the [[Sylhet City Corporation]].{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

== See also ==
* [[Barak Valley]]
* [[Upazilas of Bangladesh]]
* [[Districts of Bangladesh]]
* [[Divisions of Bangladesh]]
* [[Upazila]]
* [[Thanas of Bangladesh|Thana]]
{{Portal bar|Asia|Geography|Bangladesh}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category|Sylhet}}
* {{Wikivoyage inline}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014249/http://www.sylhetcitycorporationbd.org/ Official website of Sylhet City Corporation]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NFLLGnAoOA Sylhet Tourist Places Video]

{{Bangladesh cities}}
{{Sylhet District}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sylhet| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Sylhet District]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]