When you hear about this country, I believe less than 0.1% Malaysian would visit here unless they come here to get workers like employment agencies, furthermore you need a recommendation letter from a Bangladeshi living here, with that letter then apply the visa at their embassy, only then you can visit here. Also I believe there are not many blogger write about Bangladesh or came here, I came here June 2010, on the invitation of my friend there, touch down at Dhaka, the capital after a 4 hours flight by Airasia. The major religion in Bangladesh is Islam (90.4%), but a significant percentage of the population adheres to Hinduism (8.5%) as per the 2011 census, other religious groups made up the balance.
Maybe not many people interested to know about Bangla, due to too many of their people already here in Malaysia. Officially the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is a country in in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 165 millions so only 3 million + here in Malaysia, not much. Ha…Ha. Land area of 148,560 square kilometres (57,360 sq mi), making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. I believe there is no tour guide or travel agent in Malaysia that brings our tourist here. For most of the travelers, this is country is last on the bucket list
What is Bangladesh famous for. It is home to the world’s largest river delta, which is formed by the Brahmaputra and the Ganges river. Roaming Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans, a mangrove and swampland in the delta.
Their textile/garment industry is the world’s second-largest apparel exporter of western fast fashion brands after China. The textile and clothing industries provide a single source of growth in Bangladesh’s rapidly developing economy. Exports of textiles and garments are the principal source of foreign exchange earnings with annual revenue up to $34 billion
Dhaka the capital
Located on the bank of the Buriganga River, Old Dhaka’s rich culture and heritage are reflected in both its architecture and the lifestyle of the city’s population. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, and the southernmost region of the city is called Old Dhaka. Among the landmarks in Old Dhaka, the two of the most visited sites, Lalbagh Fort is an incomplete fort from Mughal times and Ahsan Manjil housed the Nawabs and is built upon the rich Mughal architectural principles. Also remember to visit the Faculty of Science building is called Curzon Hall, that consists of a unique mix of Mughal and European architecture.
One thing I really can’t bear here is their busy vehicle all keep on horning non stop, from the Tuk-Tuk, motorbike, cars, buses, lories, vans, every kinds of transport, even cow cart, really really noisy the whole day. Even until when I am back to my hotel at night, my ear is still drumming with the horn, I spend a week there and when I am back Malaysia, I really appreciate the peaceful quietness here. The street is dirty compare to us, I dare not try their street food, scare get diarrhea later as not use to their food. You can imagine yourself there for 4 minutes, watch this video below
Sonargaon
Sonargaon located about 40km south of Dhaka, once a bustling river port, was a popular hub for muslim traders in the late 1800s. This site is jam-packed with museums and architectural landmarks, among them, the Boro Sardar Bari, the then-residence of a Hindu businessperson, is now a glamorous museum that is well worth a visit.
Panam Nagar is perhaps the most visited place in Sonargaon which was founded by the British as a cotton fabric trading center. All the houses are built upon European architectural principles, and the city remains one of the most visited tourist places in Sonargaon.
Do you know where is the longest beach in Asia? Many people would answer Gold Coast, Australia, but the longest natural uninterrupted sea beach in Asia is here at Cox’s Bazar beach, which is 150 km long and 2nd longest in the world. If you want to visit Cox’s Bazar, watch this 3 minutes video. The world longest beach is at Praia do Cassino Beach, Brazil, (212km) hopefully I would visit one day.
My Bangla friend took me there by night bus from Dhaka to Chittagong, The Port of Chittagong, one of the world’s oldest ports, then to Cox’s Bazar, arrive in the morning, travelled 400 km. But the sea water here is dirty and the wave is rough, so swimming is dangerous, no one swim here, you can just enjoy the sea breeze and the sound of wave.
Chittagong
Chittagong is the 2nd largest and most progressive city after Dhaka. The glorious Chittagong hill tracts are arguably the area’s most famous natural spot, and definitely worth seeing. However, the city and the district have so much more to discover. Among the natural tourist spots, Patenga Beach, Guliakhali Beach, Boga Lake, Naval Beach, Karnaphuli River, and Bhatiary Lakes are some of the most visited places.
For museums lovers, head on to the museum at Chittagong Circuit House, Zia Memorial Museum, or Bistaar – Chittagong Art Complex. The city also has a safari park, an amusement park (Foy’s Lake), and a family-friendly zoo that is perfect for an afternoon of exploring and seeing wildlife.
Cox’s Bazar
Cox’s Bazar is one of the most popular places for tourists here in Bangladesh, visited all year round. This district is located in the southeastern part of the country where you are spoilt for choice when it comes to sun, sea, and sand. Some of the famous beaches here are Inani, Kolatoli, Sugandha, and Laboni Point. You can also find beautiful hotels and resorts dotted throughout the region. Himchori has hilltops and waterfalls and is close to Kolatoli beach. For seafood lovers, visit any of the restaurants or roadside shops to find a variety of seafood dishes, served fresh.
St. Martin island
From Cox’s Bazar, you can take a speedboat to Saint Martin’s Island which is a small popular island, frequented by tourists from all around the world. The tiny pollution-free island can be explored within a day. St. Martin’s has an adjacent island called the Chera Dwip or Chera Island, that you can visit via a rented speedboat. You can roaming around the awe and beauty of the island or find plenty of activities, such as scuba diving, cycling, and stargazing (or moon gazing if you visit during a full moon). The island also has unique snacks and foods that you do not want to miss!
Although their standard living is low here in Dhaka but their property price is much higher than Kuala Lumpur and usually they pay like 50% down payment or even cash for their property and for cars, they usually pay cash. Their rich and poor gap is big, the rich get richer, the poor one have to jump aeroplane (chinese verb) to Malaysia or other countries. Their petrol price is double our country at $1, ours is only at $0.50 (Rm2)per liter is rank 10th cheapest in the world. Our neighbors Singapore is $1.80 and Thailand at $1.15. For exchange rate our currency Rm1 is equivalent to their BDT 20 Bangla Taka, So much about Bangla, see my other country post
Srimangal
Up in the northwest of Bangladesh, Srimangal is one of the greenest places in the country with acres upon acres of wonderous tea gardens and sprawling fields, dotted with tranquil lakes. You can start your tour with Lawachara National Park, the tropical forest contains hundreds of different species of trees and animals. The Nurjahan Tea Estate has lush tea gardens, stretching across acres of land. Even a mere glimpse is nothing less than therapy to soothe your mind and soul. Srimangal is also popular for its lakes and waterfall and not forgetting the Madhabpur Lake and Baikka Beel where the tranquil water body meets the green, and the views can be enjoyed best at sunset.
Kuakata
Kuakata is a spellbinding beach 300km south of Dhaka. The best location in Bangladesh to view of sunrise and sunset over the Bay of Bengal. When you’re not spending time sprawled out on the beach, you can also visit Fatra’r chor (island), Lebur Chor (island), Kuakata Eco Park, and Gangamati Reserve Forest. Kuakata is also a place pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus, hence, the area is home to many temples of all sizes. You can pay a visit to Misripara, Amkholapara, and Keranipara. The island is also famous for its production of dry fish, and there is a village that sells entirely dry fish.
Hinckley's Adventures 