Rajshahi, formerly Rampur Boalia, city, central Bangladesh, on the Ganges (Padma) River. It is an industrial center and the administrative headquarters of Rajshahi District and Rajshahi Division. Major manufactures include silk, wood products, and processed food. The University of Rajshahi (1953) and the Varendra Research Museum, which houses a collection of archaeological items, are here. Population (1991) 324,532.