Fantastic Bangladeshi Hospitality

One of my friends came to Bangladesh from United States in December, 2007. He was a University student as well as a voluntary worker. It was actually his first visit to Bangladesh. Staying a couple of days in the capital city, he expressed his desire to visit the affected areas by devastating cyclone SIDR. I asked some people and selected a seriously affected area called Koykhali under Shatkira district (southern part of Bangladesh). We decided to visit that place the next day. We went to Khulna by bus from where we were supposed to go to the destination by another bus. As the road was not so good, we decided to go by a motorbike. We managed to get one person who agreed to take us to Koykhali by next morning.

The next morning our journey commenced. The road was partially damaged and was unfit for a bus. But we were traveling well by our motorbike. After 3-hour ride we reached the location. What did we see? Actually it was an unbelievable sight. For, the entire area was entirely damaged. No house or tree was found standing. All were flat on the ground. Almost all the villagers were under the open sky. There was no food, no shelter and no cloth. What made us grief stricken was the sight of about 100 newly made graves. We came to know that the death attacked mostly women and children. My US friend was afraid watching the extreme natural havoc.    

To collect information about the cyclone, we visited a family under a polythene shade. The people of the family expressed their terrible experience of that night. We were amazed to learn that the owner of the house lost his wife, a son and a brother that night. While he was telling the story, he had to stop many times because his speech was frequently blocked by cry. We sat on the floor and heard his entire story with rapt attention. After a whole he invited us to take our lunch in their house. We did not agree. But he began to insist on he ground that we covered a long distance and we must be hungry. We noticed that while we were busy speaking, his daughter finished her cooking rice and eggs. Therefore, there was no way to avoid his invitation. What was more, the man sought apology to us for his inability to entertain us well though he wanted to do so.

Anyway, after the memorable lunch under the open sky in the territory of Bangladesh, my friend asked the man about how he managed the rice and eggs. The answer was that he lost everything but he could collect 2 kilograms of rice from Government relief after walking 2 kilometers. And his daughter managed 4 eggs from the neighbour on credit.  We asked him what they would eat the incoming night and the next day. The silence was the only answer.

Learning this, we only looked at ourselves. My friend uttered, “This is Bangladeshi hospitality”.

Embassies and Consulates in Bangladesh

1. Australian High Commission – Dhaka
2. Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium – House 22, Road 140, Gulshan-1 in Dhaka
3. British High Commission – United Nations Road, Baridhara in Dhaka. 
4. Canadian High Commission – Dhaka 
5. Embassy of Denmark – House NW(H) 1, Road 51, Gulshan Model Town.
6. Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt – House-NE(N) 9, Road 90, Gulshan Model Town.
7. European Union Delegation – House 7, Road 84, Gulshan 2.
8. Embassy of France – House 18, Road 108, Gulshan.
9. Embassy of Germany – Dhaka
10. High Commission of India – House 2, Road 142, Gulshan
11. Embassy of Italy – Plot 2/3, Road 74/79 Gulshan Model Town.
12. Embassy of Japan – Plot 5 & 7, Dutabash Road, Baridhara.
13. Embassy of Korea – House 6, Road 7, Baridhara OR House NW (E) 17, Road 55, Gulshan Model Town.
14. Embassy of Kuwait – Road SE(D) 5 , South Link Road, Gulshan
15. Malaysian High Commission – House 4, Road 118, Gulshan Model Town.
16. Embassy of Myanmar – House 89B, Road 4, Banani Model Town.
17. Nepalese Embassy – Dhaka.
18. Embassy of the Kimgdom of the Netherlands – House 49, Road 90, Gulshan.
19. Embassy of Norway – Dhaka
20. High Commission for Pakistan – House NE(C) 2, Road 71, Gulshan.
21. Embassy of Palestine – CES(C) 4, Road 118, Gulshan Model Town.
22. Embassy of Philippines – House NE(L) 5, Road 83, Gulshan Model Town.
23. Embassy of Poland – House 53, Gulshan Ave, Gulshan Model Town.
24. Embassy of Qatar – House 23, Road 108, Gulshan.
25. Embassy of Romania – House 33, Road 74, Gulshan Model Town.
26. Embassy of Russia – Dhaka
27. Embassy of Saudi Arabia – House 12 NE(N), Road 92 Gulshan North Avenue.
28. Embassy of Sweden – House 1, Road 51 Gulshan.
29. Embassy of Switzerland – House 31B, Road 18, Banani.
30. Embassy of Tanzania – Dhaka.
31. Embassy of Thailand – House NW(E) 12, Road 59, Gulshan.
32. Embassy of Turkey – House 7, Road 62, Gulshan.
33. Embassy of United Arab Emirates – House CEN(H) 41, Road 113, Gulshan.
34. U.S. Embassy – Dhaka.Dhaka.

Life in Bangladesh & opportunity for foreigners

“How many seasons are there in Bangladesh?” asked a fair skinned Australian lady to a local vendor in Dhaka. “Six seasons” was the reply. “So many in a small country!” “Ours is a small country but we’ve so many seasons with distinctive features”. Actually the country displays absolutely six seasons: summer, rainy season, autumn, late autumn, winter and spring. All these seasons appear with their distinctive features and characteristics. In whatever season a visitor visits the country he’s bound to enjoy the seasonal charms in colorful Nature.

Transportation System:

The transportation of the country is excellent .All the cities and towns are well connected into roads and highways. A traveler can easily travel distant cities by road with a big comfort. Apart from buses, there is a good railway network in the country. The boat and steamer service is quite satisfactory in the southern part of the country as there is a good network of river ways. There are five airports in the country. International airports are Hazrath Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Osmani International Airport in Sylhet and Shahamanath International Airport in Chittagong. Through airline, Bangladesh is connected with India, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, China, England, United Arab Emirates etc. Apart from these countries, there are connecting flights to USA, Africa, Australia Japan and almost all European countries. Many airlines like China Eastern Airlines, Singapore Air, Thai Air, Air India, British Air, Emirates Pakistan Airlines, Gulf Air and Dragon Airlines have regular flights from Bangladesh.

Foods: 

Rice and fish are the staple food of Bangladesh. As the country is mainly an agricultural country, she produces a huge amount of rice every year.  Wheat is also produced. In watery place a plenty of fishes are available. Bangladesh is world famous for ‘Hilsa fish’. The country exports Hilsa fish to many countries. Almost all kinds of vegetables grow in plenty. Bangladesh people love to cook food with spices. They are fond of chilly and ginger.

Telephone and Internet: 

In Bangladesh there is a wide network of many mobile phone operators. Among them Grammen Phone, City Cell, Banglalink, Warid, Aktel, are noteworthy. Broadband internet connection is available everywhere. A foreigner may use internet in the cyber café at every corner of the city. The land line phone system is quite good. International dialing code is +88.   

Educational Institutions:

Though a small country, Bangladesh’s educational facilities are praiseworthy. There is hardly any area where school and college are not within the reach of the dwellers. Primary education is free. Government has implemented scholarship system to the female students up to class eight at secondary schools. University is only available in cities. Students have to face entrance exams to study in the public universities. Private universities invite students relaxing admission criteria. But the cost at a private university is fairly high. If a foreign student wishes to study in a university, he or she must apply personally or online for admission and upon acceptance of admission; the applicant has to apply for necessary student visas. Visa application can be made either in the Embassy of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh in the applicant’s home country or in the Department of Immigration and Passports in Dhaka. Public universities are Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Khulna University, Jahangirnagar University, Jagannath University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Almost all of the universities have on campus accommodation facilities for students.   

Language and Business opportunity: 

Bangla is the official language in Bangladesh. But English is widely spoken in educational institutions and business centers. For learning Bangla a foreigner may contact Language department of Dhaka University. They have excellent courses for overseas people. Regarding business facility, Bangladesh is an excellent location. A good number of foreign companies are going good business in various sectors in Bangladesh. For setting up a business establishment one may contact the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the city. Trade license and other business permits are provided by the office of Municipality. Bangladesh invites foreign investors to invest in Bangladesh.  

Recreation:  A number of parks are therein all towns and cities. In Dhaka there is Ramna Park, Shishu Park, Wanderland, etc. In every park there are a lot of rides for children. For older people Ramna Park is appropriate. Some people also go for boating. Cinema halls are available everywhere throughout the country. Gymnasiums are also found in cities. Besides football clubs, sporting clubs and cultural clubs are there. Theatres have their regular show almost every evening in the cities.

Professions and medical service: Most of the people of Bangladesh are doing business and are living well. Many people are working for government. Age limit for applying for a govt. job is 30. There are lots of self-employed people. In the country there is a lot of govt. hospitals and private clinics. In the rural areas there are doctor’s chambers. In big cities there are quality hospitals. Every hospital has its ambulance services for 24 hours.

Legal matters:  In every corner of the country, there is police station. Police department is very sincere to ensure the safety of the people. There are courts at district levels. In Dhaka there is Supreme Court and High Court. There are plenty of advocate and notary publics around the court building. There are legal consultants and advisors to provide necessary legal services to the foreigners in all sectors.   

Bangladeshi Culture & Society

Hierarchy

 Bangladesh is a society of perfect hierarchy. People are always respected because of age and position. Older people are naturally considered as wise and they are granted respect. Bangladeshis expect that the senior most male, by age or position should make decisions which are in the best interest of any group. This is also accepted in businesses, the majority of which are family owned.

 Religion

The majority of Bangladeshi people are Muslim. The second majority is Hindus. There is a strong brotherhood among the two communities. Bangladeshis love to identify with folk traditions of Bengali culture. This includes belief in the powers of fakirs (Muslim holy men who are faith healers), Ojhaa (shamins having magical healing powers), and Bauls (religious mendicants and wandering singers and musicians). There remains a strong tradition regarding music, dance, and literature that includes classical devotional music of Hindu and Muslim music.

Festivals

Muslim observes many religious festivals in Bangaldesh. These include two Eids (one after Ramadan and another after the Hajj), Milad un-Nabi (birth date of the Prophet Hazrath Muhammad), Shab-e-Qadr (the night of power) and Shab-e-Barat (the night of the fortune). Hindu observes festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja (worshipping of Goddess Durga and Kali). On the whole, the entire community participates in each other's religious functions.


Meeting & Greeting

Greetings normally take place between members of the similar sex. The hand shake is common while meeting with a stranger or a gentleman. Women will only be met within business contexts. It is the best to wait to see if a hand is extended for a hand shake before doing so. The traditional greeting for Muslims is “Assalamu alaikum” to which the response is “wa alaikum assalam rokmot ullah hi borkotu”. Naming conventions are based on the hierarchical nature of Bangladeshi culture. Bangladeshis always attach a suffix to a person's name to convey respect and closeness between the two people. In general, age determines how people will be addressed. If people are of same age, they use first names for addressing. If the person to be addressed is older than the addresser, the person is called by his first name with a suffix that indicates the family relationship.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gifts are generally offered among family members at religious holidays especially after Ramadan and Hajj. In cities it is common to offer gifts on birthdays. Gifts should be generally reciprocated and it will be considered rude to offer gift that is difficult to reciprocate.

Some ordinary gift giving etiquette norms include:  When visiting a Bangladeshi’s home, it is very common to bring pastries, sweets or   good quality biscuits and chocolates. If you bring flowers avoid frangipanis because they are used during funerals. White flowers signify mourning. Never offer alcohol or any product containing non-halal meat to Muslims. Never offer money in cash. It is not considered good to open gifts in front of the giver. Gifts are given with two hands.

Dining Etiquette

While meeting people for dinner some basic rules on etiquette should be maintained. If invited to a meal it is impolite to flatly turn down the invitation. One should use indirect language to suggest that it may not be possible by using "I will try." Meals both inside and outside the house will usually be with the same sex. All people eat with their hands. It is very usual everyone shares food from a common dish. Ensure you wash your hands before eating. Guests are normally served first. Then the process of serving continues from the oldest to the youngest. Never start eating until the oldest person at the table begins. It is also customary to begin eating together. So, wait until everyone receives the dishes. You will constantly be insisted to take more food. Saying with smile "I'm full" will be taken as a polite negation. The left hand is considered unclean, so eat, pass dishes or drink only with the right hand. Always use your right hand for doing anything. Never offer anything with your left hand; it’s seriously rude and impolite

Transportation system in Bangladesh

The transportation sector of Bangladesh has a variety of modes. Bangladesh being a flat plain, all three modes of transport, i.e. road, railway and water are widely used in carrying both passengers and goods. More than half of entire Bangladesh has access to hard surface road within 3 miles distance. There has been a dramatic expansion of road network in recent years. In the year 1947 there were only 461.8 kilometers of metalloid roads. In 1997 the total length of road under the Roads and Highways Department stood more than 20,000 kilometers. In recent years construction of a number of bridges such as Bangabandhu Jamuna Bridge, Meghna Bridge, Meghna-Gumti Bridge, Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, Shambhuganj Bridge and Mahananda Bridge have been completed. The 4.8 km long Bangabandhu Bridge is the eleventh longest bridge in the world. The bridge has established a strategic link between the East and the West region of Bangladesh. Apart from rapid movement of goods and passengers, it is faci1itating transmission of electricity and natural gas. About 32% of the total area of Bangladesh is covered by railways. State-owned Bangladesh Railway operates a track of 2706 kilometer rail line employing about 60,000 people. The railway of Bangladesh provides satisfactory passenger and cargo services through about 502 stations. There are a number of express and luxurious trains operating from Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, and many other towns. About two-thirds of Bangladesh is wetland. The country has lots of rivers, canals, haors. Water transport is available in nearly 10% of' the total area. The navigable waterways vary between 8372 kilometer to 5200 kilometer regarding rainy season and dry season. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority is established by the government for maintenance of navigability of ports and channels. The state-owned BIWTC provides passenger and cargo services in inland waterways and in coastal areas of the country. There are now 11 airports in Bangladesh. These are in Dhaka, Barisal. Chittagong. Comilla, Rajshahi, Syedpur, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Ishurdi, Jessore and Thakurgaon. Of them the airports at Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet serve for international routes. Air cargo and Short Take-off and Landing services have been opened to the private sector. The national flag carrier is Bangladesh Biman Airlines. Biman flies to 26 international and 8 domestic destinations. Air:  Bangladesh can be reached from every part of the world by air. The main airport of Bangladesh is Hazrath Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). Biman Bangladesh airlines connects Dhaka with 27 major cities around the world like:. Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Bombay, Kolkata, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Karachi, Kathmandu, Kualalumpur, London, Muscat, Dhahran, Baghdad, Kuwait, Yangoon, Rome, Tripoli, Tokyo, Singapore, Baharin, Frankfurt, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Sarjah, Seoul, New York, Riyadh and Delhi. Besides Biman, there are several international carriers also fly to and from Dhaka. 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 Air:                                          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, 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 Italia:                                        Ph: 880-2-9551673 Continental Airlines:                        Ph:880-2-9565386-1 Car Rental -  Taxi cab service is available in Dhaka city and some other major cities. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC), the government organization, has a fleet of air-conditioned and non air-conditioned cars, microbuses and jeeps. They also offer transfer services for tourists between airport and city centers or hotels.

Fairs and Festivals of Bangladesh

Festivals are always playing a significant role in the life of the people of Bangladesh. These are the inseparable parts of Bangalee culture and tradition. There is hardly any month having no festival either social or religious. Only the major and regular festivals can be described in brief.

Pahela Baishakh

The first day of the first month of Bangla calendar is called Pahela Baishakh. The advent of Bengali New Year is immensely observed throughout the country. The Day is a public holiday. The day is observed with a colourful flavor. People arrange procession with colorful dress and flag. They love to eat the traditional ‘panta’ at Ramna Park in Dhaka. There are lots of cultural functions all over the country. People arrange tournaments, boat race, bullock race etc. Many fairs are arranged in the cities, towns and villages.

Independence Day

26th March is the Independence Day in Bangladesh. The day is the biggest state festival. The day is observed in a befitting manner. Capital city along with other cities wear a festive look. The day is a public holiday. The citizens of the cities wake up early with the booming of guns heralding the Independence Day. Citizens including government officials, political leaders, social workers, teachers, students and other general people place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy and other socio-cultural organizations arrange cultural functions. During night the major public buildings are beautifully illuminated to give the city a festive look. Almost all the towns follow the tradition.   

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

The 21^st February is observed with due honor throughout the country to pay homage to the sacred souls of all the martyrs of Language Movement of the year 1952. There was immense bloodshed at the Central Shahid Minar area (near Dhaka Medical college hospital) to establish Bengali as a state language of then Pakistan. Almost all the subsequent movements and struggle for Independence owe to the historic Language Movement. The Shahid Minar symbolizes the sacrifices for Bangla, the mother tongue of Bangalees. The day is a public holiday. The mourning procedure begins at midnight at Dhaka with the song “Amar Vaier roktey rangano ekushey February, ami ki vulitey pari……….” (I can’t forget the day 21^st February, stained with the blood of my brother). Citizens including government officials, political leaders, social workers, teachers, students and other general people place floral wreaths at the Shahid Minar. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy and other socio-cultural organizations arrange cultural functions to celebrate this day. This day has been declared as the World Mother Language day by UNESCO.

Eid-e-Miladunnabi

Eid-e-Miladunnabi is a religious festival. This day is the birth day and death day of Prophet Haztarh Muhammed (sm). Prophet was born and died on the same day on 12^th day of Rabiul Awal (Lunar Month). The day is a national holiday. National flag is flown atop public and private buildings and special good food is served in orphanages, jails and in hospitals. At night public buildings are illumined and milad mahfils (religious function and serve of food free of cost) are held.

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival observed throughout Bangladesh and throughout the world. This day is held on the following day of the Ramadan (the month of fasting). In Dhaka big congregations are held at the National Eidgah. Eid congregations are held in the eidgahs all over the country.

Eid-ul-Azha

Eid-ul-Azha is the second biggest festival of the Muslim community. It is held marking the Hajj in Mecca on the 10^th Zilhaj, the lunar month. Eid congregations are held in the Eidgahs throughout the country. Plenty of animals are sacrificed in reminiscence of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for supreme sacrifice of His beloved son to Almighty Allah. The day is a public holiday.

Muharram

Muharram procession is a ceremonial mournful procession of the Muslims. A large procession is brought out from Hussaini Dalan Imambara on 10th Muharram. This festival is in the memory of the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) on this very day at Karbala in Iraq. There are same observations made in the country.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is the biggest festival of the Hindu community that continues for five days. The last day is the culmination of the idol immersed in rivers. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held at Dhakeswari Temple and at the Ram Krishna Mission. Durga puja is celebrated with big pomp and grandeur all over the county. During the puja, plenty of fairs are held at many places inside and outside the cities.

Christmas

Christmas popularly called "Boro Din” (Big Day), is celebrated in a pompous manner in Dhaka and in other places in Bangladesh. Several day-long large gatherings are arranged 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. Christmas functions include illumination of churches, decorating Christmas trees, serving the Christian missionaries and other Christian festivities. This is a public holiday.

Rabindra & Nazrul Jayanti

Birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on 25^th Baishakh (May) and that of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam on 11th Jaystha (May) are observed with great gaiety throughout the country. Their death anniversaries are also marked in the grand manner. Big gatherings and song sessions are organized by socio-cultural organizations to observe the days. There are day-long program in the music colleges in the country. Rabindranath Tagore is the writer of the national anthem of Bangladesh while National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is famous as the Rebel Poet.

There are many other festivals in the country that are habitually observed by Bangalees all the year round.