Bangladesh is a South-Asian country bounded by India from north, east and west and by the Bay of Bengal and Mayanmer from the south and south-east.Bangladesh emerged as a country in 1971 following a 9 months long war of liberation against Pakistani rule. This area was under Muslim rule for five and a half centuries and passed into British rule in 1757. During the British rule it was a part of the British Indian Province of Bengal and Assam. In August 1947 it gained independence from the British rule along with the rest of India and formed a part of Pakistan which was known as East Pakistan.
Climate and seasons: The climate of Bangladesh is subtropical and tropical with temperatures ranging from an average daytime low of 21C in the cold season to a top of 35C in the hot season. Three-quarters of the annual rainfall occurs between June and September. The humidity remains high all year round. Bangladesh has three main seasons: the monsoon or wet season from late May to early October; the cold season from mid-October to the end of February; and the hot season from mid-March to mid-May. There are two cyclone seasons – May to June and October to November. Although there are only three observable seasons in Bangladesh, the country commonly refers to six : Basanto (Spring) February to April, Grishma (Summer) April to June, Barsha (Rainy) June to August, Sharat (Autumn) August to October, Hemanto (Misty) October to December and Sheet (Winter) December to February.
Cloth: Tropical dress in summer and light woolen dress in winter are advisable.
Food: Rice is main and popular dishes mainly include rice, pulse, vegetables and fishes and meat. Spring Kabab, Kofta (meat balls) and biryanis (meat mixed with rice) of all kinds and available. In Dhaka you can also find excellent Indian, Thai, Chinese and Korean restaurants.
Fruits: Mangoes, Lichies, Bananas, Papayas, Jackfruits, Watermelons, Pineapples, Coconuts, Oranges and Guavas etc.
Local Transport: Buses, taxis, auto rickshaws are available in major towns. There are thousands of cycle rickshaws throughout the country which can be hired for short distance traveled. Towns are linked by railways and roadways. Intercity trains which run between major cities are fairly comfortable. There are also express coach services between towns. Travel costs are low compared to international standard.
People: Most of the populations are bengalies. There are many small tribal groups with their own languages and cultures. Most of these groups live in border areas.
Language: The state language and mother tongue is Bangla. English is widely spoken and understood. Now-a-days some young people are learning other languages like French, German, Spanish, and Japanese etc. for utilizing in their professional fields.
Shopping: Store hours vary, but generally shops open 9am-8pm Saturday to Thursday. Bazaars and street stalls are abundant. Bargaining is common.
Tipping: Tipping is common in hotels and restaurants. So leave 5% to 10% of the bill of the service is good.
Religion: Bangladesh is a land of religious freedom, harmony and tolerance. People of all castes and creeds live here in perfect harmony. The percentage distribution of population to religions is as follows: Muslim 88%, Hindus 10%, Christians, Buddhists and others 2%.
Festivals: The biggest Muslim religious festivals are the Eid-Ul-Fitar (end of the fasting month of Ramadhan). Eid-Ul-Azha, Muharram and Miladunnabi (birth day of the Prophet). Eidely celebrated festivals for other religious communities are the Durga Puja for the Hindus, Christmas for the Christian 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.
Entertainment: Theatre: Dramas are staged frequently at Dhaka . Popular theatre groups are – Theatre (Natak Sarani), Nagarik, Dhaka Theatre, Aranyak, Padatik etc.
Currency:Taka (Tk.) is the unit of currency. Notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 & 1000 taka and coins of taka 1, 2, 5 are in circulation. US$ 1= Taka 70.00 (approx.)
Banking hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 Sunday to Thursday and Fridays & Saturday are closed.
Working Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday to Thursdays Fridays & Saturday are closed.
