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Bangladesh Travel Guide

The latest travel Information on Bangladesh, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Bangladesh Information

Overview

Formerly known as East Pakistan, Bangladesh came into being only in 1971, when the two parts of Pakistan split after a bitter civil war which drew in neighbouring India. Bangladesh spent 15 years under military rule and, although democracy was restored in 1990, the political scene remains volatile.

Most of the country is formed by the alluvial plain of the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system - the largest delta in the world; water flow is second only to that of the Amazon. To the east of the delta lie the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Flooding is normal and life has adapted to take account of this. Occasionally, excessive flooding, as in 1988, 1998 and 2004, causes widespread destruction and loss of life.

The landscape in Bangladesh is mainly flat with many bamboo-, mango- and palm-covered plains created by the effects of the great river systems of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. The Sundarbans in southwest Bangladesh is one of the largest mangrove forests in the world and the area supports a variety of wildlife, including the Royal Bengal tiger, the national animal. Today, Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries and poverty is deep and widespread, although the population growth has reduced and the health and education systems have improved.

However, there have been political tensions in recent years. As a result, travellers are advised against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include the city of Chittagong) because of the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival tribal groups, settlers and the military.

Top Things To See

In Dhaka, the historic city and capital of Bangladesh (north central), visit the old part of the city. Buildings of interest include the uncompleted 17th-century Lalbagh Fort, the stately Ahsan Manzil Palace and Museum (sometimes referred to as the Pink Palace), the Chotta Katra and a large number of mosques. To the north of this region is the European quarter (also known as British City), which contains the Banga Bhavan, the presidential palace, several parks and the Dhakeswari Temple. It is worth noting the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery near Central Railway Station at Kamalapur, which enshrines the 1,000-year-old black stone Buddha. The Khan Mohammed Mirdha Mosque and the Mausoleum of Pari Bibi are worth a visit, as are the Baldha Gardens with their collection of rare plants. There are dozens of mosques and bazaars to visit – the Kashaitully Mosque is especially beautiful.

Immerse yourself in history in Sonargaon, about 30km (20 miles) east of Dhaka, the capital of the region between the 13th and early 17th centuries. The city retains a number of historical relics of interest, although many of these are now in ruins.

More Hindu temples can be found in Dhamrai, northwest of Dhaka.

Around 43km (27 miles) from Sylhet are the ruins of Jaintiapur, once the capital of an ancient kingdom.

Although often ignored by tourists, the Rajshahi Division, in the northwest of the country, contains a large number of archaeological sites. The most important of these are at Paharpur, where the vast Buddhist monastery of Somapuri Vihara and the Satyapir Vita temple are located; there is also a museum.

Other places of interest in the region include the ancient Hindu settlement of Sherpur, near Bogra; Mahastanagar, also near Bogra, which dates back to the third century BC; Vasu Vihara, 14km (9 miles) to the northwest, the site of an ancient but now ruined monastery; Rajshahi, on the Ganges, which has a museum displaying many of the archaeological relics of the area; and Gaur, very close to the border with the Indian state of West Bengal, which contains a number of old mosques.

Bogra is a useful base for visiting the archaeological sites of Paharpur, Mahastanagar and Sherpur, although not intrinsically interesting itself.

In the southwest, places of interest include the mosque of Sat Gumbad, and the town of Bagerhat (home of Khan Jahan Ali, a well-known Sufi mystic).

In Kuakata (southwest), see a 21m (70ft) Buddhist statue.

In the south, discover two pre-Moghul mosques: one, which boasts nine domes, is situated at the village of Qasba Guarnadi, and the other, built in 1464, is near Patuakhali.

In Chittagong (southeast), the second-largest city in the country, the old city retains many echoes of past European settlements, mainly by the Portuguese, as well as many mosques. These include the 17th-century Shahi Jama-e-Masjid (which closely resembles a fort) set astride a hilltop, and the earlier Qadam Mubarek Mosque. The Chilla of Bada Shah stands to the west of Bakshirhat in the old city. The Dargah of Sah Amanat is a holy shrine located in the heart of the town.

Approximately 8km (5 miles) from Chittagong is the picturesque Foy’s Lake in the railway township of Pahartali. The Tomb of Sultan Bayazid Bostami, a holy shrine situated on a hillock in Nasirabad, is situated 6km (4 miles) to the northwest of the town. At its base is a large tank with several hundred tortoises, supposedly the descendants of evil spirits.

Be enchanted by beautiful panoramic scenery and waterfalls in Madhabkunda, north of Dhaka.

Perched on the bank of the manmade Kaptai Lake, northeast of Chittagong, Rangamati is also a place of scenic beauty and unspoiled tribal life.

Tamabil, a border outpost on Sylhet–Shilong Road, also offers excellent views of the surrounding area, including some spectacular waterfalls across the Indian border. Zaflong is a scenic spot nearby, set amidst tea gardens and beautiful hills.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

In the capital city, Dhaka, spend some time at the National Museum, the Zoo or the Botanical Gardens.

Go birdwatching in the Rajendrapur National Park, about 50km (31 miles) north of the capital, which is noted for its varied birdlife. The Madhupur National Park and Game Sanctuary is situated about 160km (99 miles) from Dhaka. Nature lovers will also like Madubashah, just 10km (6 miles) outside Barisal (south), which has a lake and a bird sanctuary.

Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, the country’s national animal, in the Sundarbans National Park, a supreme example of lush coastal vegetation and the variety of wildlife which it can support. Spotted deers, monkeys and a great variety of birds are also to be found here. Not surprising, considering this area boasts the largest mangrove forest in the world. The park is located in the Khulna Division, which is principally marshland and jungle. Tours (usually for 10 people or more) are organised by the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation during the winter; otherwise, boats can be hired from Khulna or Mongla, which is the main port for the Khulna region. Accommodation is available at Heron Point.

Travellers in pursuit of beaches should head for Kuakata, a newly developed tourist resort. It is a scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali and has a wide sandy beach which is an ideal vantage point to watch the sun rise and set. Here, visitors can also observe the traditions and unique lifestyle of the Rakhane tribes.

Step foot on the world’s longest and broadest beach, Inani Beach, which can be found in Cox’s Bazar, a thriving regional tourist centre and beach resort in the extreme south of Bangladesh, with a mixed population of Bengali and Burmese origin. The beach is 120km (75 miles) long and 55m (180ft) to 90m (300ft) broad (depending on the tide). The area has not, however, been fully developed for tourism. The town also has many thriving cottage industries for weaving and cigar making.

The main tourist beach is Patenga (southeast), which is also broad and long.

Boating enthusiasts may head to Sunderbands National Park, large parts of which are only accessible by rowing boat.

Located in the Rangamati Hill District, Kapati Lake offers good opportunities for sailing, swimming and fishing.

In February each year, join the annual 10-day pilgrimage in Sitakund, 37km (23 miles) from Chittagong (southeast), also famous for its temples, including Chandranath and Buddhist temples, a hot spring and the supposed footprint of Lord Buddha.

Enjoy an excursion to Sylhet, North of Dhaka, known as ‘the land of two leaves and a bud’ because of its long tradition as a tea-growing area. Srimongol is the main centre of the Sylhet tea gardens.

Enjoy a game of cricket, hockey or football. The Dhaka Metropolitan Soccer League season begins in April. Games are held in the city stadium and playgrounds.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

There are plenty of good restaurants in Dhaka and main towns around the country. Western food can be found in most hotels and in some large restaurants.

Things to know: Alcohol is expensive and strict Muslim customs severely limit availability and drinking times, although leading hotels have bars which will serve alcohol.

National specialities:
• Curries such as korma, bhuna, masala gosht, kashmiri and tikka.
• Dishes are usually served with rice, naan or paratha (griddle-fried flat breads).
• Kebabs are widely available.
• Seafood and fresh-water fish are in natural abundance and smoked hilsa, fresh bhetki, chingri and prawns are definitely worth trying.
• Desserts tend to be sweet and milky, such as misti dhohi (sweetened yoghurt), zorda (sweet rice with nuts) and ros malai (round sweets floating in thick milk).

National drinks:
• Chai (milky sweet tea).
• Lassi (yoghurt drink).
• Coconut water.

Tipping: Most services expect a tip in hotels; give 10% for restaurant staff.

Nightlife

Leading hotels have bars, but Western-style nightclubs do not exist. Displays of local dance and music are occasionally to be seen, particularly during religious festivals. Traditional theatre can be seen in major cities and the Dhaka City Corporation has opened a modern theatre hall called Dhaka Mohanagor Natya Mancha.

Shopping

Bangladesh is famous for its pink pearl. Handloom fabrics, silks, printed saris, coconut masks, bamboo products, mother-of-pearl jewellery, leather crafts, wood and cane handicrafts and folk dolls are popular purchases. Duty-free shops are available in Dhaka and international airports.

Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later).

Climate

Very hot, tropical climate with a monsoon season from April to October when temperatures are highest; rainfall averages over 2,540mm (100in). The cool season is between November and March. The country is prone to widespread flooding and is also a high-risk earthquake zone.

Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year. Warmer clothes are needed in the evenings during the cool season. Waterproofs are necessary during the monsoon season.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Islamic New Year.
21 Feb International Mother Language Day.
20 Mar Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
26 Mar Independence Day.
14 Apr Bangla New Year.
1 May Labour Day.
20 May Buddha Purnima.
30 Jul Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet).
2 Oct Durga Puja (Dashami).
20 Oct Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny).
2 Oct (3 days) Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
7 Nov National Revolution Day.
9 Dec (3 days) Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
16 Dec Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh).
29 Dec Islamic New Year.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Islamic New Year.
21 Feb International Mother Language Day.
9 Mar Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
26 Mar Independence Day.
14 Apr Bangla New Year.
1 May Labour Day.
2 May* Buddha Purnima.
20 Jul Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet).
21 Sep (3 days) Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
2 Oct Durga Puja (Dashami).
20 Oct Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny).
7 Nov National Revolution Day.
28 Nov (3 days) Eid ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
16 Dec Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh).

* Date to be confirmed.

Note

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Azha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Yes

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No*

Health Care

Health insurance is essential. Visitors can also be treated at military hospitals.

Note

* A yellow fever certificate is required of all persons (including infants) arriving by air or sea within six days of departure from an infected area, or a country with infection in any part, or a country where the WHO judges yellow fever to be endemic or present; or has been in such an area in transit; or has come by an aircraft which has come from such an area and has not been properly disinfected. Those arriving without a required certificate will be detained in quarantine for six days.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Bangladesh Taka (BDT) = 100 paisa. Notes are in denominations of BDT500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of BDT5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10 and 5 paisa.

Currency Exchange

All foreign currency exchanged must be entered on a currency declaration form. Hotel bills must be paid in a major convertible currency or with traveller’s cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are not generally accepted outside the capital. There are ATMs (Standard Chartered Bank) in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Khulna. HSBC has ATMs in Dhaka and Chittagong.

Traveller's Cheques

Can be exchanged on arrival at Dhaka Airport. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Sun-Wed 0900-1500, Thurs 0900-1300. Selected banks may open on Saturdays.

Passport/Visa

British