Tourism in bangladesh

Tourism in Bangladesh

Capital: Dhaka Official languages: Bengali (or Bangla) Government: Parliamentary republic Independence: from Pakistan Independence Declared: March 26, 1971 Victory Day: December 16, 1971 Language: Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Time: GMT +6 Hours Administrative Units: Country is divided into six administrative divisions.

These are: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Barisal and Sylhet

District: 64 Flag: The national flag of Bangladesh is bottle green in color and rectangular in size with the length to width ratio of 10:6. It bears a red circle on the background of green. The color in the background represents the greenery of Bangladesh while the red circle symbolizes the rising sun and the sacrifice of lives in our freedom fight. The national flag was designed by Kamrul Hasan.

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a country in South East Asia. The greater part of Bangladesh consists of a large alluvial plain land Crisscrossed by mighty rivers. The three principal rivers Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna come together in the southern half of the country to from enormous delta.

Geographic location :

South Asia, between 20째34' and 26째38' north latitude and between 88째01' and 92째41' east longitude; consists of flat fertile alluvial land.

Boundaries : Bangladesh is a country in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Myanmar to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south. Together with the Indian state of West Bengal, it makes up the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. The name Bangladesh means "Country of Bengal" in the official Bengali language.

North India (Assam & Meghalaya)

East India (Tripura & Misoram) Myanmar (Arakan Province)

West India (West Bengal)

Area : Total: 147,570 sq kms (94th) 55,599 sq mis Land: 133,910 sq kms Water: 10,090 sq kms Area - comparative:

South Bay of Bengal

Slightly smaller than Iowa Land boundaries: Total: 4,246 kms Border countries: Burma 193 kms, India 4,053 km s Coastline: 580 km Maritime claims: Territorial sea: 12 nms Contiguous zone: 18 nms Exclusive Economic zone: 200 nms Continental shelf: up to the outer limits of the continental margin Weather & Climate : Bangladesh has a tropical monsoontype 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 19째C (about 66째F), and the average May temperature is about 29째C (about 84째F).

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.

Season :

Traditionally Bangladeshis subdivide the year into six seasons: Grismo (summer) March to May Barsha (rainy) June to August Sharat (autumn) September to October Hemanto (cool) October to November Sheet (winter) November to December Bashonto (spring) December to February For practical purposes, however, three seasons are distinguishable: summer, rainy, and winter.

History : Remnants of civilization in the greater Bengal region date back four thousand years, when the region was settled by Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic peoples. The exact origin of the word "Bangla" or "Bengal" is unknown, though it is believed to be derived from Bang, the Dravidian-speaking tribe that settled in the area around the year 1000 BC. After the arrival of Indo-Aryans, the kingdom of Gangaridai was formed from at least the seventh century BC, which later united with Bihar under the Magadha and Maurya Empires.

Bengal was later part of the Gupta Empire from the third to the sixth centuries CE. Following its collapse, a dynamic Bengali named Shashanka founded an impressive yet short-lived kingdom. Shashanka is considered the first independent king in the history of Bangladesh. After a period of anarchy, the Buddhist Pala dynasty ruled the region for four hundred years, followed by a shorter reign of the Hindu Sena dynasty.

Islam was introduced to Bengal in the twelfth century by Sufi missionaries, and subsequent Muslim conquests helped spread Islam throughout the region. Bakhtiar Khilji, a Turkish general, defeated Lakshman Sen of the Sena dynasty and conquered large parts of Bengal.

The region was ruled by dynasties of Sultans and feudal lords for the next few hundred years. By the 16th century, the Mughal Empire controlled Bengal, and Dhaka became an important provincial centre of Mughal administration.

European traders arrived late in the 15th century, and their influence grew until the British East India Company gained control of Bengal following the Battle of Plassey in 1757. The bloody rebellion of 1857, known as the Sepoy Mutiny, resulted in transfer of authority to the crown, with a British viceroy running the administration. During colonial rule, famine racked the Indian subcontinent many times, including the Great Bengal famine of 1943 that claimed 3 million lives. Between 1905 and 1911, an abortive attempt was made to divide the province of Bengal into two zones, with Dhaka being the capital of the eastern zone. When India was partitioned in 1947, Bengal was partitioned along religious lines, with the western part going to India and the eastern part joining Pakistan as a province called East Bengal (later renamed East Pakistan), with its capital at Dhaka.

In 1950, land reform was accomplished in East Bengal with the abolishment of the feudal zamindari system. However, despite the economic and demographic weight of the east, Pakistan's government and military were largely dominated by the upper classes from the west. The Bengali Language Movement of 1952 was the first sign of friction between the two wings of Pakistan. Dissatisfaction with the central government over economic and cultural issues continued to rise through the next decade, during which the Awami League emerged as the political voice of the Bengali-speaking population. It agitated for autonomy in the 1960s, and in 1966, its president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was jailed; he was released in 1969 after an unprecedented popular uprising.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founder of Bangladesh. In 1970, a massive cyclone devastated the coast of East Pakistan, and the central government responded poorly. The Bengali population's anger was compounded when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, whose Awami League won a majority in Parliament in the 1970 elections, was blocked from taking office. After staging compromise talks with Mujib, President Yahya Khan arrested him on the early hours of March 26, 1971, and launched Operation Searchlight, a sustained military assault on East Pakistan. Yahya's methods were extremely bloody, and the violence of the war resulted in many civilian deaths. Chief targets included intellectuals and Hindus, and about ten million refugees fled to neighbouring India (LaPorte, p. 103).

Estimates of those massacred throughout the war range from three hundred thousand to 3 million.

Most of the Awami League leaders fled and set up a government-in-exile in Calcutta, India.

The Bangladesh Liberation War lasted for nine months. The guerrilla Mukti Bahini and Bengali regulars eventually received support from the Indian Armed Forces in December 1971. The Indian army, under the command of Lt. General J.S. Aurora, achieved a decisive victory over Pakistan on 16 December, 1971, taking over 90,000 prisoners of war in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

During the twentieth century, its resilient inhabitants seem to have suffered one trauma after another. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Mujib) led the nation to independence in 1971, but he and his successor Ziaur Rahman (Zia) were both assassinated only in a span of six years. Their legacies (and families) define Bangladesh's democracy to this day.

Natural History : Satellite image presenting physical features of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is located in the low-lying GangesBrahmaputra River Delta or Ganges Delta. This delta is formed by the confluence of the Ganges (local name Padma or P么dda), Brahmaputra (Jamuna or Jomuna), and Meghna rivers and their respective tributaries. The Ganges unites with the Jamuna (main channel of the Brahmaputra) and later joins the Meghna to eventually empty into the Bay of Bengal. The alluvial soil deposited by these rivers has created some of the most fertile plains in the world. Bangladesh has 58 transboundary rivers, making water issues politically complicated to resolve - in most cases as the lower riparian state to India. Most parts of Bangladesh are less than 12 metres (39 ft) above

the sea level, and it is believed that about 50% of the land would be flooded if the sea level were to rise by a metre (3 ft).

The highest point in Bangladesh is in Mowdok range at 1,052 metres (3,451 ft) in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the southeast of the country. A major part of the coastline comprises a marshy jungle, the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and home to diverse flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. In 1997, this region was declared endangered.

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Bangladeshi climate is tropical with a mild winter from October to March, a hot, humid summer from March to June. A warm and humid monsoon season lasts from June to October and supplies most of the country's rainfall. Natural calamities, such as floods, tropical cyclones, tornadoes, and tidal bores occur almost every year, combined with the effects of deforestation, soil degradation and erosion. Cox's Bazar, south of the city of Chittagong, has a beach that stretches uninterrupted over 120 kilometres (75 mi).

In September 1998 Bangladesh saw the most severe flooding the modern world has seen. As the Brahmaputra, Ganges and Meghna spilt over and swallowed 300,000 houses, 6,000 miles (9,700 km) of road and 1,600 miles (2,600 km) of embankment 1,000 people were killed and 30 million more were made homeless with 135,000 cattle killed, 50 square kilometres of land destroyed and 11,000 kilometres of roads damaged or destroyed. Two-thirds of the country was underwater. There were several reasons for the severity of the flooding. Firstly, there were unusually high monsoon rains. Secondly, the Himalayas shed off an equally unusually high amount of melt water that year. Trees that usually intercept rain water were cut down for firewood or to make space for animals.

Demography : Population: 141.8 million (153,546,901 (July 2008 est.))

Age structure: 0-14 years: 33.4% (male 26,364,370/female 24,859,792) 15-64 years: 63.1% (male 49,412,903/female 47,468,013) 65 years and over: 3.5% (male 2,912,321/female 2,529,502) (2008 est.)

Median age: Total: 22.8 years male: 22.8 years female: 22.9 years (2008 est.)

Population growth rate: 2.022% (2008 est.)

Birth rate: 28.86 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Death rate: 8 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Net migration rate: -0.65 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Sex ratio: at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.06 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.15 male(s)/female Total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2008 est.)

Infant mortality rate: Total: 57.45 deaths/1,000 live births male: 58.44 deaths/1,000 live births female: 56.41 deaths/1,000 live births (2008 est.)

Life expectancy at birth: Total population: 63.21 years male: 63.14 years female: 63.28 years (2008 est.)

Total fertility rate: 3.08 children born/woman (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: less than 0.1% (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS: 13,000 (2001 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: 650 (2001 est.)

Major infectious diseases: degree of risk: high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria are high risks in some locations water contact disease: leptospirosis animal contact disease: rabies note: highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has been identified in this country; it poses a negligible risk with extremely rare cases possible among US citizens who have close contact with birds (2008) Ethnic groups: Bengali 98%, other 2% (includes tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims) (1998) Religions: Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write Total population: 43.1% male: 53.9% female: 31.8% (2003 est.)

Economic : The economy has grown 5-6% over the past few years despite inefficient state-owned enterprises, delays in exploiting natural gas resources, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation. Although more than half of GDP is generated through the service sector, nearly two-thirds of Bangladeshis are employed in the agriculture sector, with rice as the single-most-important product. Garment exports and remittances from Bangladeshis working overseas, mainly in the Middle East and East Asia, fuel economic growth.

Currency (code): Taka (BDT) Currency code: BDT

Notes in Circulation: Tk.500, Tk.100, Tk.50, Tk.20, Tk.10, Tk.5, Tk.2, Tk.1 Exchange rates: taka per US dollar - 69.893 (2007), 69.031 (2006), 64.328 (2005), 59.513 (2004), 58.15 (2003) GDP (PPP): $291.2 billion 6.3% growth in 2005 5.8% 5-yr. comp. ann. growth $2,053.4 per capita Agriculture - products: rice, jute, tea, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, tobacco, pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruit; beef, milk, poultry Industries: cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar.

Exports: $10.4 billion Primarily garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood Exports - partners: US 25%, Germany 12.6%, UK 9.8%, France 5% (2006) Imports: $14.5 billion Primarily machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement Imports - partners: China 17.7%, India 12.5%, Kuwait 7.9%, Singapore 5.5%, Hong Kong 4.1% (2006) Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $5.515 billion (31 December 2007 est.)

Unemployment: 2.5% Inflation (CPI): 7.0% FDI (net inflow): $682.0 million Official Development Assistance: $756.6 million (11.1% from the U.S.) External Debt: $18.9 billion Fiscal year: 1 July - 30 June Rivers of Bangladesh : Bangladesh is a riverine country. Most of the country's land is formed through silt brought by the many hundreds of rivers that flow through it.

Principal rivers : Padma River Meghna River Jamuna River Major rivers of Bangladesh Arial Kha River Atrai River Bangali River Baral River Biskhali River Bhoirov River Brahmaputra River

Buriganga River Bura Gauranga River Dhaleshwari River Dhepa River Feni River Gorai-Madhumati River Jaldhaka River

Karnaphuli River Kushiyara River Karotoa River Mahananda River Manu River, Tripura Muhuri River

Naf River Punarbhaba River Pusur River Shitalakshya River Surma River Teesta River

Politics : Politics of Bangladesh takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Bangladesh is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament. The Constitution of Bangladesh was written in 1972 and has undergone thirteen amendments.

The President is the head of state , a largely ceremonial post. The real power is held by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The president is elected by the legislature every five years and has normally limited powers that are substantially expanded during the tenure of a caretaker government, mainly in controlling the transition to a new government. Bangladesh has instituted a unique system of transfer of power; at the end of the tenure of the government, power is handed over to members of a civil society for three months, who run the general elections and transfer the power to elected representatives. This system was first practiced in 1991 and adopted to the constitution in 1996.

The prime minister is ceremonially appointed by the president and must be a member of parliament (MP), commanding the confidence of the majority of the MPs. The cabinet is composed of ministers selected by the prime minister and appointed by the president.

Cities & towns of Bangladesh : Dhaka Division Towns in Dhaka Division, excluding the city of Dhaka: Achra, Bangladesh Dhaka Faridpur Gazipur Gopalganj Jamalpur Kishoreganj Manikganj Maradipur Munshiganj Mymensingh Narayanganj Narsingdi Netrokona Rajbari

Chittagong Division Towns in Chittagong Division, excluding the city of Chittagong: • Bandarban • Brahmanbaria • Chandpur • Comilla • Cox's Bazar • Feni • Khagrachhari • Lakshmipur • Noakhali • Rangamati

Shariatpur Sherpur Tangail Khulna Division Towns in Khulna Division, excluding the city of Khulna: Bagherhat Chuadanga Jessore Jhenaidaha Kushtia Magura Meherpur Narail Shatkhira Barisal Division Towns in Barisal Division: Barguna Barisal Bhola Jhalokati Patuakhali Pirojpur Sylhet Division Towns in Sylhet Division:

Rajshahi Division Towns in Rajshahi Division, excluding the city of Rajshahi: • Bogra • Dinajpur • Gaibandha • Joypurhat • Kurigram • Lalmonirhat • Naogaon • Natore • Nawabganj • Nilphamari • Pabna • Panchagarh • Rajshahi • Rangpur • Saidpur • Sirajganj • Thakurgaon

City Dhaka Chittagong Khulna Rajshahi Sylhet Barisal

City population 6,969,458 3,920,222 1,400,689 727,083 339,368 291,769

Metro population 11,918,442 3,920,222 1,400,689 727,083 339,368 291,769

Habiganj Maulvi Bazar Sunamganj Sylhet Shamla Chhatak Attractions : Archaeological sites in Bangladesh Bara Katra: The Bara Katra is a historical and architectural monument located in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Choto Katra: Choto Katra which means the Small Katra. It is one of the Katras built during Mughal's regime in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Mahasthangarh:

Mahasthangarh is the earliest urban archaeological site so far discovered in Bangladesh. The village Mahasthan in Shibganj thana of Bogra District Mainamati: Mainamati is located almost 8 miles from the town of Comilla, Bangladesh.

Noapara-Ishanchandranagar It is located 3 kilometres north of Chauddagram in the Comilla District Wari-Bateshwar ruins: The site is about 75km from Dhaka situated near the Wari and Bateshwar villages in the Belabo Upazila of Narsingdi District.

Beaches of Bangladesh Cox's Bazar: Cox's Bazar is a town; a fishing port and district headquarter in Bangladesh. It is known for its wide sandy beach which is claimed to be the world's longest natural sandy sea beach. [2][3][4] It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. Since the rise and fall of the tide here is not great, it is a good place for sea bathing [5] . It is located 150 km south of Chittagong.

Kuakata: Kuakata is a scenic sea beach in south-western Bangladesh. It is about 320 Kilometres south of Dhaka, the capital, and about 70 Kilometres from the Patuakhali District headquarters. The kuakata beach is 30 km long and 6 km wide.

On 13 September, 2007 government have announced red alert in Kuakata as caution for a possible Tsunami.

Patenga: Patenga is a sea beach located 14 kilometres south of the port city of Chittagong, Bangladesh. It is near the mouth of the Karnaphuli River.

Lakes of Bangladesh Dhanmondi Lake: Dhanmondi Lake a lake located in the Dhanmondi residential area in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Foy's Lake: Foy's Lake is a man-made lake in Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Kaptai Lake: Kaptai Lake is a man-made lake in south-eastern Bangladesh. It is located in the Kaptai upazila of Rangamati District of Chittagong Division.

Monuments and memorials in Bangladesh Jatiyo Smriti Soudho: Jatiyo Smriti Soudho or National Martyrs' Memorial is a monument in Bangladesh. It is the symbol of the valour and the sacrifice of those killed in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which brought the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistani rule. The monument is located in Savar, about 35km north-west of the capital, Dhaka.

Martyred Intellectuals Memorial: Martyred Intellectuals Memorial is a memorial built for the memory of the intellectuals of Bangladesh killed by Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The memorial, located in Mirpur area of Dhaka Shabash Bangladesh: Shabash Bangladesh is one of the most renowned sculptures in Bangladesh. It is located at Rajshahi University Shaheed Minar: The Shaheed Minar is a national monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established to commemorate those killed during the Language Movement demonstrations of 1952 Suhrawardy Udyan: Suhrawardy Udyan formerly known as Ramna Race Course ground is a national memorial located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Museums in Bangladesh Ahsan Manzil:

Ahsan Manzil was the official residential palace and seat of the Dhaka Nawab Family. It is situated on the banks of the Buriganga River in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh National Museum: The Bangladesh National Museum, originally established on 20 March 1913, albeit under another name, and formally inaugurated on 7 August 1913, was accorded the status of the national museum of Bangladesh on 17 November 1983. It is located Shahbag, Dhaka.

Liberation War Museum: The Liberation War Museum (Muktijuddho Jadugh么r) is a museum in Segunbagicha, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

Osmany Museum: Osmany Museum is a museum in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Philatelic Museum: Philatelic Museum is a philately museum in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Tajhat:

Tajhat is a historical place of Bangladesh, located near Lalbagh, Rangpur.

Varendra Museum: Varendra Museum was the first museum to be established in erstwhile East Bengal in 1910. The museum started out as the collection for Varendra Anushandhan Samiti or Varendra Investigation Society and got its current name in 1919. The Zamindars of Rajshahi and Natore

Places of worship in Bangladesh Mosques in Bangladesh Baitul Mukarram:

Baitul Mukarram is the national mosque of Bangladesh. Located at the heart of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, this mosque was founded in the 1960s.

The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque: The Khan Mohammad Mridha Mosque on Lalbagh road is situated less than half a kilometre west of the Lalbagh Fort, in an area called Atish Khana in old Dhaka.

Star Mosque: Star Mosque, locally known as Tara Masjid, is a mosque located in Dhaka

Hindu temples in Bangladesh Dhakeshwari National Temple: Dhakeshwari National Temple (Bengali: Dhakeshshori Jatio Mondir) is a famous Hindu temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh Kantaji Temple:

Kantaji Temple is a late medieval Hindu temple in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. Kantaji Temple is a late medieval Hindu temple in Dinajpur, Bangladesh.

World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Mosque City of Bagerhat:

Mosque City of Bagerhat is one of the three World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh. This historic city is located within Bagerhat District in south-west Bangladesh. It was founded by Turkish general Ulugh Khan Jahan in the early 15th century. Originally this ancient city was known as Khalifatabad. The city is renowned for its large concentration of mosques and Islamic monuments.

The Sundarbans:

The Sundarbans is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal, India, forming the seaward fringe of the delta.

The forest covers 10,000 sqkm of which about 6,000 are in Bangladesh. It became inscripted

as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, but while the Bangladeshi and Indian portions constitute the same continuous ecotope, these are separately listed in the UNESCO world heritage list as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park, respectively. The Sundarbans is intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests. The area is known for the eponymous Royal Bengal Tiger, as well as numerous fauna including species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. It is estimated that there are now 500 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area. Sundarbans was designated a Ramsar site on May 21, 1992 Somapura Mahavihara:

Somapura Mahavihara in Paharpur, Naogaon, Bangladesh is among the best known Buddhist viharas in South Asia and is one of the most important archeological sites in the country.

Other Dhaka Zoo: Dhaka Zoo, (Bengali: ঢাকা িচিড়িড়িয়াখানা) is a Zoo located in the Mirpur section of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. The Zoo contains many native and non-native animals and wild life.Established in 1974, the186-acre Dhaka Zoo attracts around 10,000 visitors every day. The number increases during the weekends.The zoo is currently home to 2,050 animals from 165 species. Of them 58 are mammals including elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, lion, cheetah, rhinoceros, zebras, different species of monkeys and chimpanzees, hippos and more.There are 66 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles including snakes and crocodiles and 28 species of fish.The yearly budget of Dhaka Zoo is Tk 3.75 crore out of which Tk 2.50 crore is spent on feeding the animals Rangamati:

The queen of Chittagong Hill Tracts. Here the hills covered with the forest stand steel with their shadows in the crystal blue water of the Kaptai Lake, largest man made lake (680sq km). From Chittagong a 77 km road amidst green fields and winding hills will take to Rangamati, wonderful repository of scenic splendorous with flora and fauna of varied descriptions.

The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai Lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma, etc). Its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them, are other attractions. For the tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous-tribal life, fishing, boat cruising, water-skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. The Buddhist Water Festival, held from 13 to 18 April each year, is a colorful event.

Bandarban: A road zigzagging through hills connects Rangamati with Bandarban, another Tribal City about 354 km south of Dhaka. The city offers different cultures of dozens of tribes and a scenic display of hills and forests.

Bandarban is the hometown of the Bomong Chief who is the head of Mogh tribe. The Mogh are of Myanmar origin and Buddhist by religion, jovial and carefree by nature. The Moghs are simple and hospitable people.

Bandarban is also the home of the Murangs who are famous for their music and dance. The journey to Chimbuque, a high hilltop is breath taking. The highest pick of Bangladesh - Tahjindong (4632 ft) is located in Bandorban.

Natural Boga Lake near Tahjindong is another surprise for the tourists. Finding undiscovered water falls and lakes at hilltops while trekking through virgin paths are really adventurous and enchanting.....

Syihet:

It is of green forest, tribal people, magnificent tea gardens and the splendid landscape of hills and hillocks. Among the different attractions of Sylhet, Srimongal is famous for the largest tea garden of the World covered by lush green carpet. Its terraced tea gardens, eye-soothing orange groves and pineapples plantations and hills covered with tropical forests form a beautiful landscape, is a prime attraction of the tourists. One can have a look intro the spectacular tea processing at tea Research institute. The city presents a lovely natural life.

Varieties of birds and wild lives draw the attention of nature lovers. A visit......

Sent Martin Island: St. Martin is the only place in Bangladesh where you can observe living coral. It is a small Island without any rickshaws and cars. About 10-km southwest of the southern tip of the mainland this small coral island has a population of a few thousand. It's a bit of a tropical paradise: beaches fringed with coconut palms, bountiful marine life. St.Martin is an unspoiled paradise, with genuinely friendly people and essentially no crime. The dumbbell shaped Saint Martin's island has an area of about 8sq. km. Main attraction St. Martin Island is the Chera Dip or Narikel Ginjira. It is little isolated from the main land but you can go by walking during low tide. The small island is full of coconut (Narikel) trees from which the name Narikel Ginjira came. There is no bosoti so you can have real privacy.

Packages & Tours :

We offer global standard inbound tour in Bangladesh, private tour, Business tour, Study tour, Special interest tour for families, corporate, University and other organizations. We aim at optimizing all details of our service to offer our client a memorable, Enjoyable travel to Bangladesh.

Trip to The Sundarbans 250$~

Night Life tour in Dhaka 1Night, 20$~ Full Day sight Seeing in Dhaka 1 Half Day, 20$~ Trip to Sonargaon Muslin Heritage 1Day, 25$~

Kantaji's temple& Paharpur heritage 2N /3D, 225$~ Rocket Steamer Trip 2Night/3Days, 165$~ Sundarbans Mangrove Forest 2N/3D, 225$~

St. Martin's- The Only Coral Island Tour 300$~

Rangamati Bandarban Tribal 250$~

Bandarban Tribal 235$~

Tea estates & natural forests Tour 2N/3D, 75$~ Bird watching trip to Sri Mongol 2N/3D, 60$~ Be a Guest of Our Village 1Night/2Days, 75$~

Weekend Leisure and Overnight 95$~

Kuakata Sunrise and Sunset 225$~

Food in Bangladesh: 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 sweetwater 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.

Restaurant in Bangladesh : Bukhara Restaurant Iqbal Center (18th Floor) 42, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani C/A Dhaka-1213, Tel:8812411, Fax:8823126 Chang Pie Chinese Restaurant 22, Kemal Ataturk Avenue Banani, Dhaka, Tel: 8822446 Chilis House # 2, Road #11, Dhanmondi, Dhaka Tel: 9121235, 8126993 China Grill Restaurant House 28, Road 15, Rabindra Soroni, Sector-7 Uttara Model Town, Dhaka, Tel: 8915899 Email: chingrillrestaurant@hotmail.com Emmanuelle's 3/7, Kemal Ataturk Avenue Gulshan-2, Dhaka, Tel: 017-526436 Euro Garden Restaurant 94, New Circular Road, Mouchak Market (4th fl) Dhaka, Tel: 9353361 Fountain Fortuna Restaurant 35, Kemal Ataturk Avenue , Banani Dhaka, Tel: 8822025, 9342123 Garden Oasis Restaurant 1, New Baily Road (2nd Floor), Dhaka Tel: 8318861, 8314289 Golden Chimney Restaurant Sonartori Tower, 12, Sonargaon Road Dhaka-1000, Tel:9663969, 9663692 Golden Rice 90, Gulshan Avenue, Gushan, Dhaka Tel: 8824464, 9882796, Fax: 8820634 Email: shunda@dotbd.com Homes 55, Purana Paltan, Dhaka Tel: 9562854, 9550411, 9559399 Fax: 9571671 Email: atoz@bijoy.net Khazana House 12, Road 55, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka Tel: 8826127 Email: khazana@gononet.com Kasturi 8, Purana Paltan, Dhaka Tel: 9564396, 9569942

Lazeez 66, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan, Dhak Tel: 8812646 Lemon Grass House-58/C, Road-131, Gulshan-1 Dhaka-1215, Tel: 600868 Mid-Night Sun Asadgate Commercial Plot 1 Mirpur Road, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207 Tel: 9113840, 9661329 Mouri Restaurant 30, Bijoynagar, Dhaka-1000 Tel: 9330219, 9354434 Olive Garden House # CES (G)3, Road # 126 Gulshan-1, Dhaka Tel: 9881038, 8812267, Fax: 8812267 Panda Garden 2, Abbas Garden, Mohakhali, Dhaka Tel: 608458, 608469 Park Town International 2, Monipur Para, Sangshad Avenue Dhaka-1215, Tel: 8117274, 9127978 Rendezvous Sundaram 23, Motijheel C/A. Dhaka-1000, Tel: 9567808 Royal Orchid 60, Gulshan South Avenue, Gulshan-1 Dhaka, Tel: 8810949, 605373 Sajna House # 10, South Avenue Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212 Tel: 8811684, 8812458, Fax: 8828802 Email: sajna@citechco.net Samarkand House# 126, Road #2, Gulshan-1, Dhaka Tel: 8816736, 8816845 Santoor House # 2, Road # 11 (New) Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka Tel: 9881286, 884180-7 Sky Room ABC House (12th floor) 8, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka Tel: 8822648, 8828279 Spinach Restaurant 747, Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi,

Dhaka -1205 Tel: 9128367 Email: spinach@bdonline.com Sung Garden 65, Bjoy Nagor, Dhaka, Tel: 8312551, 9343275 Shehnai House 53, Block B, Kemal Ataturk Avenue Banani, Dhaka, Tel: 8810225 Thai House 52/B, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka-1212 Tel: 8822757, 9880358, Fax: 9883025 The White Castle Restaurant 20, Kemal Ataturk Avenue (15th Floor) Dhaka. Tel: 8812656, 8810012, Fax: 8812656 Email: w.castle@neksus.com Young-Bin-Kwan SE(B) 2, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan-1, Dhaka Tel:8829001, 8824044, Fax: 8829001 Zafran 他, Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000 Tel: 9667229 Fast Food American Fried Chicken 118 Gulshan Avenue (Ground Floor) Dhaka-1212, Tel: 9882054 Best Fried Chicken Orchid Plaza, Road # 28 (Old) Dhanmondi, Dhaka Helvetia Alta Plaza House #1, Road #10 Dhanmondi, Dhak-1205, Tel:9131699 16, Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka Tel: 9883391 Hot Hut! 10, Dilkusha C/A, Tel: 9567394 House 15/A, Road, 103, Gulshan-2 Tel: 9890958 House 2B, Road 12, Mirpur Road, Hotel in Bangladesh:

Subhanbag Dhanmondi, Tel: 9131699, 9138398 Rajlaxmi Complex, Shop R-1, Tel: 8912825 New Yorker 63 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka Tel: 8821068 Email: bigappledhaka@hotmail.com Sausly's 32, Gulshan North C/A, Tel: 8823212 121/C Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan-2 Tel: 017420836 Hussain Plaza Shop G-6&7, HOuse 1, Road 15 Mirpur Road, Subahan Bag, Dhanmondi Tel: 9126821 Western Grill Road 3, Dhanmondi, Dhaka Wimpy House 1, Road 50, Gulshan-2, Dhaka1212 Tel: 8828573, 8829422, Fax: 8822417 Email: elegant@dhaka.agni.com Yummy Yummy Mirpur Road, Lalmatia, Dhaka Airport Road, Farmgate, Dhaka lce-cream Parlours Buskin Robins Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka Movenpick Rifle Spuare, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 221C Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka Club Gelato Shahin Shopping Complex New DOHS, Dhaka Cant, Dhaka Igloo Nayaa Paltan (Opp: Ananda Bhaban), Dhaka Rainbow Hussain Plaza, Road 15 (New) Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi, Tel: 9122739 Gulshan Circle-1, Tel: 8816618

Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka Airport Road, Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka 1206, Bangladesh

Hotel Rating :

Pan Pacific Sonargon Dhaka 107 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue GPO Box 3595 Dhaka Bangladesh

Hotel Rating :

Dhaka Sheraton Hotel Bangladesh 1 Minto Road Dhaka 1000 Bangladesh

Hotel Rating :

Hotel Swiss Park Bangladesh Road # 15, House # 62, Block - C, Banani, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Hotel Bon Vivant Dhaka Bangladesh Plot no.- 8/A, Road #13, Baridhara North, Dhaka –1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating : BRAC Center Inn Dhaka Bangladesh 75, Mohakhali C/A Dhaka - 1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Best Western La Vinci Hotel Dhaka Bangladesh 54 Kawran Bazar Dhaka 1215 Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Grand Azad Hotel Dhaka Bangladesh 55 Purana Paltan, Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Hotel Lake Castle Dhaka Bangladesh House # 1A, Road 68/A, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Royal Park Residence Dhaka Bangladesh House No. 85, Road No. 25/A, Block-A, Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh Hotel Rating : Rigs Inn Hotel Dhaka Bangladesh House No. 09, Road #23/A, Gulshan-I, Dhaka- 1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating: Eastern House Dhaka Bangladesh House # 04, Road # 24, Gulhan-1, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating: Marriott Guest House Dhaka Bangladesh House-5,Road-54/A Gulshan-2, Dhaka, 1212 Bangladesh Hotel Rating: Hotel De Crystal Garden Dhaka Bangladesh

House # 28, Road # 63, Gulshan-2 , Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating: Paradise Garden Hotel Dhaka Bangladesh 20, Park Road, Baridhara, , Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Hotel Rating: Hotel Sarena Plot # 27, Road # 17, Banani C/A, Dhaka – 1213, Bangladesh +880-2-8851011-4 Hotel Sea Crown, Cox's Bazar Marin Drive, Kolatali new Beach, Cox's Bazar Bangladesh

The Westin Dhaka, Dhaka Hotel Class: Main Gulshan Avenue Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh Seagull Hotel, Cox's Bazar Hotel Motel Zone, Cox's Bazar Beach Cox's Bazar Bangladesh

Travel Agency in Bangladesh: Air Bangla International Lta. (IATA) Golden Inn Blg. 336 Station Road Chittagong, Bangladesh Phone: 031-615858, 615638 Fax: 880-31-610292, 610733 E-mail: alamco@spnet.com, abi@globalctg.net Air Bond Travels 15/2 Topkhana Road, BMA Bhaban Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9551349

Air Mission International 56 Purana Paltan Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9560094

Air Bird Limited 150 Motijheel C/A, Nahar Mansion, Suite # A-2 (Gr. Flr.) Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9666498, 9555982

Air Concern International Ltd. Adamjee Court, Annex-2, 115-116 Motijheel C/A Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9667451-53 Fax: 880-2-9564720 E-mail: lirving@bangla.net Category: Travel Agencies Barnall Tours & Travels Ltd. TCB Bhaban, Room # 1, Kawran Bazar Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Phone: 9127925

Category: Travel Agencies Beacon Travel International Ltd. Adamjee Court Annex, 115/116 Motijheel C/A Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9552942, 9559435

Benal Air Lift Ltd. 12-14 Gulshan Avenue Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Phone: 9886634-37, 605598 Fax: 880-2-8811335 E-mail: baairnet@citechco.net Bay Sky Travel Int'l Comfort Travels Ltd. 216 Elephnat Road Zaman Court, 45 Dilkusha C/A Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9665419 Phone: 9551751, 9564252 Fax: 880-2-8619322 Fax: 880-2-9564252 Commonwelth Travels & Tours Ltd. Continental Air International.

188 Motijheel Inner Circular Road (2nd Flr.) , 59 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue (1st Flr.) Arambagh Kawran Bazar Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh Phone: 7100399, 7100441 Phone: 9110985 Fax: 880-2-7100343 Fax: 880-2-8114087 Continental Travels Deer Travels Tour 8/2 Purana Paltan, North South Road Hotel 2/2 R.K Mission Road Aloka (1st Flr.) Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9566532 Phone: 9556714, 9559909 Delta Air Service Diners World Travel 146 Motijheel C/A Shop # 8, Plot # 6/A, North Guloshan Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Commercial Area , DIT--2 Phone: 9561901 Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh Phone: 9880810, 8825359 Fax: 880-2-8828962 Glove International Golden Bengal Tour Travel 25 Hoel Shajahan, Sadarghat Road 150 motijheel C/A, Nahar Mansion Chittagong, Bangladesh Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 031-632265 Phone: 9551316, 9552835 Golden Bengal Tour Travel Goldies Enterprise 150 motijheel C/A, Nahar Mansion 54/1 Purana Paltan Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9551316, 9552835 Phone: 9557889, 9562773 Gomti Travels Intenationl Habib Aviation Service 35/1 Kakrail Inner Circular Road 11 Toyenbee Circular Road, Motijheel C/A Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 8312603 Phone: 9554092 Fax: 880-2-9564946 HAC Enterprise Ltd. 5 Motijheel C/A Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: 9552208, 9552491 Shopping in Bangladesh :

Bangladesh is indeed a shoppers' paradise with a rich tradition in handicrafts at throw away prices. While muslin of ancient Dhaka has gone into history, other products such as contemporary paintings, wood works, shital pati (mattress having cooling effect), bamboo decoration pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, cotton, silk, gold, silver, jute, reed, brassware, traditional dolls and leather goods also receive deep appreciation of the lovers of arts and crafts now and over the past centuries. In addition, Bangladesh is famous for pink pearl.

Pink Pearl: Pink pearls are the best buy in Dhaka. These natural products are unparallel in luster.

Gold & Silver: A wide range of gold and silver ornaments, silver filigree work etc. are considered by many travelers to be unparalleled.

Brass & Copperware: Among the best buys here are brass and copperware trays, wall decorations, vases etc. all are hand made with fine engravings and filigree work. Products made from the hides and skins of animals and reptiles, intricate wood carvings, cane and bamboo products, conch shell, bangles, embroidered quilts, jamdani and silk fabrics can also be bought. These are available in DIT market and a number of exclusive shops in New Elephant Road, Dhaka.

Duty- free Shopping: Duty free sales and display centers run by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (NTO) are located in Dhaka, Zia International Airport, Mohakhaii and Sylhet Airport.

These shops enjoy the reputation of being well established with a wide range of goods at unbeatable prices. Goods available include wines and spirits, perfumes, cigarettes, hi-fi stereo and audio-visual equipment, Cameras, Watches and a range of household appliances.

All purchases must be paid for in foreign currency.

Some suggested shopping centers are: For Handicrafts & Exclusives: » Kanak, Vogue, Champak, Joya (Dhaka Sheraton Hotel) Ph: (880-2) 8613391(Extn.8593) » Karika, Chandan (DIT Super Market) Ph: (880-2) 504362 » Karu Palli, 5 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka-1215 For Brassware's » Upahar, New Elephant Road, Dhaka » Otobi, New Elephant Road, Dhaka For General Shopping » Eastern Plaza-Hatirpul » Karnaphuli garden city » Banga Bazar Market » Baitul Mukarram Market Communications:

Ph: (880-2) 9115182 » Aarong, Adel Plaza,Lalmatia, Mirpur Road, Dhaka. Ph: (880-2) 8111607 » Asha, Mirpur Road, Dhaka » Probortona, Mirpur Road, Dhaka » Mela, Mirpur Road, Dhaka »Basundhara City Market » New Market » Chandni Chawk Market » Gaushia Market » Polwel Shopping Centre- Naya Paltan » Riffle's Square, Dhanmondi » Gulshan Market-1 & 2 » Bishal Centre- Magh Bazar

Telephones Bangladesh's landline telecommunications system is owned by the state. The Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board is the organization that controls telecommunications in the country. Besides BTTB, which operates in all urban areas, there are two private operators.

Bangladesh Rural Telecom Authority and Sheba Telecommunications provide telephone services to rural areas. Digital telephone systems are being introduced into Bangladesh. If you would like to phone someone in another country from Bangladesh you need to dial the following: dial 00; dial country code; dial city code; dial telephone number. The international code for Bangladesh is +880. Mobile telephone coverage is somewhat limited.

For more information on cellular phone usage in Bangladesh, visit the Bangladesh SMS page on this site.

Internet_Access Several Internet cafes are scattered through the main cities of Bangladesh. Certain hotels may also offer Internet access to their guests. VSAT is used to connect to the Internet in Bangladesh. Some 54 Internet Service Providers operate in the country. Satellite Internet in Bangladesh enables individuals in areas where it is not possible to access the Internet via terrestrial means to connect to the Internet. The Internet is somewhat underutilized in Bangladesh due to high charges, underdeveloped telecommunications, a lack of support, poor awareness of this service and so on. However, extensive efforts are being made to increase the population's access to the Internet as it is a great educational tool. Bangladesh's Internet country code is ".bd."

Mass Media Mass media is an important method of transmitting information and current news to the population. For more information on mass media in Bangladesh, visit the following pages on this site: Bangladesh TV, Bangladesh Radio and Newspapers in Bangladesh Post/Mail The Post Office in Bangladesh is a government department that provides the community with a variety of postal products and services. Post is one of the cheapest methods of communication and Bangladesh's service is quite efficient. Services offered by the post office include the mailing of letters, handling parcels, track and trace, courier delivery, foreign money order, e-Post, financial services, post boxes and more. Airmail to Europe takes between three and four days.

Transportation: Airway By air Bangladesh can be reached from any part of the world. Biman Bangladesh airlines is the national air service authority that connects Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet with 28 major cities of the world. International carriers like British Airways, Thai Airways, Saudia,

Kuwait Airways, Singapore Airlines, PIA, Cathy Pacific, Indian Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, Aeroflot, Myanmar Airways, Royal Nepal Airlines, Uzbek Airways, Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Malaysian Airlines fly to and from Dhaka. Biman Bangladesh airlines also operates domestic route services. Presently private sector airlines are also operating in domestic routs.

Airports: 16 (1998 est.)

Airports—with paved runways: total: 15 over 3,047 m: 1 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 1 under 914 m: 7 (1998 est.)

Airports—with unpaved runways: total: 1 over 3,047 m: 1 (1998 est.)

Besides Biman, several other (international) carriers also fly to and from Dhaka.

Zia International Airport

Biman, Bangladesh Airlines also connects Dhaka with Chittagong, Jessore, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi Saidpur and Sylhet in its 7 domestic routes. (Biman, Bangladesh Airlines, Ph: 9560151-9; Enquiry & Reservations).

Foreign Airlines: Trans World Airlines Inc.: Ph:880-2-9552491, 9552208 Air France: Ph: 880-2-9568277, 9563050, 9551338, Japan Airlines: Ph: 880-2-9129322, 9129710 Indian Airlines: Ph: 880-2-9555915, 9557813, 8912205(Airport) Kuwait Airways: Ph: 880-2-9110238, 9118829(City) 8914215(Airport) British Airways: Ph: 880-2-9564869-72, 8914410, 8912467(Airport) Lufthansa: Ph: 880-2-8618995, 8611191 Myanmar Airlines International: Ph: 880-2-8810579-80 United Airlines: Ph: 880-2-9556538-9, 9556505, 9567379 Cathay Pacific: Ph: 880-2-9559390, 9559721, 9557117 Pan Am: Ph: 880-2-9554369 Gulf Air: Ph: 880-2-8113237-40 PIA: Ph: 880-2-8312985, 8823023 Singapore Airlines: Ph: 880-2-8828769, 8828774, 8811504-8 Emirates: Ph: 880-2-9563825-29, 9563830 Swiss Air: Ph: 880-2-8821908, 8822376 Korean Air: Ph: 880-2-9563817-9 Saudia Ph: 880-2-8116859-60,(City) 8914436, 8914341(Airport) Malayasian Airlines: Ph:880-2-9885479, 9885480 Thai International: Ph: 880-2-8314711-9, 8914351(Airport) Qatar Airways, Ph: 880-2-9563050, 9564945 Royal Nepal Airlines: Ph:880-2-9550423, 9559353

Qantas: Ph: 880-2-9886634-7 KLM: Ph: 880-2-8113005, 9116519 Philippines Airlines: Ph:880-2-411488 Air litalia: Ph: 880-2-9551673 Continental Airlines: Ph:880-2-9565386-1, Roadway Road transport in Bangladesh is a private sector affair operating predominantly in domestic routes. Rates are among the cheapest in the world. Express and non stop services are available to principal towns from Gabtoli, Saidabad and Mohakhai bus terminals in Dhaka.

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) also maintains a countrywide network of bus services. Recently they have introduced Dhaka - Calcutta - Dhaka direct daily bus services via Benapole, Jessore.

Highways: Total: 204,022 km paved: 25,095 km unpaved: 178,927 km (1996 est.)

Railway Nationally operated Bangladesh Railway provides an efficient service throughout Bangladesh. The inter city Express Service is available to and from important cities if in all.

Local trains serve in cheaper rates.

Railways: Total: 2,745 km broad gauge: 923 km 1.676-m gauge narrow gauge: 1,822 km 1.000-m gauge (1998 est.)

Waterway The landscape of Bangladesh is dominated by about 250 rivers providing over 5,000 miles [8,000 km) of navigable waterways. Country-made boats are the most widely used carrier one can see in the rivers and rivulets. They carry passengers and merchandise on a large scale. Mechanized Water transport is mainly operated by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC), which run ferry and launch services on the main routes.

There are also water transport services run by private companies.

Waterways: 5,150-8,046 km navigable waterways (includes 2,575-3,058 km main cargo routes)

Ports and harbors: Chittagong, Dhaka, Mongla Port Merchant marine: total: 40 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 315,855 GRT/453,002 DWT ships by type: bulk 2, cargo 33, oil tanker 2, refrigerated cargo 1, roll-on/roll-off cargo 2 (1998 est.)

Car Rental Private car hire service is available in Dhaka and some other major cities. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), a government organization, has a fleet of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned cars, microbuses and jeeps. Besides they offer transfer service for tourists between Dhaka airport and main city points or hotels.

Holidays in Bangladesh : Public holidays in Bangladesh 21 February -International Mother Language Day 26 March - Independence Day 14 April - Bengli New Year's Day 1 May - May day 7 November - National Solidarity Day 16 December - Victory Day 20-22 December-Eid-ul-Azha 25 December - Christmas Day Festivals in Bangladesh : Festivals have always played a significant role in the life of the people of Bangladesh. Those are parts and parcels of Bangale culture and tradition. Brief accounts of the major and regular festivals are given below.

Pahela Baishakh

The advent of Bengali New Year is gaily observed throughout the country. The Day (midApril) is a public holiday. Most colorful daylong gatherings along with arrangement of cultural program and traditional Panta at Ramna Park, Dhaka is a special feature of Pahela Baishakh. Tournaments, boat races etc. are held in cities and villages amidst great jubilation.

Many fairs are held in Dhaka and other towns and villages.

Independence Day March 26 is the day of Independence of Bangladesh. It is the biggest state festival. This day is most befittingly observed and the capital wears a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning with the booming of guns heralding the day.

Citizens including government leaders and sociopolitical organizations and freedom fighters place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. At night the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital city a dazzling look. Similar functions are arranged in other parts of the country.

21st Feb, the National Mourning Day and World Mother Language Day 21 February is observed throughout the country to pay respect and homage to the sacred souls 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 the then Pakistan. All subsequent movements including struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs monument) is the symbol of sacrifice for Bangla, the mother tongue. The day is closed holiday. Mourning procedure begin in Dhaka at midnight with the song Amar vaier raktay rangano ekushay February (21st February, the day stained with my brothers' blood).

Nationals pay homage to the martyrs by placing flora wreaths at the Shahid Minar. Very recently the day has been declared World Mother Language Day by UNESCO. Eid-e-Miladunnabi Eid-e-Miladunnabi is the birth and death day of Prophet Muhammad (s). He was born and died the same day on 12th Rabiul Awal (Lunar Month). The day is national holiday, national flag is flown atop public and private houses and special food is served in orphanages, hospitals and jails. At night important public buildings are illuminated and milad mahfils are held.

Eid-ul-Fitr The biggest Muslim festival observed throughout the world. This is held on the day following the Ramadan or the month of fasting. In Dhaka big congregations are held at the National Eidgah and many mosques.

Eid-ul-Azha Second biggest festival of the Muslims. It is held marking the Hajj in Mecca on the 10th Zilhaj, the lunar month. Eid congregations are held throughout the country. Animals are sacrificed in reminiscence of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for the supreme sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah. It is a public holiday.

Muharram Muharram procession is a ceremonial mournful procession of Muslim community. A large procession is brought out from the Hussaini Dalan Imambara on 10th Muharram in memory of the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) on this day at Karbala in Iraq. Same observations are made elsewhere in the country.

Durga Puja Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community continues for ten days, the last three days being culmination

with the idol immersed in rivers. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held at Dhakeswari Temple, where a fair is also held and at the Ram Krishna Mission.

Christmas Christmas, popularly called "Bara Din (Big Day)", is celebrated with pomp in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Several day-long large gatherings 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 and other Christian festivities.

Rabindra & Nazrul Jayanti

Birth anniversary of the noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore on 25th Baishakh (May) and that of

The National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on 11th Jaystha (May) are observed throughout the country. Their death anniversaries are also marked in the same way. Big gatherings and song sessions organized by socio-cultural organizations are salient 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.

Travel tips : Some Useful Tips: Make sure you have the proper health/immunization requirements.

Carry as much currency in travelers checks as possible.

Keep a copy of all documents and credit card information in a safe place .

Find out some information about your destination. It is to your advantage to know some basic phrases in the local language, basic facts, places of interest, how to get around etc.

Check all your travel documents to make sure that they are in order. Passports should be valid for a few months after your return date.

Bring your address and telephone book. Make sure you have jotted down important telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Check the weather conditions of your destination.

Become very alert when you are pushed around or distracted in a crowd.

When staying at a hotel, have your keys ready before you reach your room.

Every time you are in your hotel room, you use the double lock at all times.

If any of your important travel documents such as passport are lost or stolen, immediately notify the local police. If you know that your country has an embassy in that country, report this to them and they can help you process temporary travel documents. For credit cards make sure you call the issuing bank immediately so that they can stop the card from being used illegally.

Please drink safe water.