Showing posts with label Tourism in Bangladesh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism in Bangladesh. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Beaches of Bangladesh

Cox's Bazar


Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful Pagodas, Buddhist Temples and delightful sea-food - all this makes what Cox's Bazar is today , the tourist capital of Bangladesh. The World's longest uninterrupted (120 km.) beach slopes here down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests.

Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The warm, shark free, waters are good for bathing and swimming & while the sandy beaches offer opportunities for sun-bathing.


The beauty of the setting-sun behind the waves of the sea is simply captivating. Locally made cigars and handloom products of the tribal Rakhyne families are good buys.


Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong.


Visit to the fascinating picnic spots at Himchari and Teknaf, the Buddhist Temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia and St. Martin's, Inani Beach and Moheshkhali are certain to become unforgettable experiences for every visitor.


Inani Beach


Inani is within Ukhia Thana, 35 km. to the south of Cox's Bazar. With green hills to the east, the golden beach of Inani casts a music spell on anyone stepping on to its fine golden sands. The clean blue waters of the Bay are ideal for swimming.


Accommodation Facilities


Hotel Shaibal
Ph: 880-341-63274
Fax: 880-341-64202

Motel Upal
Ph: 880-341-64258

Motel Probal
Ph: 880-341-63211

Motel Labonee
Ph: 880-341-64703, 880-341-62223

St. Martin Island


Forty-eight kilometers from Teknaf, St. Martin's is the country's only coral island and an unspoilt paradise. Named Narikel Jinjira (Coconut Island) by the locals, the dumbbell shaped St.Martin's has an area of only 8 sq. km. which reduces to about 5 sq. km. and in places from 1-4 meters during high tide.
The Cox's Bazar Holiday Complex of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation on the island is an shore tourist resort having comfortable accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other facilities.


Accommodation Facilities


Booking may be made at the Tourist Information Centre, Cox' Bazar

Phone: (880 341) 64202, 63274, 63211, 64246

or

Central Reservation,

Commercial Division,
BPC Head office
83-88, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka - 1212.
Phone:(880 - 2) 9899288-91, 8811109, 8821548
Fax: :(880 - 2) 8811150

Patenga Beach


The Patenga beach at Chittagong is one of the most popular beaches of Bangladesh, stretching for miles near at the meeting place of the Bay of Bengal and the river Karnaphuli. Nature lovers come around here to enjoy the scenic sunrise and sunset.


Accommodation Facilities


Accommodation, sightseeing and car hire services organized by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC) may be booked at Tourist Information Centre,


Motel Shaikat, Railway Station, Retireing Room Chittagong.
Phone:
(880 - 31) 611046-7


Parki Beach




Parki beach is situated in Gahira, Anwara thana under southern Chittagong region. The beach lies about 28 km. away from Chittagong city. As the beach is situated at the Karnaphuli river channel, visitors can view both the Karnaphuli river and the sea together. Tourists enjoy the views of big ships anchored at the outer anchor, fishermen catching fish in sea, sunset, various coloured crabs at the beach, and quiet environment. In picnic season, many visitors come to the beach.


Location and transportation

Parki beach lies at Karnaphuli river channel, which is about 8 km. from Anwara thana and 28 km. away in the southern part of Chittagong city. This sandy beach is about 15 km. long and 300 - 350ft. wide with 20 km tamarisk forest created by the forest division. Anwara thana is 20 km from Chittagong. Anwara thana is connected by road with Chittagong - Cox's Bazar highway and is accessible from all over Bangladesh including Dhaka city. The beach is located 8 km. away from the Chatri Choumuhoni point in this highway

Kuakata


A rare scenic spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in Patuakhali district Kuakata has a wide sandy beach from where one can see both the sunrise and sunset. Kuakata is located at a distance of 70 km. from the district headquarters of Patuakhali.

Parjatan Holiday Homes at Kuakata offers a number of facilities for the tourists. This sandy beach slopes gently to the Bay of Bengal and bathing here is as pleasant as is diving or simply lazing on the beach. The virgin beaches of Kuakata, lined by coconut trees, are a sanctuary for migratory winter birds. Kuakata has a picture perfect setting where life is laid back and time seems unhurried. The Bay is alive with colorful sail boats, surfing, fishing or walking on the beach - Kuakata offers something for everyone.


Kuakata is a place of pilgrimage for the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Devotees arrive here during the festival of ' Raash Purnima' and 'Maghi Purnima'-- two sacred full moon festivals. A bath in the Bay is a part of the ritual. Fairs are also held where one can buy handloom and other handicraft items. A visit to a Rakhyne family and the hundred year old Buddist temple should be on each visitor's itinerary.


Kuakata has road communication with Dhaka, but the journey may be long and a bit stressful. A much easier way is to go to Barisal by air and from there travel by road or water to Patuakhali or Kuakata. BRTC runs a direct bus service from Dhaka to Kuakata via Barisal. Besides, Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation may organize guided package tours from Dhaka to Kuakata on demand.


Accommodation Facilities


For rates and booking contact:

Central Reservation
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation
Head Office

83-88, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka - 1212.
Phone:(880 - 2) 9899288-91, 8811109, 8821548

Festivals in Bangladesh

There are as many festivals in Bangladesh as there are days in the year. Fairs and festivals play an important role in the social life of ordinary Bangladeshis. The biggest Muslim religious festivals are the Eid-Ul-Fitr (end of the fasting month of Ramadhan). Eid-ul-Azha, Muharram and Miladunnabi (birth day of the Prophet), widely celebrated festivals for other religious communities are the Durga Puja for the Hindus, Christmas for Christians and Buddha Purnima for the Buddhists. Bangla New Year's Day (Pahela Baishakh), Shahid Dibas (Language Martyrs' Day), Independence Day (March 26) and Victory Day (December 16) are celebrated nation-wide.

Besides these religious and national festivals, villages and townships, professional groups, cultural organizations arrange their own festivals.

PAHELA BAISHAKH


Bengali New Year's day is colorful event in the cities and villages throughout the country. The day (14 April) is a public holiday.The most attractive event in Dhaka, that spreads throughout the day, takes place at Ramna Park. Students of the Fine Art Institute of Dhaka University organize colorful pageant where paper made animals and masks figure prominantly. Tournaments, boat races and other forms of celebration take place amidst great jubilation. Many fairs are held in Dhaka and other towns and villages.

EID-E-MILADUNNABI


Prophet Muhammad (SM) was born on 12th Rabiul Awal (Lunar Month). He also breathed his last on the same day. The day is national holiday, the National flag flies from rooftops and food is offered to destitutes and the orphans. Prayers are offered in Milad mehfils in the afternoon.At night important public buildings are illuminated.

INDEPENDENCE DAY


The biggest state festival, the Independence day (March 26) is observed throughout the country. All major cities wear a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning to the sound of booming guns heralding the day. Leaders of the government, political and social organizations, freedom fighters and ordinary citizens alike place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs' Memorial at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations held cultural function. Sports meet and tournaments are organized including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga. At night the main public buildings are illuminated. Similar functions are arranged in other cities and towns.

21st Feb,
the National Mourning Day and World Mother Language Day


21 February of every year is observed throughout the country in remembrance of the martyrs' of Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day at the Central Shahid Minar (near Dhaka Medical College Hospital) area to establish Bangla as a state language of Pakistan. All subsequent movements including the struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs' monument) is the symbol of the supreme sacrifice for the mother tongue. The day is a public holiday. Mourning services begin in Dhaka at midnight at the Shahid Minar with a song that tellingly recall the sacrifice of the martyrs. The event of the day include processions, song sessions, placing of flowers at the Minar and prayer at the graves of martyrs' at Azimpur.

  • The day has been declared the International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO

EID-UL-FITR


The biggest Muslim festival, Eid-ul- Fitr is observed throughout the world. The Eid falls on the following day of Ramadan or the month of fasting.

EID-UL-AZHA


Eid-ul-Azha is the second biggest festival of the Muslims. It marks the Hajj in Mecca on the 10th of Zilhaj, the lunar month. Large Eid congregations are held in mosques and public prayer grounds. Animals are sacrificed in the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for the sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah. The day is a public holiday.

MUHARRAM


Muharram is a month of sad memories of the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) at Karbala in Iraq on the 10th day of the month.The day is marked by a huge procession in Dhaka that is brought out from the the Hussaini Dalan Imambara in old city.

DURGA PUJA


Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community in the country, continues for ten days with the last three days being the most joyful. The festivities culminate with the idol of goddess Durga immersed in the river. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held ; at Dhakeswari Temple, where a fair is also held and at the Ram Krishna Mission.

CHRISTMAS


Christmas, known as "Bara Din" or The Big Day in Bangla is celebrated with festivities in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Several day-long congregations are held at St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Portuguese Church at Tejgaon, Church of Bangladesh (Protestant) on Johnson Road and Bangladesh Baptist Sangha at Sadarghat, Dhaka. Functions include illumination of churches, decorating Christmas tree & other festivities.

RABINDRA & NAZRUL JAYANTI


The birth anniversary of the nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on 25th Baishakh (early May) and that of the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on 11th Jaystha (late May) are observed throughout the country. Big gatherings and songs sessions organized by socio-cultural organizations are the main features of the observance of the days.

Tagore is the writer of our national anthem while National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is famous as Rebel Poet for his fiery writings.

LANGALBANDH MELA


The mela which accompanies the annual bathing at a place near Sonargaon (about 27 km. from Dhaka) is a very attractive festival observed by the Hindu Community every year on the last day of Chaittra (last Bengali month - mid April ). Devotees dip in the river to ceremonialy cleans themselves of all sins.


Airline Information: Airlines Serving in Bangladesh


BIMAN-BANGLADESH AIRLINES (BG)
Biman Bhaban,
Motijheel C/A,
Dhaka.
Phone: 9560151-61 (City Office),8914770-4 (Airport)
..................................
H.O. Balaka Bhaban,
Kurmitola, Dhaka.
Phone: 8917400-19
For more information please visit Biman Bangladesh
Scheduled Flights



Aeroflot (Russian Airlines)
GSA- Borak Travels (Pvt.) Ltd.
12, Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka , Phone : 9559930, 9559111
Fax : 9563787,

Email: borak@intechworld.net


Air China
13 Dilkusha (5th Floor), Dhaka ,
Tel: 9551077, 9555499, Fax: 9562667
Air France / Srilankan Air/Royal Nepa




GSA Bengal Airlift Limited
Landmark Building

12-14, Gulshan North Dhaka ,
Tel: 9886634-7, 8817619, 8817757
Fax: 8811335,
Email: baairnet@dhaka.agni.com


Air India
Hotel Purbani International,

Annex Building 2,
1 Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9571000, 9570200 Fax: 9571283 Email: aidhaka@bijoy.net




Air Macau
GSA- JetAge Air Services Ltd

City Heart (10th Floor),
67 Naya Paltan, Dhaka
Tel: 8314370, 8322393, Fax: 8318249
Email: airspan@bangla.net


Air Mauritius
GSA-Renaissance Aviation Services Ltd

10, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue , Karwan Bazar, Dhaka ,
Tel: 8119413, 8123386, 9125792-6, Fax: 9136408,
Email: zahid@mghgroup.com




Alitalia
GSA-QC Shipping Line

BCIC Bhaban, 30/31 Dilkusha, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9551673, 9667961
Fax: 9558144, Email:qcsl@citechco.net


All Nippon Airways
GSA- Orion Aviation Limited

6 Bilkis Tower, Gulshan 2 Dhaka-1212, Tel: 8813617-8 Fax: 9883917,

Email: anagsabd@bangla.net




Asiana Airlines
GSA- Borak Travels (Pvt.) Ltd

12, Dilkusha C/A, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9559930
Fax: 9563787,
Email: borak@intechworld.net


Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Balaka Bhaban, Kurmitola,
Dhaka-1229
Tel: 8917400-19 (H.O) 9560151, 9559610 (S.O)
Airport Office : 8917400,
Fax: 8913005
Email: dmsbiman@bdbiman.com



British Airways

Uday Tower (8th Floor), Plot-57,
Gulshan Avenue (South) Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212,
Tel: 8815111, Fax : 8815346
Airport Office : 8914410, 8912467,
Fax : 8913537






China Airlines
GSA- Air Trip Ltd
67 Naya Paltan (5th Floor), Dhaka ,
Tel: 9342496
Fax: 8316257,
Email: hk@intechworld.net






Osmic Air (Pvt) Ltd.
10/6, Eastern Plaza (9th Floor), Sonargaon Road ,
Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Tel: 8621557 (8 Lines), 9660224, Fax: 8618730
Email : Cosmicair@silkways.net






Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
GSA- Mams Travels & Tours Ltd.

33, Gulshan Avenue , Road 45, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212
Tel: 9862243, 9892862,
Airport Office : 8911066
Fax: 8828439, Email: mams@bdmail.net






Emirates
116, Gulshan Avenue , Dhaka
Tel: 9892801(Hunting), 9885574-75 (Holidays)
Airport Office : 8916112,
8918927-28
Fax: 9884900
Email:ekdac.queries@emirates.com






EVA Air
GSA-HRC Travels

TCB Building 1 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka,
Tel: 9121907, 8122138,
Fax: 8110993,
Email: hrctrv@hrcbd.com






Garuda Indonesia
GSA-Renaissance Aviation
Services Ltd
10, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue , Karwan BazarDhaka ,
Tel: 8119413, 8123386, 9125792-6
Fax: 9136408,
Email: zahid@mghgroup.com






Indian Airlines Ltd
Sena Kalyan Bhaban, 195, Motijheel C/A., Dhaka
Tel: 9555915, 9557813,
Airport Office : 8912205,
Fax: 9569027
Email: ialdhaka@connectbd.com






Japan Airlines
GSA Travel Ways Ltd.

99, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue , Karwan Bazar,Dhaka ,
Tel: 9129322, 9129710,
Fax: 9127672






KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
GSA : Traveltime Limited

Jahangir Tower (3rd Floor), 10, Kawran Bazar
Dhaka-1215, Tel: 9120421-3, 9120424, Fax: 8113639
Email: trvltime@bangla.net

Kuwait Airways
BTMC Bhaban (Gr. Floor)

7-9, Kawran Bazar Dhaka ,
Tel: 9115182, 9118829
Airport Office : 8914215,
Fax: 8116092


Lufthansa
GSA- Vantage Aviation Ltd

Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Kawran Bazar, Dhaka-1215
Tel: 8114131, 8119578, 8111641,
Ext-4259
Fax: 8119578,
Email: lh_gsa@bdonline.com




Malaysia Airlines
Plot SW (I)-4, 25, Gulshan Avenue -1, Dhaka
Tel: 9888211-20,
Email: silkways@silkways.net
Airport Office : 8916953,
Fax: 9890478


Mahan Air
PSA : Airspan Ltd.

City Heart (10th Floor), 67 Naya Paltan, Dhaka
Tel: 8314370, 8322393,
Fax: 8318249
Email: airspan@bangla.net




Myanmar Airlines
PSA : MARS Aviation Limited

12-14 Gulshan North C/A, Landmark (7th Flr.)
Dhaka , Tel : 8824348, 8813059,
Fax : 8810557
Email : mars1@accesstel.net


Northwest Airlines
GSA : Traveltime Limited

Jahangir Tower (3rd Floor),
10, Kawran Bazar
Dhaka-1215,
Tel: 9120421-3, 9120424
Fax: 8113639,
Email: trvltime@bangla.net


PIA
GSA- ABN Aviation Ltd.

24 UN Road , Baridhara, Dhaka
Tel : 8826954, 8818527, 8863345-6


Philippine Airlines
GSA-Air Victory Limited

Chowdhury Centre, 23-Ka, New Eskaton Road
Dhaka-1000, Tel: 9350852-3,
Fax: 9350851
Email: avl@bangla.net




Phuket Air
GSA- Nora Travels Ltd.

House 154, Road 11, Block E,
Banani, Dhaka
Tel : 9872989, 9884322,
Fax : 9881290
Email : nora@ipsslgroup.com

Qatar Airways
Plot : SW(I) 4 (5th Floor),
25 Gulshan Avenue
Gulshan-1, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9890024-25, 9565591
Fax : 8853035,
Email: qrsales@dhaka.com


Saudi Arabian Airlines
Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel
107, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue ,
Kawran Bazar, Dhaka
Tel: 8116856, 8116830, 8116857, 9143326, 9333481
Airport Office : 8914341, Fax: 8113145
Email: SVSLSD@dhaka.bangla.net


Silk Air
GSA- Maas Travels & Tours Ltd

16, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9565380
Fax: 9565378,
Email: maas@agni.com




Singapore Airlines
Gulshan Tower (7th Floor), 31,
North Gulshan
Dhaka , Tel: 8811504-7, 9883259
Airport Office : 8911928,
Fax: 8811503
Email:
SAIDAC-sales@singaporeair.com.sg


South African Airways
GSA-Renaissance Aviation Services Ltd

10, Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue , Karwan Bazar
Dhaka , Tel: 8119413, 8123386, 9125792-6
Fax: 9136408,
Email: zahid@mghgroup.com




Tarom
GSA- Air Concern Ltd

115/116 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka ,
Tel: 9667452-3
Fax: 9564720,
Email: aircon@gononet.com


Thai Airways
Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, 1,
Minto Road , Dhaka
Tel: 8314711-18, 8914343
Airport Office : 8914351,
Fax: 8312984




United Airlines
GSA- United Link Ltd

Taj Marriot (5th Floor),
25 Gulshan Avenue ,
Gulshan-1 Dhaka-1212,
Tel: 9880054, 9880059,
Fax: 8853035
Email: reservation@unitedlinkbd.com


Yemen Airways
GSA- Bangladesh Aero Vision Limited

Erectors House (5th Dloor),
18 Kamal Ataturk Avenue
Banani C/A, Dhaka,
Tel : 8857481,
Fax ; 8857480
E-mail generalmanager@yemeniabd.com




Food of Bangladesh

All major hotels and most of the resturant in the country have western food on their menu but local dishes are normally more exotic. Curries of many kinds abound, cooked with a range of spices and hot curry powders some of the more favourite dishes are Korma, Rezala, Bhoona and Masala Gosht, Chicken, Mutton, Beef, Fish and Prawns, Chicken Afgans, Boti Kabab, Shutil Kabab and a variety of fish curries should be tried. Rice and mutton or chicken and khichuri are available in any reasonable restaurant. Those who do not care for rice dishes can try mughlai parata, plain parata or naan, which go very well with curries. Sea-food and sweet water fish are available in most of the towns. Fish-lovers should not misss smoked hilsa (Hilsha or Ilish is, our national fish), fresh bhetki and chingri (lobster /king prawns) malaikari, prawn dopayaza. In Dhaka a number of good restaurants including those run by Parjatan provide local and western food. Vegetarians need not be frustrated. In each and every restaurant in Dhaka offer vegetable dishes .

DRINKS


The most widely used beverage and lemonade are favourite summer time drinks.Green coconut are also a good source of refreshing drinks and are available with street side vendors.Tea is available every nook and corner of the country. Soft drinks such as Royal Cola, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, 7-up, Mirinda, Sun-crest and Sprite are available even in village. Hard drinks are sold in big hotels and selected restaurants including Parjatan. Drinking alcohol in public area is not recommended for foreigners.

DESSERT


Misthi Doi - sweetened youghurt and Halua - a common dessert made with eggs,sugar or carrots, sooji or wheat cream, almond and pistachio are the most common desserts. Sandesh- a milk based sweet meat. Zarda- sweetened rice with nuts, Firni- rice flour cooked in milk, sugar and flavouring, Rasgolla and Kalojam- two popular milk based dessert and made with sugar, flour and ghee, and Rosh Malai- round sweets floating in thick milk are almost a passion with Bangladeshis. Pithas - a blanket term for cakes or pastries of different varieties such as Chitoi, Dhupi, Takti, Andosha, Bhafa, Puli and Pua are popular winter time heats.

FRUITS


Bangladesh produes a wide variety of seasonal fruits but some grow throughout the year. These include mangoes, Lichies, Bananas, Papayas, Jackfruits, Watermelon, Pineapple, Coconut, Oranges, Guava, Star Apple, Black Berry, Barakul etc.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Travel Information of Bangladesh

Tourist Facilities

The international airport in Dhaka is well-equipped with facilities to handle passenger and cargo flights. The national carrier Bangladesh Biman and a number of major airlines of the world run regular services to and from Dhaka. Biman and a private company fly smaller aircraft to transport passengers to different airports within the country. The Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, the Sonargaon Pan Pacific Hotel and Purbani Hotel run their own transfer services to and from the airport for convenience of their guests. The Parjatan Corporation also runs a similar transfer service with a fleet of comfortable cars and microbuses. The corporation operates a large number of hotels, motels, cottages, restaurants, duty-free shops and package tours in Dhaka and at different tourist spots outside.
In the Sunderbans the visitors can stay in comfortable rest houses, take boat trips along the creeks and from observation towers watch tigers, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and birds. In Dhaka and elsewhere various kinds of oriental and western food are served by the hotels, motels and restaurants. Bangladehi costumes and handicraft are attractive in design and quality and are good value for money. In 1995, foreign tourists numbering 156, 231 visited the country bringing for the national exchequer over Tk. 95 million in foreign exchange.

Climate:
Bangladesh has a tropical monsoon-type climate, with a hot and rainy summer and a dry winter. January is the coolest month with temperatures averaging near 26 deg C (78 d F) and April the warmest with temperatures from 33 to 36 deg C (91 to 96 deg F). The climate is one of the wettest in the world. Most places receive more than 1,525 mm of rain a year, and areas near the hills receive 5,080 mm ). Most rains occur during the monsoon (June-September) and little in winter (November-February).
Bangladesh is subject to devastating cyclones, originating over the Bay of Bengal, in the periods of April to May and September to November. Often accompanied by surging waves, these storms can cause great damage and loss of life. The cyclone of November 1970, in which about 500,000 lives were lost in Bangladesh, was one of the worst natural disasters of the country in the 20th century.
Bangladesh has warm temperatures throughout the year, with relatively little variation from month to month. January tends to be the coolest month and May the warmest. In Dhaka the average January temperature is about 19°C (about 66°F), and the average May temperature is about 29°C (about 84°F).

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.



Passports and Visas

Restricted entry: The government of Bangladesh refuses admission and transit to nationals of Israel.

Passports: Passport valid for 3 months after departure required by all.

Visas: Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Dominica, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Guyana, Honduras, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Montserrat, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Uruguay, Vatican City and Zambia for stays of up to 90 days.

(b) transit passengers continuing their journey the same for first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

(c) tourist and business travellers arriving at Zia international airport, Dhaka and Patenga international airport, provided holding return air tickets, who may be granted 'landing permission' by the Chief Immigration Officer for stays of up to 15 days.

Note: Visas are not required by Bangladesh nationals nor by former Bangladesh nationals holding British passports provided they have the statement' no visa required for travel to Bangladesh' stamped in their passport by the Bangladesh High Commission. Please also note any foreign visitor overstaying the allotted period may be charged a fine for each day of overstay.

Types of visa: Entry, Visit, Tourist and. Entry visas may be issued for short conference or journalistic trips (although not for business trips).

Validity: Single- and Double-entry: 6 months from date of issue. Multiple-entry: 6-12 months from date of issue. Stays are for a maximum of 90 days each.

Application to: Consular Section at Embassy or High Commission.

Application requirements:
(a) Valid passport.
(b) 2 completed application forms.
(c) 2 passport-size photos.
(d) Fee.
(e) Letter from employer or other relevant letters for business and conference trips.

Working days required: 24 hours for a single-entry visa; 48 hours for other types of visa. 7-10 days for postal applications.




Money and Currency

Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (Tk) = 100 poisha. Notes are in denominations of Tk 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 poisha.

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 travellers cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better rates of exchange than the banks.

Credit cards: Limited acceptance of MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

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

Exchange rate indicators against Sterling and the US Dollar: The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Taka against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Currency restrictions: The import of foreign currency is unlimited (subject to declaration at time of arrival for sums in excess of US$5000). The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. The import and export of local currency is limited to Tk100.

Banking hours: 0900-1500 Sunday to Thursday

Duty Free and Customs
The following goods may be imported into Bangladesh without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages (non-Muslims only); a reasonable amount of perfume; gifts up to the value of Tk500.

Note: Duty-free items may be bought at the duty-free shop at Dhaka Airport on arrival.

Prohibited items: Firearms and some animals.

Customs Regulations: There are restrictions on importing currency and weapons. Contact the Embassy of Bangladesh for specific information




Baggage Rule

Baggage rule of Government of Bangladesh

List of Taxable Baggage Items

(a) Imported goods, other than personal and household items are taxable.
(b) Each person is allowed two suitcases not exceeding 65 kg total as personal and household luggage. However, if the 3rd suitcase is of Magazines which are used for education purpose are not taxable.
(c) Imported items which are used for commercial purposes are taxable
(d) Bangladesh citizens are not allowed to import Alcohol/Alcoholic beverages.

The following items which may be imported as personal/Household items, are taxable as per the tax mentioned in brackets.

1. Television:

(a) up to 21" Tk. 5000/-
(b) up to 25" Tk. 7500/-
(c) up to 29" Tk. 10,000/-

2. VCR/VCP/ Satellite receiver Tk. 3000/-

3. VCD/DVD/LD/MD Player Tk. 4000/-

4. Music center:

(a) with general CD and detached Speaker Tk. 2000/-
(b) Component system (CD/VCD/DVD/LD/MD set) Tk.8000/-
(c) Detachable ` (CD/VCD/DVD/LD/MD Set) Tk.15,000/0-

5. Refrigerator /Deep Freezer Tk. 5000/-

6. Dish Washer/Washing /Knitting Machine Tk.3000/-

7. Electric Sewing Machine/Knitting Machine Tk.1000/-

8. General Photocopier/ Photo Enlarger Tk. 10,000/-

9. Aircooler/AirConditioner:

(a) Window type Tk. 10,000/-
(b) Split type Tk. 25,000/-

10. Fax Machine Tk. 5000/-

11. Oven:

(a) Microwave oven Tk. 2000/-
(b) Gas oven with burner Tk. 5000/-

12. Dish Antena Tk. 7000/-

13. Gold bar or bullion (Maximum 5 kg) Tk. 300 (per 11.664 gm)

14. Silver bar or bullion (Maximum 20 kg) Tk. 6/ (per 11.664gm)

15. Mobile/Cellular Telephone tk. 5000/-

16. Airgun/Air rifle Tk. 2000/-

17. Candelabrum Tk. 300/- per point

18. Carpet up to 15 square metere Tk. 500sq. meter.

Schedule-2
Duty & Tax free goods

1. Cassette Player/Two-in-one

2. Disk man/Walkman (Audio)

3. Portable Audio CD player

4. Desktop / Laptop Computer (with Printer & UPS)

5. Video Camera

6. Still Camera

7. General/Push button/Cordless telephone Set

8. General/Electric Oven

9. Rice Cooker /Pressure Cooker

10. Blender/Juicer/Cofee Maker

11. General and Electric Type writer

12. Sewing Machine (manual)

13. Table/Pedestal Fan

14. Sports materials (for personal use)

15. 200gms gold/silver ornaments (Not more than 12 pcs of each item)

16. One Cartoon Cigarette (200 stick).



Distance City to City

Dhaka Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Kushtia Mymensing Noakhali Pabna Rajshahi Rangpur Rangamati Sylhet
Dhaka - 277 229 264 97 414 145 274 335 277 193 192 161 270 335 340 346
Barisal 277 - 438 541 373 673 132 261 322 264 470 468 280 401 594 616 623
Bogra 229 438 - 492 325 185 356 320 381 224 422 420 158 264 106 568 575
Chittagong 264 541 492 - 167 678 409 538 599 541 457 151 425 534 599 76 425
Comilla 97 373 325 167 - 510 241 370 431 373 290 95 257 367 431 243 275
Dinajpur 414 673 185 678 510 - 541 549 566 409 607 605 343 449 79 753 760
Faridpur 145 132 356 409 241 541 - 129 190 132 338 336 198 269 462 484 491
Jessore 274 261 320 538 370 549 129 - 61 79 467 465 163 233 426 626 632
Khulna 335 322 381 599 431 566 190 61 - 158 528 526 224 295 488 687 694
Kushtia 277 264 224 541 373 409 132 79 158 - 470 468 66 137 330 616 623
Mymensing 193 470 422 457 290 607 338 467 528 470 - 385 354 464 528 533 539
Noakhali 192 468 420 151 95 605 336 465 526 468 385 - 352 462 526 235 352
Pabna 161 280 158 425 257 343 198 163 224 66 354 352 - 109 264 500 507
Rajshahi 270 401 264 534 367 449 269 233 295 137 464 462 109 - 370 610 616
Rangpur 335 594 106 599 431 79 462 426 488 330 528 526 264 370 - 675 681
Rangamati 340 616 568 76 243 753 484 626 687 616 533 235 500 610 675 - 500
Sylhet 346 623 575 425 257 760 491 632 694 623 539 352 507 616 681 500 -

Foods & Drinks

Western food is available in all major hotels and most of the big restaurants in import cities. But local dishes are normally far better and more exotic. Curries of many kinds around, cooked with proper spices and hot curry powders, including Korma, Rezala, Bhoona and Masala Gosht, Chicken, mutton, beef, fish and prawns, Chicken Afghani, Chicken Baghdadi, Chicken Kashmiri, Chicken Tikka, boti kabab, shutli kabab and a variety of fish curries should be tried. Rice in the form of pulao, biriani-with rice and mutton or chicken and khichuri are available in any reasonable restaurant. Those who do not care for rice dishes can try mughlai parata, plain parata or naan, which go very well with curries. Seafood and sweet-water fish are available in most of the towns. Fish-lovers should not miss smoked hilsa, fresh bhetki and chingri (lobster/king prawns) malaikari, Prawn dopyaza.

DRINKS
Chai - the milky sweet tea available almost everywhere.
Lassi - the refreshing yogurt drink. Green coconut water is a fine, safe and refreshing drink. International soft drinks, such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Fanta, 7-up, Mirinda, Sun Crest and Sprite are readily available. Hard drinks are available in big hotels and selected restaurants. On Fridays drinking in public areas is not recommended for foreigners.

DESSERTS
Misti Dhohi, sweetened yogurt, Halua: a common dessert ranging from egg halua to carrot, sooji or wheat cream, almond, pistachio, nuts and so on, Sandesh: milk based dessert, one of the best available, Zorda: sweetened rice with nuts, Firni: rice flour cooked in milk, sugar and flavoring, Rasgolla & Kalojam: Two popular milk based desserts and made with sugar, flour and ghee, Ros Malai: round sweets floating in thick milk, Pitha: a blanket term for cakes or pastries including specific varieties such as chitoi, dhupi, takti, andosha, pufi, bhafa and pua,

FRUITS
Mangoes, Lichees, Bananas, Papayas, Jackfruit, Watermelon, Pineapple, Coconut and Oranges.

Recommended Fast Food Restaurants:
Waterfront Restaurant, Zia International Airport, Ph: (880-2) 8915407
Coopers, Airport Road. Ph: (880-2) 8119993
Yummy Yummy etc.
The White Castle Ltd. 20, Kemal Ataturk Avenue. Ph: (880-2) 606268,605914
Seven Eleven, Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi. Ph: (880-2) 8117263
Big Bite, 22/B Sonargaon Road,Hatirpul. Ph: (880-2) 9664140
Sajna, 10 South Avenue, Gulshan-1,Dhaka-1212.Ph: (880-2) 603507,603243
China Town, 53 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue. Ph: (880-2) 8111329,8118425

Recommended Restaurants in Dhaka:
A number of good restaurants provide local and western food. These include:-
Parjatan Restaurant, Hotel Abakash, Mohakhali, Ph: 607085-89, 8811548, 8811109
Santoor, House-2, Road-11(New), Dhanmondi. Ph: (880-2) 9128737, 8213336
Goffers' Inn, Kurmitola Golf Club, Ph: 604592
Sakura Restaurant, near Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Ph: 509296
Ruchita Restaurant, Bangabandhu Avenue, Ph: 9555693
Mary Anderson, Floating Restaurant, Paglaghat, Ph: 067171288
La Diplomat, Gulshan, Ph: 602282
Red Button, Farm Gate, Ph: 9117717
Balaka, Zia International Airport, Ph: 8914008
Kawran Saraj, Sonargaon Hotel, Ph: 8111005
Bithika, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Ph: 8611191, 8613391, 8614065

Recommended Chinese Restaurants include:-
Parjatan Restaurant, Hotel Abakash, Mohakhali, Ph: 607085-89, 8811548, 8811109
Royal Orchid, Gulshan Avenue, Ph: 603573
Panda Garden, near Mohakhali Rail Gate, Ph: 608469
La Diplomat, Gulshan, Ph: 602282
Hwwang Ho, Banani, Ph: 602932
Chung Wah, North-South Road, Ph: 9553263
Kawloon, Ph: 9111353; Goffers' Inn,
Kurmitola Golf Club, Ph: 604592;
Shangri-La, Ph: 8824015 at Banani Bazar and the Cathey Dhaka, Road 133
Gulshan, Ph: 608476

Besides there are some specialized restaurants which included,
Doice vita (Mexican & Italian), 54 Kamal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani, Ph: 500589, 607980;
Sea Food Centre, 78/A Gulshan Avenue, Ph: 606175
Sawasdee (Thai), 65 Kamal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani, Ph: 60607571, 8824476
Lemon Grass (Thai & Vietnarness),
Road 131, Gulshan-2, Ph: 8822376;
The White Castle, 20, Kamal Ataturk Avenue,
Banani, Ph: 605914, 606268, 8812658
Angan Restaurant, SWC(3), Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka-1212 Ph: 8810448.