Bangladesh

In the summer of 1947, combined leaders of the Congress, the Indian-Muslim League, and the United Kingdom partitioned British India, forming the Commonwealth of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India. After a violent nine-month battle, East Bengali-speaking Pakistan broke away from its union with western Pakistan, which was dominated by the Punjab, to form Bangladesh in 1971.

Despite the fact that Bangladesh became an independent nation in 1971, it has a long history and has long been regarded as a crossroads of history and culture. The world’s longest sea beach, numerous mosques, the world’s biggest mangrove forest, fascinating tribal communities, and a plethora of elusive animals may all be found here. Bangladeshis are extremely kind and hospitable people who devote personal hospitality to personal money, despite their country’s relative poverty in comparison to its prosperous South Asian neighbor, India.

Some of the most important industries are ready-made clothes, textiles, medicines, agricultural goods, shipbuilding, and fishing. The divide between rich and poor is widening, and the middle class is disappearing quickly, as it does across Asia, particularly in cities like Dhaka and Chittagong, as it shifts between working-class areas like Gulshan and Baridhara.

Bangladesh’s climate is subtropical monsoon. Winter (December-January), spring (February-March), summer (April-May), monsoon (June-July), autumn (August-September), and late autumn (October-November) are the six seasons of the year. In the winter, the average temperature in the nation varies from 9 to 29 degrees Celsius, while in the summer, it ranges from 21 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Annual precipitation ranges from 160 to 200 cm in the west, 200 to 400 cm in the southeast, and 250 to 400 cm in the northeast. Cyclones of category three or four are uncommon (especially during the cold winter months of January to March), but they may still inflict extensive infrastructure and electricity outages, particularly in coastal regions. It is not advised that you travel in the southern portion of the nation during this season (Khulna, Bagerhat, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazaar).

Because it is extremely humid in the summer, cotton clothing is recommended. During the rainy season, be especially cautious: even major cities like Dhaka and Chittagong may be rapidly flooded by heavy rains, and exposed drains or missing sewer covers can be deadly. From October through February is the ideal time to visit.

Bangladesh is split into three geographical areas. The lush Ganges-Brahmaputra delta covers the majority of the nation. Madhupur and the Barind plateaus are responsible for portions of the country’s northwest and center. Evergreen mountain ranges may be found in the northeast and southeast. The confluence of the Ganges (local name Padma or Pôdda), Brahmaputra (Jamuna or Jomuna), and Meghna rivers, as well as their tributaries, forms the Ganges delta. The Ganges flows into the Brahmaputra’s major river, the Jamuna, and then into the Meghna, which flows into the Bay of Bengal. Rivers deposit alluvial material as they overrun their banks, creating some of the world’s most fertile plains. Bangladesh has 57 transboundary rivers, which makes resolving water-related issues politically challenging in most instances, such as in India’s lower riverine state.

Bangladesh is mostly made up of fertile terrain. Most of Bangladesh is less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) above sea level, and it is predicted that around 10% of the land would be inundated if the sea level rose by one meter (3 meters). Forests comprise 17 percent of the land, while hill systems cover another 12 percent. The significance of the country’s wetlands to worldwide environmental research is enormous.

Since the 1960s, efforts to “construct with nature” have been undertaken in southeastern Bangladesh. The building of crossing dams has resulted in a natural build-up of silt, resulting in the formation of new lands. In the late 1970s, the Bangladeshi government started to encourage the development of this new area with the help of Dutch funding. The building of roads, sewers, embankments, cyclone shelters, toilets, and ponds, as well as the allocation of land to settlers, have all become part of the endeavor. The initiative will have distributed 27,000 acres (10,927 hectares) to 21,000 households by the autumn of 2010. Keokradong, near the Myanmar border, has a height of 1,064 meters (3,491 feet), making it Bangladesh’s highest mountain.

Bangladesh’s population is estimated to be between 162 and 168 million people, according to the latest current statistics (2015). However, the 2011 census projected a population of 142.3 million, which is much lower than previous projections (2007-2010) of a population of 150 to 170 million in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is therefore the world’s seventh most populated country. The population was just 44 million in 1951. When extremely tiny nations and city-states are included, it is also the world’s most densely populated major country, ranking 11th in population density.

In the 1960s and 1970s, when Bangladesh’s population expanded from 65 to 110 million, it had one of the world’s fastest population growth rates. In the 1980s, with the promotion of birth control, the growth rate started to slow. The fertility rate is currently 2.55, which is lower than India’s (2.58) and Pakistan’s (2.58). (3.07). With 34% of the population being under the age of 15, and 5% being 65 or over, the population is quite youthful. In 2012, men and women’s life expectancy at birth was predicted to be 70 years. Despite the country’s tremendous economic development, approximately 26% of the population lives below the international poverty line, which implies they survive on less than $1.25 per day. Bengalis account for 98% of the population.

Indigenous people from the Chittagong Hill Tracts and other areas of northern Bangladesh are among the minorities. There are 11 tribal ethnic groups in the Hill Tracts, including the Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya, Tripuri, Kuki, Khiang, Khumi, Murang, Mru, Chak, Lushei, and Bawm. The Bishnupriya Manipuri, Khasi, and Jaintia tribes live in the Sylhet Division. Garo people live in large numbers in the Mymensingh district. The Santal, Munda, and Oraon people live in Bangladesh’s northern area. Bangladesh also has a sizable Ismaili population.

During the Burmese military repressions between 1978 and 1991, the southeastern area experienced a large inflow of Rohingya refugees from Burma. Bangladesh closed its borders in 2012 in response to escalating sectarian violence in Rakhine State, fearing a third big refugee outflow. Burma The stranded Pakistanis, sometimes known as Biharis, have been a source of contention between Bangladesh and Pakistan. All second-generation Pakistanis born after 1971 were given full citizenship by the Bangladesh High Court in 2008. From 1975 until 1997, an indigenous struggle for autonomy in the Hill Tracts area resulted in rioting and insurrection. Although a peace treaty was reached in 1997, the area is still highly militarized.

With approximately 88 percent of the people subscribing to Islam, Bangladesh is the most religiously diverse country in the world. The majority of Bengali Muslims, the world’s second biggest ethnic minority, live in the nation. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of Bangladeshi Muslims, followed by Shiites and Ahmadis. Non-denominational Muslims make up around 4% of the Muslim population. Bangladesh, behind Indonesia and Pakistan, has the world’s fourth-largest Muslim population and is the world’s third-largest Muslim nation.

About 11% of the population is Hindu, with the majority being Hindu Bengali and a tiny ethnic component. Bangladesh’s Hindus are the country’s second biggest religious group and the world’s third largest Hindu community, behind those in India and Nepal. Hindus are concentrated in Gopalganj, Dinajpur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Jessore, Chittagong, and parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with significant concentrations in Gopalganj, Dinajpur, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Mymensingh, Khulna, Jessore, Chittagong, and portions of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Despite their declining numbers, Hindus remain Dhaka’s second biggest religious group, behind Muslims.

With 0.6 percent of the population, Buddhism is the third most popular religion. Buddhists in Bangladesh are mostly found among the ethnic groups of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, especially the Chakma, Marma, and Tanchangya peoples, although Bengali Buddhists may be found on the Chittagong Coast.

With 0.3 percent of the population, Christianity is the fourth most popular religion.

The remaining 0.1 percent of the population practices a variety of popular and animist faiths.

Sufism, which has a long history in Bangladesh, is practiced by a large number of individuals. The Bishwa Ijtema, which is held every year by the Tablighi Jamaat, is the biggest assembly of Muslims in the nation. After Hajj, Ijtema is the world’s second biggest Muslim gathering.

Bangladesh’s constitution proclaims Islam to be the official religion, although it forbids religious policy. Proclaim that Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and individuals of all faiths are all equal. Bangladesh became the first legally secular nation in South Asia in early 1972. Bangladesh is described as a pluralistic secular democracy by the US State Department.

Bengali (Bengali) is the national language, and it is widely spoken. It is an Indo-Aryan language with its own alphabet, developed from Prakit, Pali, and Sanskrit. Many Bangladeshis only have rudimentary English skills, such as fundamental positive, negative, and numerical expressions. This is particularly evident in rural regions and among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Prior to your journey, learning a few Bengali terms will come in handy.

After two centuries of British colonialism, most foreigners are mistakenly identified as British or Americans, and they are regarded with suspicion. “What is your country?” is likely to be the first thing they will ask. (In Bangla, “Desh kothay?”) If street sellers or rickshaw drivers are too envious to sell you their wares or services, say “Amar dorkar nai” (“I do not require”) or “Lagbey nah” (“It is not essential”) as a colloquial way of expressing “No, thanks.”

If you don’t want to offer money to beggars and other unfortunates, just say “Maaf Koro” (with you informal) or “Maaf Koren” (with you educated / formal), which means “Forgive me.” You may also use a more complex idea by stating “Amar bangthi poisha nai,” which means “I have no change.” Above all, do not hesitate to reject a service or product. Continue walking while saying these words. Otherwise, owing of their confusion regarding rejection, street sellers may misunderstand their persistence.

Most of the bigger cities have internet access, which costs about 25-30 TK per hour. The majority are connected to the internet through broadband, although the speed does not match international standards. Some Internet service providers currently provide the WiMAX service. WiFi access is also available in certain areas of major cities.

You may also utilize the connection provided by your mobile provider. Teletalk (government operator), Grameenphone, Airtel, Robi, and Banglink all have 3G connections. You may use it on your mobile device. If you wish to utilize it on a laptop, you’ll need to purchase a modem, which ranges from 1000 to 1300 tk.

The data is less expensive here. Any operator may provide 1GB for 100 tk or less. Simply dial the operator’s toll-free number. They will explain how to get data to you. Communicate with contact center operators in English.

Although the Ministry of Information has banned them, internet calls may be feasible. Dialpad , Hotelphone, Mediaring, or Skype are all good options. It’s possible that you’ll need your own microphone and headphones.

On May 3, 1994, Bangladesh ratified the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity. The country’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan must be reviewed by 2014.

Bangladesh is situated in the Indomalaya natural zone. A long coastline, many rivers and tributaries, lakes, wetlands, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, mountainous woods, deciduous moist forests, swampy freshwater forests, and flat areas with tall grass are all part of its ecosystem. Bangladesh’s plain is known for its rich alluvial soil, which allows for vast agriculture. Villages are frequently buried in forests of mango, jaca, bamboo, betel nut, coconut, and date palm, and the land is characterized by luxuriant flora. There are 6000 plant species, including 5000 flowering plants. Many aquatic plants may be found in water bodies and wetland systems. During the monsoon, water lilies and lotuses bloom in abundance. There are 50 wildlife sanctuaries in the nation.

A significant portion of the Sundarbans, the world’s biggest mangrove forest, is found in Bangladesh. It is located in the southwestern coastal region and spans an area of 6,000 km2. The south, east, and west zones are the three protected sanctuaries. The woodland has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wetlands, a unique environment, may be found in Sylhet’s north-eastern area. Tropical and subtropical coniferous woods, a swamp freshwater forest, and mixed deciduous forests are also included. Chittagong’s southeastern area is covered with evergreen and semi-evergreen mountain forests. The flat salt forest that stretches along the districts of Gazipur, Tangail, and Mymensingh in Bangladesh’s central region. The sole coral reef in the nation is on St. Martin’s Island.

Bangladesh’s woods, marshes, woodlands, and hills are home to a diverse range of animals. The overwhelming majority of animals reside in a 150,000 km2 area. The Bengal tiger, clouded leopard, saltwater crocodile, black panther, and fisherman are some of the Sundarbans’ major predators. The Asian elephant, gibbon hoolock, Asian black bear, and different colored eastern hornbills may all be found in Bangladesh’s north and east.

Chital deer may be found in abundance in the southwest’s woods. The crowned langur, Bengal fox, sambar deer, jungle cat, king cobra, wild boar, mongooses, pangolins, pythons, and water monitors are among the other creatures. Irrawaddy dolphins and Gangetic dolphins are found in great numbers in Bangladesh. According to a 2009 census, there are 6,000 Irrawaddy dolphins living in Bangladesh’s coastal waterways. Amphibians (53), reptiles (139), marine reptiles (19), and marine mammals are all found in abundance in the nation (5). It is home to 628 different bird species.

Several creatures, including a rhinoceros horn and two rhinoceros horns, and the common peacock, went extinct in Bangladesh during the past century. Deforestation is limited to some degree since the human population is concentrated in metropolitan areas. Natural ecosystems have been endangered by rapid urbanization. Despite the fact that many places are legally protected, this expansion threatens a significant portion of Bangladesh’s biodiversity. Bangladesh’s Environmental Conservation Act was passed in 1995. Several places, including wetlands, woods, and rivers, have been recognized as environmentally important zones by the government. The Sundarbans Tiger Project and the Bangladesh Bear Project are two important conservation efforts.

The voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The ancient British standard BS-546, the current British BS-1363 standard, and the European standard CEE-7/16 “Europlug” are the three kinds of electrical outlets that are likely to be found in Bangladesh. It’s a good idea to bring adapters for all three.

The majority of women dress in a sari or a salwar kameez [a three-piece costume consisting of a knee-length tunic (“kameez”), trousers (“salwar”), and a matching scarf (“urna”)]. Out of respect for the culture, foreign ladies should consider wearing at least the salwar kameez. However, increasing westernization has altered how contemporary city residents, particularly the upper class, dress. Younger people wear jeans, tees, and t-shirts, but bear in mind that it is polite to cover your shoulders, chest, and legs. Shorts are worn exclusively by young boys in public, while undershirts are worn alone (without a shirt covering them) only by the lowest class.

Men may easily leave their razors at home and depend on the always-present hairdressers, who charge about Tk 10-20 for a simple shave. Make sure they’re using a fresh blade, but you shouldn’t have to ask. Barbers often believe that foreign visitors desire “deluxe” shaves, so bear in mind that all you need is a fast shave and that you do not want the questionable massage and shaving of your forehead and nose.

Around 7% is anticipated in premium restaurants, but it’s the exception rather than the norm in casual eateries and with street food sellers. Consider leaving a small gratuity for the driver and delivery guys.

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City, and Zambia do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days

According to the current VISA database, Australian residents may pay USD50 for a 90-day visa upon arrival.

Passengers in transit do not need visas if they continue their trip on the first aircraft that links them, as long as they have valid papers on or after them and do not leave the airport.

Tourists and business visitors arriving at Dhaka and Chittagong airports may sometimes get a “landing permission” from the Chief of Immigration for stays of up to 15 days if they have return airline tickets. Although this is an unconventional approach, it is not accessible to the ordinary traveler.

All other nationals need a visa to enter Bangladesh. It is preferred to acquire it in your own country, although visas may also be obtained at embassies and consulates in adjacent countries. Visas are only available on arrival if there is no Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in your home country or if you are a “privileged investor” invited by a Bangladeshi export trade agency. Be prepared to provide documents confirming these government entities’ invites.

If you were a Bangladeshi citizen at one time and now hold a passport from another country, you may visit the Bangladeshi High Commission to get a “No visa needed” stamp, which acts as a permanent visa as long as your passport does not expire. Bangladeshi children and grandchildren may also take use of this opportunity.

If you apply in your home country, you may typically obtain a 3-month visa if arriving by air, or a 15-day visa if arriving by land. The costs vary depending on the nationality of the applicant and the length of the visa sought.

Citizens of Australia: The Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra charges AU $ 150 for all visas. For additional information, go to the High Commission’s official website at [www]. As noted above, the visa seems to be available for purchase upon arrival.

Belgian citizens: As of August 2013, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Belgium does not have a website. A single-entry tourist visa enables you to remain for one month (up to three per special request), and you must utilize it within three months after receiving it. It is expected to arrive one week after the application is filed. From 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., the visa office is open. You must apply for the visa in person or send someone to do it on your behalf. When submitting your application, you must include the following papers.

Citizens of Canada – A three-month single-entry visa costs C$80, while a multiple-entry visa costs C$158. The visa application for Canada may be found at [www]. Tourist visas are now granted at the airport for 30 days, with the option to renew for up to 60 days.

Citizens of the United Kingdom – A single-entry visa costs £40, a double-entry visa costs £52, a three-entry visa costs £75, and a four-entry visa costs £104. This page explains how to apply for a visa from the United Kingdom. Bangladeshi consulates may also be found in Birmingham and Manchester: [www].

Citizens of the United States should contact the embassy in Washington, D.C. at [www]. If acquired from inside the United States, the visa cost is now $160 and may be applied for by mail. Most issues may also be answered at consulates in Los Angeles [www] and New York [www]; be sure you read the ‘visa requirements’ sections carefully. Payable to “Consulate General of Bangladesh” using a US cashier’s check, money order, or bank draft. Money orders from outside the United States, personal checks, and cash are not accepted. Tourists from the United States may get visas on arrival for up to 30 days (duration may vary at certain land crossings), as long as they have at least $500 in cash or traveler’s checks. The charge, which remains at $160, must be paid in cash (USD, EUR or GBP).

Only 15-day visas are issued by the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata, Circus Ave (just east of AJC Bose Rd), +91 (0)33 2290 5208/5209, which range from free for Indians to a costly Rs 5000 (US $110) for American nationals. Weekdays from 9-11 a.m., applications are accepted at window #4, and visas are usually available the following afternoon. Bring three passport photographs, as well as duplicates of your passport and Indian visa.

Visa extensions

In Dhaka, at the Immigration and Passport Office on Agargaon Rd, visa extensions are available. Even if you’re simply attempting to turn your 15-day visa into a full-fledged 30-90-day visa, fees remain the same, making a side trip from India for more than 15 days a costly effort. If you just wish to remain for a few days, it’s preferable to pay the Tk 200/day overstay charge for up to 15 days, which rises to Tk 500/day after that. If you don’t point it out yourself, some of the smaller backwater crossings, such as Tamabil, may not even notice that you’ve overstayed.

Visa restrictions

Israeli nationals will be denied entry, while holders of foreign passports with Israeli stamps and visas would not face any restrictions. Foreigners visiting the three districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts: Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban have been subjected to the “no free passes” rule from January 7, 2015. As a consequence, international visitors must submit a request to the Ministry of the Interior one month before to their planned visit.

The country’s primary entry point is Dhaka’s Shahjalal Foreign Airport (IATA: DAC)in Bengali, but international flights from provincial hubs Chittagong and Sylhet are restricted.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines is the national carrier, but it has a poor reputation for timeliness, hygiene, security, and route maintenance. Many routes have been discontinued as part of a recent significant reorganization to recoup financial losses.

United Airways, a private airline, has taken advantage of Biman’s poor service and expanded to cover a number of important Asian cities.

With Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways, it is feasible to connect to most Asian and European cities, as well as many locations in North America, from Dhaka in the Middle East. Other major Asian cities with frequent flights to the nation and beyond include Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. Turkish Airlines flies to and from Istanbul on a daily basis.

Another popular way to travel to Bangladesh is through Indian airlines, with Air India flying nonstop between London and Dhaka. These airlines, however, are often beset by mismanagement and cancellations. Nearby regional destinations such as Kathmandu, Bhutan, Paro, China, and all Indian cities are readily accessible from Dhaka in under three hours and are serviced by a huge number of private aircraft.

India is the only country having open land borders. Crossing the border into Myanmar is not feasible (occasionally Bangladeshi passport holders may cross from Teknaf, although this changes regularly).

From Kolkata

There are many entrance points into the country from India. The most popular mode of transportation is via luxurious air-conditioned buses from Kolkata to Dhaka through the Haridaspur / Benapole border crossing. Private bus companies in Bangladesh, such as Shohagh, Green Line, and Shyamoli, provide regular bus services between Kolkata and Dhaka.

The buses are operated by the West Bengal Surface Transport Service Corporation (WBSTSC) and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation, respectively (BRTC). WBSTSC and BRTC run buses from Kolkata (Karunamoyee International Bus Terminal in the Salt Lake area) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., respectively, and from Dhaka at 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., respectively. With a one-way cost of Rs550 or BDT600-800 (about $ 8-12), the average journey time is roughly 12 hours. The price is Rs86 if you are just travelling to Haridaspur (2.5 hours). Please confirm schedules after you are in Calcutta (Calcutta).

From Agartala

Between Dhaka and Agartala, the capital of India’s Tripura state, there is a frequent bus service. Two BRTC buses leave Dhaka every day and link with Tripura Road Transport Corporation vehicles, which run six days a week for BDT600 ($ 10) round trip. During the journey, there is just one halt in Bangladesh, at Ashuganj. To find out the schedule, call +880 2 8360241.

The border posts of Hili, Chilahati / Haldibari, and Banglaband in West Bengal; the border post of Tamabil / Dawki for a route between Shillong (Meghalaya) and Sylhet in Bangladesh; and a few others with lesser-known routes from India’s northeastern regions are among the other points of entry for India.

India’s railway services were halted for 42 years, but in April 2008, the Maitree Express resumed service between Dhaka and Kolkata. A Bangledeshi train departs Dhaka every Saturday and returns the next Sunday, whereas an Indian train from Calcutta on Saturdays and returns the following day.

Bangladeshi air travel is both inexpensive and easy. Domestic airlines come and go, so it’s worth checking to see who’s the most recent and dependable. After the launch of a new business, the quality of service and the condition of aircraft tend to decline, leaving the market open to newcomers and shutting to existing ones.

All division capitals, as well as Jessore, Cox’s Bazar, and several minor towns, have airports. Biman Air or its private rivals service the majority of national airports.

Biman has the unique distinction of flying the half-hour Dhaka-Chittagong (DAC-CGP) (250 miles) flight in two big, high-capacity aircraft, the DC-10 and the Airbus A-310. In 2014, the DC-10 was decommissioned.

The four private carriers providing good national and international flights in 2015 are Novoair, United Airways, Regent Airways, and US Bangla Airways. Novoair is the newest member of the club, using Embraer aircraft that provide very quick flying times. United Airlines pilots were reportedly compelled to declare that the planes were in excellent condition despite the lack of appropriate maintenance procedures. The Bombardier DASH-8 is used by the majority of private operators.

GMG Airlines is the most recent airline to shut down.

In Bangladesh, a variety of rotorcraft craft services for tourist, MEDEVAC, and film material are offered for hire. Every information will be known to every authorized travel agency.

Visitors are not advised to do road excursions in Bangladesh since they are unsafe. Air travel is inexpensive, and it is preferred for longer journeys since it serves all major locations.

Local buses in Bangladesh are often overcrowded, with passengers standing on the bus steps (entry) and sometimes on the top. State buses operated by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation often fall into this category. Avoid any low-cost buses since they are simple to spot due to their poor condition. They are involved in deadly accidents on a regular basis. If you utilize them, keep in mind that they often do not stop, but instead slow down slightly to enable people to board or exit. Furthermore, disconcertingly, tariff collectors do not wear uniforms, making identification impossible. If you don’t know the language, you’ll have to take the bus (literally) and pay money to the first person who asks.

Luxury air-conditioned bus services, on the other hand, link major cities and renowned tourist sites. Green Line , Shyamoli , SilkLine , and Shohagh are just a few of the companies that have many locations across the cities they service. Between Dhaka, Chittagong, and Cox’s Bazar, Greenline has several Scania buses that provide a degree of luxury you’ve probably never seen on a bus before: they cost approximately a third more than their Volvo buses, but they’re at least equivalent to business class buses on an aircraft.

Driving in Bangladesh is not for the faint of heart: the road system is adequate, but avoiding crazy bus drivers and getting into and out of rickshaws is difficult. The numerous bumper cars that encircle the whole vehicle demonstrate that the standards of behavior are among the lowest in the world. Dhaka’s traffic has reached unfathomable levels, and autonomous driving is strongly prohibited.

There are no parking spots available. Hiring a native driver is highly recommended. Because trucks and buses often disregard tiny vehicles at night, night driving is considerably more hazardous; no matter who drives, night driving should be avoided. If you’re hiring a driver, ensure sure the vehicle has tinted windows. Because traffic is slow enough, your vehicle will almost always be surrounded by walkers, and foreigners tend to draw crowds of inquisitive Bangladeshis. It is ideal that pedestrians cannot see inside the car to prevent this degree of attention.

Cars are supposed to go to the left, yet they really drive on both sides of the road. On all metropolitan routes, the speed limit is 25 km/h, but it is very improbable that a vehicle can achieve this pace in traffic. Many traffic signals have lately been erected, however they are often disregarded by vehicles and traffic cops. In metropolitan places, traffic cops patrol all important junctions. It is prohibited to overtake on many rural roads; nevertheless, this is totally disregarded, since people employ highly hazardous tactics while overtaking the car in front of them. Although cities are brightly lighted, national highways often lack street lighting. Some new interurban highways, particularly new bridges, include tolls, which are very inexpensive.

Bangladesh Railways  is the sole rail operator in the country. Ticket costs are modest and, in most cases, are comparable to bus ticket rates, if not lower. However, journey time is usually considerably longer due to circuitous routes and challenging crossings. Tickets may be purchased over the phone, but unless you understand Bengali, you’ll have better success at one of the computer station’s booking offices.

Trains are typically more pleasant than buses, with greater legroom and merchants selling tea, water, and food. Although the trolleys are usually filthy, the air conditioning and first-class seats are comfortable. The Sulob class is the highest level of second-class service, with reserved seats and similar to first-class service (except in the price).

Dhaka’s Kamlapur Station is large and modern. It connects all important cities, although due to the widespread usage of big gauge roads and gauges, it may be required to change trains en route.

There are over 230 major and minor rivers in the nation, and boats and ferries are a popular mode of transportation for both residents and visitors. The greatest way to explore Bangladesh is to take a journey down the river in any mode. River excursions of various durations are available from a variety of private tour companies, and using ferries to go between towns is a wonderful opportunity to explore the country at a leisurely pace.

For those who prefer the picturesque route, the Rocket Steamer service links Dhaka and Khulna through Barisal and is a great opportunity to experience the riverfront Bangladesh. BIWTC operates the four ferries, which sail many times each week in each direction. If at all feasible, make a reservation many days in advance. While there are many courses to choose from, you are most likely to be placed in the first or second. Both have approximately 10 tiny bunk beds on the top deck of the boat, each with two beds and a sink (which no doubt serves as a urinal), as well as tidy communal restrooms.

Each class has a central dining/living area with a chef who prepares Bengali dishes as well as the occasional fish and chips or omelette for about Tk 50-150. The cheapest meals are available from lower-class vendors at the lowest level. The first class is located at the bow of the boat, which has been transformed into a comfortable living area. If you go alone, you must book two beds in order to ensure a tie-up in any of the classes; nevertheless, until the boat is fully filled, you are unlikely to be placed in a foreigner’s room, even if you only pay for one. The journey takes between 26 and 30 hours and costs 1010/610 TK in first and second class, respectively. During the rainy season and during the holidays, when the launches are packed with city residents, it is better to avoid it. Those who are environmentally conscious may choose to carry their garbage with them; otherwise, it will most certainly wind up in the river at the conclusion of the journey.

BIWTC also runs a number of smaller, more basic ferries for shorter routes.

Bangladesh is a tiny nation divided into eight administrative zones:

• Division of Dhaka
  The capital city, jute, and rice paddies are all found here.
• Division of Chittagong
  Great hills, woods, and beaches make up the beautiful hinterland.
• Division of Rajshahi
  Silk, mangoes, and hundreds of ancient sites are among the island’s many attractions.
• Division of Khulna
  The Sundarbans are located in this tranquil, slow-paced region.
• Division of Sylhet
  Tea plantations abound, as are magnificent natural scenery.
• Division of Barisal
  Rivers, rice farms, and green abound in this area.
• Division of Rangpur
  Temples, culture, and a way of life in the country.
• Division of Mymensingh
  The largest university in South Asia, as well as culture, ethnic minority groups, and a rural lifestyle, are all worth seeing.

Most of these cities are also the capital of the division of the same name:

• Dhaka – The frantic capital city, a tumultuous and wealthy metropolis with a population of approximately 12 million people that continues to expand every day.
• Chittagong – A thriving business hub and the country’s biggest international port
• Mymensingh – It is a historic city situated along the Brahmaputra River with a rich cultural and political history dating back over 200 years.
• Khulna – Located on the Rupsha River, this town is known for its shrimp and serves as a jumping off place for excursions to the Sundarbans.
• Rajshahi – The silk city
• Rangpur – Agriculture and commerce are important in this important metropolis in the northwestern United States.
• Barisal – A slow-paced and pleasant boat trip on the Rocket Steamer is the ideal way to get to this southern city known for paddy farming and numerous waterways.
• Sylhet – The biggest city in the northeast, renowned for the Sufi saint Hazrat Shahjalal’s shrine, one of the country’s most holy sites.
• Jessore – A tiny, unremarkable city known for Gur, a molasses-like confection made from date tree extract, and a probable transit stop to or from Calcutta.

• Cox’s Bazar – The main beach resort in the country, full of bustling tourists from Bangladesh. It is the longest sea beach in the world with 112 km of sandy coastline.
• Bagerhat – An important historical center and site of several mosques, including the famous Shait Gumbad Masjid.
• Char Atra – A low lying island in the Ganges.
• Paharpur – Ruins of an ancient Buddhist vihara.
• Saint Martins Island – The only coral island in the country with friendly people, a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of coconuts.
• Sundarbans – The largest mangrove in the world, with lots of birds and some real elusive Bengal tigers.

Bangladesh as a vacation destination has numerous aspects. Archaeological sites, mosques, and historical monuments, as well as resorts, beaches, picnic places, woods, and animals, are among the tourist attractions. Angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing, surfing, sailing, and sea bathing are all available in Bangladesh, as well as intimate touch with Mother Nature. She is also home to a diverse range of animals and game birds.

If you arrive at a historic landmark after it has closed for the day, you may “pay” a security officer a “late change charge” to allow you inside the site as soon as possible.

The city is buzzing with activity. Dramas, concerts, and plays, both western and local, abound in this vast metropolis, as they do in every major city. Yes, it is feasible to wind up at a live thrash music rave event in Dhaka!

Bangladesh is a country rich in tourist attractions, many of which provide memorable experiences while remaining relatively unknown to the rest of the globe.

Dhaka is a sandy and thrilling jumble, one of the world’s most densely inhabited cities. Keel Lalbagh, Ahsan Manjil, Shaheed Minar, Boro Katra, Katra Choto, National Museum, Jatiyo Songshad Bhaban (House of Parliament), and others are among the city’s tourism attractions. Two parks that provide green relaxation are Suhrawardy Uddan and Ramna Park. for those who live in cities Other tourist destinations include the Baitul Mukarram (National Mosque), the Upper Court, and the Bangabandhu Museum, among others. If you only have time to see one item in the city, the LalBagh Qilla fort in the city’s historic district is a must-see. The oldest section of Dhaka, known as “Puran Dhaka,” is literally a city of history, with hundreds of tiny alleys stacked on both sides of centuries-old structures. Puran Dhaka’s “Mohollas” (blocks) each have their own specialty stores and craftsmen, giving the city a distinct flavor.

Thousands of valuable stones decorate the remainder of Bangladesh, the most of them are hidden and waiting to be discovered. Moynamoti, Paharpur (Shompur Bihar), Mohasthangor, Kantajir Mondir, Ramshagor, Shatgombuj Mosque, Khanjahan Ali Shrine, Shriti Shoudho, and others are among the most significant. These locations include architecture from various periods in the country’s history. Thousands of years have passed since the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim periods.

Bangladesh’s natural beauty may be discovered far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dhaka. Cox’s Bazar is one of the world’s longest and most unbroken marine beaches. It also contains the world’s biggest mangrove forest, the “Sundarbans” (“Beautiful forests”, named for the “beautiful” Sundari trees). The Rangamati Hills’ expansions, Khagrachori and “Bandarban” (“Monkey Forest”), provide excellent hiking possibilities, while Lake Kaptai (in the Rangamati Hills) is a romantic retreat. Villages are Bangladesh’s real country, with green rice fields and yellow mustard fields nearly always surrounded by rushing rivers. The Padma River (Ganges), Madhabkunda, Jaflong, Sylhet / Sreemangal, and the Moulovibazar tea gardens are among Bangladesh’s other natural marvels.

Dhaka is a sandy and thrilling jumble, one of the world’s most densely inhabited cities. Tourists may visit Keel Lalbagh, Ahsan Manjil, Shaheed Minar, Boro Katra, Katra Choto, National Museum, and Jatiyo Songshad Bhaban (Parliament House), among other places. Suhrawardy Uddan and Ramna Park are two parks in the city that provide green space for residents. Baitul Mukarram (National Mosque), the High Court, and the Bangabandhu Museum are among the other tourist attractions. If you just visit one item in the city, make it the LalBagh Qilla Fort, which is located in the city’s historic district. The oldest section of Dhaka, known as “Puran Dhaka,” is literally a city of history, with hundreds of tiny alleys stacked on both sides of centuries-old structures. Puran Dhaka’s “Moholla” (block) is distinct, with its specialty businesses and artisans, and provides the city a distinct flavor.

Thousands of valuable stones decorate the remainder of Bangladesh, the most of them are hidden and waiting to be discovered. Moynamoti, Paharpur (Shompur Bihar), Mohasthangor, Kantajir Mondir, Ramshagor, Shatgombuj Mosque, Khanjahan Ali Shrine, Shriti Shoudho, and others are among the most significant. These locations include architecture from various periods in the country’s history. Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, for example, have been around for thousands of years.

Bangladesh’s natural beauty may be discovered far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Dhaka. Cox’s Bazar has one of the world’s longest and most unbroken beaches. It also contains the world’s biggest mangrove forest, the “Sundarbans” (“Beautiful forests”, which takes its name from the “splendid” Sundari trees). The Rangamati Hills, Khagrachori, and “Bandarban” (“Monkey Forest”) provide excellent hiking possibilities, while Lake Kaptai (among the Rangamati Hills) is a romantic retreat. Villages are Bangladesh’s real country, with green rice fields and yellow mustard fields nearly always surrounded by rushing rivers. The Padma River (Ganges), Madhabkunda, Jaflong, Sylhet / Sreemangal, and Moulovibazar Tea Gardens are among Bangladesh’s other natural marvels.

Bangladesh is a fisherman’s paradise. Historically, the majority of the country has plentiful freshwater river fish, particularly the Hilsa, which has been designated as the “national fish.” Hilsa has a wonderful flavor, but some people find the numerous fine bones difficult to handle; if you can eat this fish, you’ll be on level with the natives in terms of fish and bone experience. There are many Hilsa cuisine dishes that are appropriate for all seasons and locations of the nation. Lamb is also popular in most Muslim nations because to its thin or firm texture. Rice is nearly usually served as a side dish. Pork is prohibited in Bangladesh due to Muslim beliefs, and it is neither eaten nor marketed.

Potatoes, eggplant, pumpkins, and tomatoes are common components in mixed vegetable curries. Pumpkins, tubers, and certain root crops are widely available. Vegetable varieties are more varied in urban regions (Dhaka, Chittagong, etc.) than in rural ones.

The salad concept differs depending on the worldwide norm. In Bangladesh, lettuce is undeveloped, and ‘raw’ veggies (excluding cucumbers) are usually not regarded edible or appealing, particularly in rural or suburban regions and in families. Most salad vegetables (carrots, celery, lettuce, peppers, and so on) were not even produced in most farm homes in the past, thus their usage was very uncommon. As a result, circular slices of onions and cucumbers seasoned with salt, paprika, and other spices are often served as a dish of lettuce in Mughal customs.

In general, Dal is a side dish or a plate of food for all families, even the poorest and most devoted to the land (who often can not afford any other daily food). The majority of Bangladesh differs from its West Bengal equivalents, and even more so from its Indian counterparts, owing to its watery nature and lack of strong or spicy flavors. To use a basic comparison, most Dal Indians resemble strong peas, while most Bangladeshis resemble soup or mild broth. In Bangladesh, Hindus have a larger variety of dal recipes as well as vegetarian meals. Muslims like dal that is thicker and more spicy. Dal recipes vary by location in Bangladesh, so don’t generalize based on a single encounter.

Fresh fruits such as bananas (Tk 5-7 / piece), apples (Chinese, Tk 100-150 / kilogram), oranges, grapes, Pomegranates, and papayas are plentiful, and hard-boiled eggs (dhim) are a favorite snack (Tk 10-15). Mangoes (Tk 25-90 / kg in summer) are a delicious and versatile fruit that is widely consumed in Bangladesh.

Burgers, skewers, spring rolls, veggie burgers, and virtually anything else that can be tossed into a fryer may be found in most cities’ fast food restaurants and bakeries. The majority of the products range in price from 30 to 120 TK per person. Pizza Hut, KFC, A&W, and Nando’s are among the worldwide fast food brands in Bangladesh.

Chomchom is one of the many sweets available in Bangladesh.

You must visit ancient Dhaka to experience Dhaka’s flavors. Hadji Brieyani and Nana Buriani are required. The Shahi cuisine of Al Razzak Restaurant is likewise well-known. Kori Guest on the Dhanmondi Satmosjid Road, the Kasturi Restaurant in the Gulshan & Purana Paltan neighborhood, and the Kasturi Restaurant in the Gulshan & Purana Paltan area are all good places to try local cuisine. Nobody should leave Bangladesh without seeing Dhaka and Chittagong. In Bangladesh, there are also numerous Chinese and Thai restaurants serving regionalized Chinese and Thai cuisine. Bally Way in Dhaka, followed by Satmoshid Road, is the country’s unofficial food strip. Japanese, Korean, and Indian eateries may be found mostly in the Gulshan neighborhood of Dhaka. Visit Moven pick, Club gelato in Gulshan for world-class ice cream. Babecue tonight in Dhanmondi is the finest place to taste Kebab, followed by Kolasa in Gulshan.

As in neighboring nations, the majority of Bangladeshis eat with their right hand. Never put food in your mouth with your left hand, but you may use it to put a drink in your mouth or serve food from a simple plate with a spoon. Every restaurant will have a hand-washing station (usually just a water jug and a bowl if there is no running water), which you should use before and after your meal. Pour a tiny quantity of rice and a little amount of curry onto the open area of the plate (typically on the side of the slab closest to you, far enough inside the edge but not in the center of the dish) and mix the rice and curry with your fingers. Then make a tiny ball or mound (it should be compact and modest, but not perfectly formed or anything-function takes precedence over form!)

Take a handful of the mixture with all of your fingers and place it in your mouth. Your top fingers and hands should not be filthy, and your fingers should not enter your mouth. These restrictions are only applied to young children and foreigners/tourists. It doesn’t matter if you don’t finish it all; just be aware that the whole restaurant will be watching and waiting to see whether you do. A big grin will result from attempting to eat with your hands and failing miserably. Cutlery (save for tablespoons) is seldom used in rural and poorer homes, while utensils (such as spoons and forks) are sometimes seen in metropolitan restaurants and more western urban households. The usage of hands, on the other hand, is a more humble and culturally acceptable gesture, particularly among tourists.

With the exception of finer metropolitan eateries, table swap is normal and even expected in most places. Many establishments have separate curtains for ladies and families, providing a welcome respite from prying eyes.

In Bangladesh, there is practically little nightlife. Alcohol is frowned upon in Bangladesh since it is a Muslim country, and it can only be found at foreign clubs and the most expensive restaurants in Dhaka, as well as certain restaurants in tourist areas like Coke Bazaar. An occasional beer imported from Myanmar may be found in Teknap and St. Martin. Some of the city’s most opulent hotels offer full-service bars with exorbitant rates. However, the lack of commercial availability of alcohol does not necessarily have to be associated with the mainstream society’s culturally negative attitude to alcohol.

Bengali Christians and many urbanized senior Muslims, in particular, are likely to have a more liberal, Western attitude about social drinking. However, most five-star hotels, such as the Radisson and Sheraton. DJ / dance events are held often at Shonargoan, Regency, and other clubs in Gulshan. If they’re fortunate, foreigners may be able to attend one of these gatherings. The typical entrance price for such events is approximately 2000 Tk. The assembled crowd is mostly made up of young individuals from the top and higher social classes. In any case, western-dressed hired buddies are available in certain locations. Foreigners seeking for a clean break should keep a safe distance from them. Alcoholic drinks are very uncommon.

In this city, coffee is an aperitif for the middle class “Adda” (gossip). “Coffeeworld,” a prominent franchise with many locations in Dhaka, is a popular choice. Coffee in a can is commonly accessible.

Tea may be found almost everywhere. If you don’t want milk, ask for red tea.

Even if they are concerned about wet or cold beverages and filthy mixers, fruit juices are plentiful, diverse, and tasty. During the hot season, raw cane juice is readily accessible and typically safe, as are coconuts, which are also frequently available.

It is illegal to smoke in public areas. If you smoke in public, you may be fined 50tk.

Bangladesh’s currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT / Tk). As of August 2014, 1 EUR is worth about 102 Tk, 1 GBP is worth around 128 Tk, and 1 USD is worth around 77 Tk. On the official website of the Bank of Bangladesh, the country’s central bank, you may get the most up-to-date currency rate. However, depending on the money exchange situation, this rate may fluctuate.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s biggest custom-made garment producers, exporting clothes for well-known brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Levis. Despite the fact that these items are not often sold in local marketplaces, they may be purchased in abundance in well-known shopping districts such as Banga Bazaar and Dhaka College.

The pricing in most shops are not set in stone. Even most shops with “set price” signs are open to bargaining. Prices may be drastically lowered. If haggling isn’t your strong suit, gently inquire about what a close neighbor thinks you should pay. There are also many artisan stores and boutiques. In and around Dhaka and Chittagong, there are many retail malls. Foreigners will generally be paid a higher price; however, they will not usually be charged a set amount, which is usually just a bit more than what locals would pay, with the exception of a few minor goods. cents

With shops in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, Aarong is one of the biggest and most popular handicraft and apparel businesses in Bangladesh. It’s a wonderful location to pick up some mementos or a nice kurta or salwar kameez for a set price.

A cotton shalwar kameez may be found for about Tk 400 in a bazaar or Tk 800-1500 in a shop for women. Silk is more costly.

ATMs may be found in all cities, even the tiniest. All MasterCard and Visa credit and debit cards are accepted at these ATMs. For their own customers, most of the country’s foreign banks, such as Standard Chartered and Citibank, depend on Dutch-Bangla Bank’s Nexus TM ATM network. Most hotels have HSBC ATMs, however they only take Visa debit/credit cards and HSBC GlobalAccess TM cards (not MasterCard).

Because most ATMs are placed within a building with a security guard standing (or more often sitting) watch at the entrance, they are generally very safe to use.

• Pohela Boishakh – The country’s most commonly observed secular national holiday. People from all walks of life attend the Boishakhi Mela, when they dress up in national attire (kurta or Shari), eat sweets, and wish each other a good new year.
• Ekushey – National Mother Language Day– 21st of February This day commemorates the martyrs who died in 1952 while opposing the imposition of Urdu as the mother language in the name of Islam. The drive towards secular nationalism that resulted in independence in 1971 was fuelled by upheavals to defend Bangla as the mother tongue. The festival is celebrated with (one of Asia’s most colorful events) political leaders, intellectuals, poets, authors, and craftsmen paying homage to the martyrs, as well as singing that begins one minute after midnight on the 21st. Government offices are closed, and transportation is expected to be disrupted beginning February 20.
• Independence day – Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as the “Father of the Nation,” declared the country’s independence on this day.
• Victory day – On this day, December 16, Pakistani occupied troops surrendered to Bangladeshi and Indian forces.
• Eid-ul-Fitr – It is the year’s biggest Muslim festival, commemorating the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. The highlight is the food, and if you’re fortunate, you may be invited to a private house for a feast. Businesses will be closed for a few days, if not a week.
• Eid-ul-Azha – Prior to the Eid, you must purchase a cow. You must bring a Hujur on Eid day, and he will chop the calf into pieces. After that, you will eat cow meat and celebrate Eid.
• Durga Puja – Around the month of October, there are four days. It is the country’s biggest Hindu holiday, lasting several days with different activities each day.
• Christmas – December 25 is the country’s biggest Christian Community Festival, which has been designated an official holiday. On December 24, at 11 p.m., a prayer will be conducted at Tejgaon Church. Other churches in Dhaka also hold prayer services on December 24.

Although the majority of Bangladeshis are religious, secular ideas are not uncommon. People in general are very welcoming, and a few measures will ensure that this remains the case:

The inscription “Mahasthan Brahmi,” which goes back to the 3rd century BC. Christ, is Bangladesh’s earliest evidence of writing. Sanskrit literature thrived in the area under the Gupta Empire. In the 11th century, Sanskrit and Praguri combined to become Bengali. Bengali literature dates back millennia. The Charapapods are among of Bengali poetry’s oldest examples. Many Bengali Muslim authors have been influenced by Sufi spiritism. Medieval Bengali authors were inspired by Arabic and Persian writings during the Sultan’s reign in Bengal.

Syed Alaol is a well-known poet and translator who works in the secular field. Chandidas are a kind of popular literature that developed in Bangladesh during the Middle Ages. Modern Bengali literature, including novels, short tales, and science fiction, was influenced by the Bengal Renaissance. Rabindranath Tagore is known as the Bengal Shakespeare and was the first Nobel Prize winner in Literature. Kazi Nazrul Islam is a revolutionary poet who has renounced colonialism and fascism in a spiritual revolt. Begum Roquea, with his early work on female science fiction, was a pioneer of Bengali literature in English. Michael Maddusdan Dut and Sarat Chandra Chadadhdhi are two more Renaissance figures.

Syed Mujtaba Ali, a well-known Bengali writer, is renowned for his global outlook. In Bangladesh, Humeyung Ahmed is a well-known author of contemporary magnet realism and science fiction. For many years, Shamsur Rahman has been a poet’s poet in Bangladesh. Yasimudin is well-known for his pastoral poetry. Farrukh Ahmed, Sufi Kamal, Kaiser Hack, and Nermalendou Gwon are prominent names in Bangladeshi modern poetry. Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Akhteruzzaman Elias, Syed Waliullah, and Shahidullah Kaiser are famous Bangladeshi novelists. Shawkat Osman, Selina Hossain, Taslima Nasrin, Haripada Datha, Razia Khan, Anisul Hoque, Al Mahmoud, Bipradash Barua, Tahmima Anam, Neamat Imam, Monica Ali, and Zia Haider Rahman are among the members of the team. Many Bangladeshi authors are known for their short tales, including Mohammed Zafar Ikabal, K. Anis Ahmed, and Farah Gusnadi.

The Bangla Academy’s annual Ekushey Book Fair and the Dhaka Literary Festival are two of South Asia’s biggest literary events.

Despite the fact that several women have occupied significant political posts in Bangladesh since 2015, the country’s women continue to be oppressed by a patriarchal social system that is rife with violence. In the 1980s, women’s wages were low, often between 20 and 30 percent of men’s. While women in India and Pakistan are becoming less engaged in the work market as their education levels rise, the trend in Bangladesh is the opposite.

Feminism has a lengthy history in Bengal, going back to the nineteenth century. Roquia Sakhawat Hussain and Faizunnessa Chowdhurani were instrumental in the liberation of Bengali purebred Muslim women and the advancement of girls’ education. During the British Raj, many women were elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly. Begum was the first women’s magazine to be launched in 1948. In Bengal, eastern Pakistan, women had a significant part in civil society.

Bangladesh has one of the highest rates of female involvement in the Muslim world, at 59 percent. In Bangladesh’s garment sector, women hold the majority of blue occupations. Women’s primary professions in Bangladesh include agriculture, social services, health, and education, although white-collar employment is gradually increasing.

Bangladesh’s architectural traditions date back more than 2,500 years. Bengal’s terracotta architecture is a unique characteristic. During the Pala Empire, when the Pala School of Sculptural Art built enormous buildings like the Somapura Mahavihara, Bengali pre-Islamic architecture reached its pinnacle. When indigenous terracotta techniques impacted the building of medieval mosques under the Sultanate of Bengal, Islamic architecture started to evolve. The undivided Adina Mosque of Bengal was the biggest mosque ever constructed on the Indian subcontinent.

The Sixty Dome mosque is a superb example of Turkish-Bengali architecture and was the biggest medieval mosque constructed in Bangladesh. When Bengal became a province of the Mughal Empire, local architecture was displaced, and the Mughal style impacted the development of urban dwellings. The architecture of late Hindu temples may be seen in the Temple of Kantajew and the Temple of Dhakeshwari. During the British era, the Indo-Saracenic Renaissance, which was based on Indo-Islamic influences, thrived. The Ahsan Manzil, Tajhat Palace, Dighapatia Palace, Puthia Rajbari, and Natore Rajbari are among the many Indo-Saracenic palaces and country homes constructed by Bangladesh’s zamindar aristocracy.

In the bungalow, Bengali vernacular architecture shines out as a pioneer. Bangladeshi villages are made up of thatched homes constructed of natural materials including mud, straw, wood, and bamboo. In contemporary times, tin bungalows are becoming more common in communities.

In Bangladesh, Muzharul Islam was a pioneer of modern architecture. His many achievements have shaped the country’s contemporary architectural profession. In ancient East Pakistan, Islam attracted some of the world’s most renowned architects, including Louis Kahn, Richard Neutra, Stanley Tigerman, Paul Rudolph, Robert Boughey, and Konstantinos Doxiadis. The National Parliament Complex in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar was designed by Louis Kahn. Kahn’s colossal designs are regarded one of the twentieth century’s masterpieces, combining the regional beauty of red brick, his own brutalism of marble and concrete, and the use of lakes to reflect Bengali topography. In recent years, award-winning architects like as Rafiq Azam have influenced the direction of modern architecture by incorporating elements from the works of Islam and Kahn.

Bangladeshi theater includes several genres and has a long history dating back to the 4th century AD. Narrative forms, songs and dance forms, supra-personae forms, scroll paintings, puppet theater, and processional forms are all included. The most popular type of popular Bengali theater is jatra. Bangladesh’s dance traditions include indigenous tribal and Bengali dances, as well as classical Indian dances such as Kathak, Odissi, and Manipuri dances.

Bangladeshi music depicts the mysterious Baul culture, which has been designated by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage. Gombhira, Bhatiali, and Bhawaiya are among the many musical traditions based on lyrics that differ from area to region. The ektara, a single-stringed instrument, is used to accompany folk music. Dotara, dhol, flute, and tabla are among the other instruments. Tagore and Nazrul geeti’s songs are examples of traditional Bengali music. Bangladesh has a long history of Indian classical music, which includes the sitar, tabla, sarod, and santoor, among other instruments.

Even in painting, sculpture, and architecture, Bangladesh boasts a rich legacy of old Indian and Islamic art. Bengali art is known for its terracotta sculptures. Bengal inspired Chinese, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and Tibetan art. The Pala-Sena school is often regarded as the pinnacle of Bengali art. Persian art had a significant impact on Islamic medieval art, especially in building, gardening, and miniature painting. Bengali artistic silk and muslin textiles, notably the renowned Jamdani muslin, were supported by the Moghul emperors. The Nawabs of Bengal were renowned for their arrogance when it came to ivory production.

Bangladeshi contemporary art started with the works of famous painter Zainul Abedin. SM Sultan, Mohammad Kibria, Shahabuddin Ahmed, Quamrul Hassan, Qayyum Chowdhury, and Kanak Chanpa Chakma are among the other famous artists. Novera Ahmed and Nitun Kundu were among the earliest contemporary sculptors. The country boasts a thriving contemporary art culture that has garnered worldwide acclaim. The Dhaka Art Summit is a biennial exhibition that brings artwork from Bangladesh to a global audience.

Bangladeshi martial arts arose in communities where zamindars defended their estates with huge private armies. Bengali martial arts are divided into two categories: Lathi khela and Boli khela.

The Nakshi Kantha is a centuries-old patchwork embroidery technique believed to be indigenous to East Bengal (Bangladesh). Bangladeshi women wear the sari as their national clothing. Mughal Dhaka was known for manufacturing the finest muslin saris, notably the renowned Dhakai and Jamdani, whose fabric is included on the UNESCO list of masterpieces of mankind’s intangible cultural heritage. Rajshahi silk is also produced in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi ladies also like the Shalwar Kameez. Some ladies may be spotted wearing western clothes in metropolitan areas. The kurta and sherwani are the national garments of Bangladeshi males. Bengali guys wear dungi and dhoti in casual situations. Between 60 and 65 percent of the demand for clothes is met by the handloom sector. Men in the nation often wear tailored suits and ties in addition to ethnic dress, and they are popular in workplaces, schools, and social gatherings.

In the ever-changing fashion world, the Bengali ethnic wear sector has done very well. Aarong, a South Asian ethnic apparel store, is one of the most successful. The growth of Bangladesh’s textile sector, which supplies major international brands, has boosted local manufacturing and selling of contemporary Western clothes, and the country today boasts many rapidly growing local brands including Westecs and Yellow. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of garments.

Bibi Russell, a Bangladeshi fashion designer, is known throughout the world for her “Fashion for Development” presentations.

Bangladeshi cuisine features white rice, as well as a variety of vegetables and lentils. Bengal bryans, Pulaos, and Kichiris are all rice-based dishes. Bangladeshi cuisine makes extensive use of sour sauce, gou, sunflower oil, and lark. Bengali cuisine relies heavily on fish as a protein source. The national fish of Bangladesh, Hilsa, is very popular. Cockroaches, sea fish, catfish, tilapia, and baramundi are among the other fish. Fish eggs are a treat for gourmets. Seafood, particularly lobster, prawns, and dried fish, plays a significant role in Bengali cuisine. Meat is consumed in the form of chicken, beef, lamb, caramel, duck, and chicken.

Mezban Holidays, a traditional custom in Chittagong, include spicy veal curry. Lemon juice is used to marinade foods in Silch. Bamboo shoots may be found in abundance in tribal highland areas. Bangladeshi desserts include Roshogolla, Roshomalai, Chomchom, Mishti Doi, and Kalojaam, which are all unique to Bangladesh. Cookies are a kind of baked delicacy that is traditionally made with rice or fruit. During religious festivals, halva is served. The major native breads are naan, paratha, luchi, and bakarkhani. As a welcome gesture, visitors are offered black tea. In Bangladesh, kebabs are extremely popular, particularly kebabs, chicken teak, and shashlik.

Bangladesh has a culinary history with West Bengal, a neighboring Indian state. However, there are significant distinctions between the two areas. Meat consumption is greater in Bangladesh’s Muslim majority, whereas vegetarianism is more prevalent in West Bengal’s Hindu majority. In many Western nations, particularly the United Kingdom, the Bangladeshi diaspora dominates the South Asian restaurant sector.

The new Bengali year, Pohela Boishakh, is the most important holiday in Bengali culture, with extensive celebrations. Only Pohela Boishakh, the most important event in Bangladesh, arrives with no expectations (specific religious identity, gift culture, etc.). Unlike other celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, when lavish attire has become the standard, or Christmas, where giving presents has become an important element of the holiday, Pohela Boishakh seeks to honor Bengal’s humble rural origins. As a consequence, more individuals may take part in the celebrations without having to disclose their social position, religion, or financial status. Nabonno and Poush Parbon, both Bengali harvest celebrations, are two more traditional events.

Cricket is one of Bangladesh’s most popular sports, followed by football. In 1999, the National Cricket Team competed in its inaugural Cricket World Cup, and the following year, it was granted elite status. But they’ve battled hard thus far, winning just ten Tests: eight against Zimbabwe in 2005, five in 2006, and three in 2014, with the other two earning a 2-0 victory over the West Indies in 2009.

In One Day International cricket, the side has enjoyed greater success. In July 2010, they achieved their first victory against England in any type of competition. They defeated New Zealand for the first time later that year. They won a five-game ODI series against a West Indian national side at home at the end of 2012. Bangladesh successfully hosted the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The Asian Cup was held in the nation in 2012. The squad beat India and Sri Lanka, but fell short against Pakistan in the final game. It was, however, the first time Bangladesh had progressed to the final of a major cricket event. They participated in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, where they won gold in the inaugural Asian Games cricket event, defeating Afghanistan. In all three cricket forms, Bangladeshi cricketer Sakib Al Hasan is rated first in the CIC multi-discipline rating.

Kabaddi is a prominent sport in Bangladesh and is regarded as the national sport. Field hockey, tennis, badminton, handball, basketball, volleyball, chess, shooting, and fishing are also popular sports. 42 distinct sports federations are governed by the National Sports Council.

In the game of chess, Bangladesh boasts five notable masters. Niaz Murshed was the first outstanding instructor in South Asia among them. Margarita Mamun, a Russian rhythmic gymnast of Bangladeshi descent, won the world championships in 2013 and 2014.

Following a series of assaults particularly targeting foreigners committed by Islamist extremists that started in September 2015 and culminated in a café attack in Dhaka that killed 20 foreigners on July 5, 2016, the United States and Japan issued travel warnings to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a nation where people are kind and open-minded. However, since it is a poor nation with a high poverty rate, there are destitute or nasty individuals who may exploit a foreigner or visitor. Some of their tactics may be seen in frauds and ordinary pickpockets.

Use common sense measures, such as avoiding wandering alone after dark or needlessly. Also, if you’re in danger, make a lot of noise to attract the attention of others, who will almost certainly rush to your rescue. Foreigners, particularly Caucasians, will feel comfortable strolling about the city’s streets since you will certainly be seen by a large number of inquisitive individuals at all times. Keep your valuables close at hand while commuting by rickshaw, CNG (auto-rickshaw), or bus. Wearing costly jewelry without care is not recommended; most middle-class individuals today wear gold/silver, rhinestone/clay imitations, and beaded pendants.

Local women’s attire differs by faith and religious conservatism, socio-political environment (which changes by historical period), geographical location, and socio-economic position. As a visitor, it is generally preferable to wear at least a salwar kameez, which is both simple to wear and reasonably flexible and practical while being culturally acceptable. If you don’t have or don’t want to purchase a salwar kameez, wrap a big scarf over your upper body instead. Bangladesh is a conservative country, and if you’re a foreign lady, you’ll get a lot of attention. Wearing shorts, tank tops, or anything with a lot of skin is not a good idea. However, much of Bangladesh is a somewhat liberal Muslim nation, and young people in major cities (such as Dhaka, Chittagong, and others) are well-acquainted with Western culture.

In Bangladesh, national strikes, also known as “hartals,” are a common form of political protest. In recent years, the political opposition has called for a number of these hartals, which have resulted in the virtual shutdown of transportation and trade, as well as assaults on people who do not follow the hartals. During the hartals, clashes between opposing political parties led in fatalities and injuries. Any political protest, demonstration, or stroll must be avoided by visitors. Visitors should take care in all locations and remain as inside as possible during hartals. Hartals, manifestations, and other manifestations may happen at any moment and last anywhere from a few minutes to many weeks. If you’re in Bangladesh during a strike, expect your reserved road transportation choices to be unavailable, since protestors are used to blocking roadways and torching any cars on the road. Taking the train as an alternative is a good idea since protestors seldom obstruct the tracks. If you have an urgent need to go someplace (such as the airport) during a strike, you may hire an ambulance that will transport you across strike zones for a charge. Some areas of Dhaka may be under police control during the strikes, allowing for safe transit.

It is advised not to eat, drink, or smoke anything given by strangers – this is a rising issue in many Asian nations countries, and you will often notice posters advising you not to use buses, trains, or other forms of public transportation. You should not accept someone’s offer of a home-cooked dinner, but you should think carefully about accepting the candy that the person sitting next to you just gave you. In addition, keep cleanliness standards for local street food and snacks in mind.

Many people are killed by buses, coaches, and fast vehicles. Cars often disregard traffic signals and traffic lights, and traffic bottlenecks are unavoidable, making transit for pedestrians very difficult. The most important thing to remember is to avoid driving or walking alone on major highways. As a result, road travel (if absolutely required) is best accomplished with a local driver in a decent vehicle equipped with seat belts. Rickshaws should be used with care; although they are a highly genuine local unit, they are also the most hazardous mode of transportation, particularly on major roads (it is now prohibited).

Under Bangladeshi law, homosexual conduct between consenting adults is punishable by prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years. Travelers who identify as LGBT must take caution.

• Because tap water is frequently unsafe for foreign stomachs, and some hand-made tube wells are polluted with natural arsenic, it is advised that you drink bottled water. This will readily pass through filters that are solely intended to screen out germs. Boiling your own water or using purification tablets are also more ecologically responsible options. Arsenic, on the other hand, can only be removed via distillation. Mom, Fresco, and Spa are three brands that come highly recommended.
• It’s also a good idea to be cautious while eating from street sellers; make sure the food is hot and freshly prepared.
• Mosquitoes may be plentiful in certain regions and towns, particularly during rainy and humid seasons, and mosquito networks are often supplied to cover your bed at night, even in the cheapest hotels and in all houses.
• Consult your travel doctor about malaria and typhoid fever precautions. Before you go, be immunized and take preventative and curative medications.
• Pollution may be an issue in certain places, like as Dhaka and Chittagong, therefore bring an oxygen tank with you. While some recent attempts to clean up the nation have been made, such as a ban on plastic bags, there is still a long way to go, and most people use the numerous waterways as landfills: swimming is dangerous in most places, rivers, and plain useless in a lake.