Bangladesh, also called as “ People’s Republic of Bangladesh” is located in South Asia. Bangladesh got its name from the Language “Bengali” as almost all of native population mother tongue is Bengali, also the 1st language of the country. Though Bangladesh is a Islamic country, Bengali is the spoken language in Bangladesh. The capital city is Dhaka, which is one of the densely populated city in the world. Bangladesh also have other major cities. Chittagong is among large port city. By geographical landmass, it is not a huge country and ranks 92 in terms of total are including its mainland and other tiny islands. The land area  is 147,570 sq. kms.

Bangladesh neighbour is India, it is surrounded by India from 3 sides and a little portion of land in South with Myanmar 

Though Bangladesh came into existence in year 1971, after its liberation from Pakistan, earlier called “East Pakistan”. It has very ancient roots and history. “Gangaridai” is the term used by Greeks and Romans for Bangladesh.Also, being connected with ocean,it has been an ancient trade centre for Romans, Greeks and Chinese.Bangladesh has witnessed different era of civilizations from ancient Hinduism to Buddhism centre till  Islamic present. 

Most of the bangladesh is in Delta called “Bengal Delta”,as major rivers from India flows through it.which is one of the biggest in the world.It has 700 rivers and 8046 kms of Inland Waterways. Major river flowing through is Ganga,Brahmaputra also called as “Jamuna” and Meghna. All these major river confluence in Bangladesh, giving shape to world’s largest delta.Also, it is home to worlds largest Unbroken Sea Beach called “ Cox Bazar Beach ”. With major rivers flowing through it, forming delta and flowing into the sea, it has given rise to world’s largest mangrove forest called “Sundarbans” home to famous “Bengal Tiger”. 

Religion of B’desh predominantly is Islamic with 90 % of population is Muslim. Rest minority consist of Hindus,Buddhists and Christians.Islam came into prominence during Mughal rule and replaced Hinduism.After partition, majority of Hindu population migrated to India. 

In recent times, Bangladesh has earned “Major Garment Export” of the world. With growing education and healthcare, it has taken progress towards economic development. It is still a middle power and developing country. Still the country faces challenges like corruption, overpopulation, communalism and lower standard of healthcare.

Few other details : - 

• Ranks 43rd in terms of nominal gross domestic product.
• Ranks  29th in terms of purchasing power parity.
• Founding member of SAARC, BIMSTEC, the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation and the Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal Initiative.
• Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping forces.
• World’s largest Mangrove Forests - Sundarbans.

Capital

Dhaka is the Capital City of Bangladesh.Located in the central part of the country. It is the cultural,economic and political centre of country. Being largest city in B’desh, it is most densely populated city in the world, with total population of 18.9 million in Greater Dhaka Area.

Dhaka has witnessed centuries of history. Inhibited in first millennia, it again prominence during late Mughal rule during 17th century, achieving trade centre of cloth called “Muslin”, which was in huge demand across the globe.During those period it was also called “Venice of the East”. During British colonial period, Dhaka was introduced with electricity, railways and modern services like water supply, healthcare,English education, colleges,schools and administrative services, controlled by Britishers. Due to continuous growth, it has achieved “Mega City”, listed as Beta- Global City by GaWC. 

Dhaka is administrative and political centre of B’desh. With majority of Embassies, corporate houses, industries are locked here. Also country parliament house is present in Dhaka, which makes it political centre. Dhaka has witnessed major protest in recent times, amined at progressive step towards modernity. 

Major Tourism attractions in

Bangladeshs tourist attractions include historical and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forests and tribal people, wildlife of various species. Activities for tourists include angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing, yachting, and sea bathing.

1. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest : -  World’s largest mangrove forests and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is most visited tourist spot by traveller, researchers and wildlife enthusiast. The visit to this place is totally exhilarating and refreshing. Sundarbans houses “Royal Bengal Tiger”. Water safaris are also major tourist attraction.
2. Chittagong Hill tracts : -  Chittagong Hill Tracts are famous for tribal population and tea gardens. Tourist can get permission from local authorities and travel in deep forests of these hill tracts.Different tribal gps are present in this area, tourist can experience the lifestyle, homes and tribal cultures.
3. Srimangal : - Located in North-eastern part of B’desh, designated as “Tea capital of B’desh”. As the name suggest, Srimangal is blessed with climate which supports tea crop in abundance. British started Tea plantations in Srimangal as a commercial purpose, now these same gardens have become tourists attractions. Peace and Calm are permanent residents of these hills. Cycling, trekking is one of the most sought after activities done by tourists.Also worth travelling are Lawachara National park and Ham Ham waterfalls trek.
4. Rangamati : - This a famous for Kaptai Lake, man-made lake surrounded by hills. Also it is a tribal area. Major tourist attractions are Buddhists monasteries called Rajban Bhihara.
5. Paharpur : - A UNESCO World Heritage site, located in North Western part of B’desh, also called as Somapuri Mahabhihara. It is an impressive archaeological site of 8th century Buddhists monastery.During ancient times, this monastery was knowledge centre of the South Asia.Paharpur is among top 5 places to visit in B’desh.
6. St. Martin’s island : - It is famous for Corals and beach.People usually come for beach.
7. Gaur : - It is an historic place. A place for ruin lovers, history seekers and interest in archeology. It is an ruined city, dated from 12th - 14th century. It was the capital of whole Bengal region during those period.It was abandoned after being struck by Cholera.
8. Sylhet : - This is located close to India, North Eastern part of B’desh. Sylhet is bouquet of Hills, rivers, natural beauty, tribals and their native cultures, Green water canal Lalakhal,Jaflong - a stone collecting area, Ratargul swamp forests and many tea gardens. It is home to Khasi Tribal people, who grows betel nuts.
9. Barisal : - It is located in Ganga delta, Due to excessive water presence, the life in Barisal is upon water.Water has given a unique shape to the lifestyle and cultures of people here. Major points of attractions are floating markets and bazaars.Monsoon is the best time to visit this area as water is full and green.
10. Puthia : - It is witness to the Hindu past of B’desh. Puthia has many ancient Hindu temples, famous for its ornate designs on terracotta plaques describing hindu religious history. 
11. Cox Bazaar : - It is World’s Longest Unbroken Beach in the World, around 125 kms. It is one of the most famous spots for the locals to seek peace. Also a wholesale fish market is a must visit place for seafood lovers.
12. Sonargaon : - As the name suggest “Village of Gold”, it was a city which was rich and second capital to Gaur. Even during British Raj, it was famous for trade and wealthy merchants used to live in, but during partition. Hindu merchants left the city. Hence the abandoned city is part of tourist destination.52 huge houses of Hindu merchants in a straight line,abandoned now are tourist attractions.

Airline Service

Major international Airports

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport -  The largest and most prominent international airport in Bangladesh.It is located in Kurmitola 11 miles in the northern part of the capital city Dhaka. 

• • • Address: Kurmitola, Airport - Dakshinkhan Rd, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh.
    • Code: DAC.
    • Phone: +880 2-7911042.

Shah Amanat International Airport - 2nd largest International Airport.Serving Bangladeshs southeastern port city of Chittagong. 

• • • Address: Potenga Rd, Chittagong 4205, Bangladesh.
    • Code: CGP.
    • Phone: +880 2-41350110.

Osmani International  Airport : - 3rd largest of B’desh. 

• • • Address: Osmani International Airport, Sylhet 3101, Bangladesh.
    • Code: ZYL.
    • Phone: +880 821-714243.

Public Holidays

• Shaheed Day
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahmans Birthday
• Independence Day
• Bengali New Year
• Shab e-Barat
• May Day
• Buddha Purnima
• Jumatul Bidah
• Laylat al-Qadr
• Eid ul-Fitr
• Eid ul-Adha
• National Mourning Day
• Shuba Janmashtami
• Ashura
• Vijaya Dashami
• Eid-e-Milad un-Nabi
• Victory Day
• Christmas Day

Medical tourism

Medical tourism in B’desh is majority outbound. Patients travel to India for their treatment as it is very easy to get a medical visa, along with very cheap transport to India. Kolkata in India is one of the most favoured destinations for B’desh nationals for medical treatment as it is culturally and language are almost same. Also Visa for B’desh nationals are easy provided, resulting in treatment at very affordable cost.With growing economic development, B’desh is now enhancing its own healthcare system, and has improved a lot in past decade.

Indian Embassy

High Commission of India, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 Address: House No. 2, Road No. 142, Gulshan 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 Telephone: 00880-2-9889339 , 00880-2-9889339

 Email: hc@hcidhaka.gov.in , ahc.chittagong@mea.gov.in

 Website: www.hcidhaka.gov.in/

 Working Hours: 0900 to 1730 hrs (Sunday to Thursday)