Gaibandha District · Rangpur Division · ফ্রেন্ডশিপ সেন্টার

Friendship Centre travel guide

Aga Khan Award-winning architecture by Kashef Chowdhury, like a building sunk into the earth surrounded by gardens.

🗓️ Best time to visitOctober–March
⏱ How long it takes1–2 hours
💰 Estimated costEntry needs prior permission; accommodation available

History and background

The training centre of the NGO Friendship, designed by the architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury and built in 2011. In a flood-prone area, its brick buildings sit on low land ringed by an earth embankment, with grass on the roofs and water in the courtyards — inspired by ancient Buddhist monasteries. It won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2016.

How to get to Friendship Centre

At Madaner Para near Gaibandha town.

Gaibandha is about 260 km from Dhaka; the journey takes 6 hours.

  • 🚌 By bus: Gaibandha buses from Mohakhali/Gabtoli (Hanif, Shyamoli, SR), fare ৳650–800.
  • 🚆 By train: Lalmoni Express to Bonarpara/Gaibandha.

Where to stay

  • The centre's guest rooms (book ahead)

What to eat

Rosmonjori sweets (famous)

Good to know

  • A must for architecture lovers — get permission by email/phone first

More places to visit in Gaibandha district

  • Balasi Ghat — A ghat on the Brahmaputra; boat trips to the chars and sunsets.

Location on the map