Bangladesh - Country Info

Bangladesh, country in South Asia, located in the delta of the Padma (Ganga) and Jamuna (Brahmaputra) rivers in the north-eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The riverine country of Bangladesh (“Land of Bengal”) is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a predominantly Muslim population.
A land of contrasts and fascinating discoveries, Bangladesh will enchant you with its hospitality, beauty and diversity. From the bustling streets of Dhaka to the picturesque river deltas, Bangladesh offers a multitude of experiences for travellers looking to embark on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

History 

Bangladesh’s history is marked by a variety of civilisations, periods of rule and cultural influences that have made the country what it is today.
The early history of Bangladesh dates back to ancient times when the area was ruled by various empires such as the Maurya and Gupta. In the 13th century, the Pala Empire developed into one of the most powerful Buddhist civilisations in South Asia, leaving behind impressive archaeological sites such as Mahasthangarh and Paharpur.
In the Middle Ages, the area came under Islamic rule when Muslim conquerors invaded the country and established Islam as the dominant religion. During this period, Bangladesh experienced a flourishing of art, architecture and trade, reflected in the region’s magnificent mosques, forts and palaces.
During the colonial period, Bangladesh became part of the British Empire and experienced economic exploitation and political oppression under British rule. The struggle for independence and self-determination led to the creation of independent Bangladesh in 1971 after a bloody war of independence against Pakistan.
Since its independence, Bangladesh has experienced a turbulent political history marked by political unrest, natural disasters and economic challenges. Despite this, the country has made tremendous strides in areas such as education, health and economic development, and has become one of South Asia’s emerging economies.

Geography & Climate

Bangladesh is located in the south of Asia and is known for its diverse geography and tropical climate. Most of the country lies in the delta region of the Ganges, bordering the Bay of Bengal in the south. The geographical diversity ranges from flat, fertile river deltas in the south to hilly regions in the north-east and south-east.
The Ganges delta, the largest river delta in the world, covers most of the country and is known for its lush rice fields and waterways. The Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers flow through the country, creating a rich ecosystem and fertile agricultural landscape.
In the south-east are the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a hilly region with dense forests, waterfalls and picturesque rivers. This region is home to several indigenous tribal groups and offers unique cultural and natural attractions.
Bangladesh’s climate is tropical and is influenced by the annual monsoon. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to October, brings heavy rains and floods that provide the country with water and boost agricultural production. The dry season lasts from November to March and offers more pleasant temperatures and lower humidity.
The average temperature in Bangladesh is between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with the summer months from March to June being the hottest. The winter months of November to February are milder and more pleasant, making them a popular time to visit.
The geographical diversity and tropical climate make Bangladesh an attractive holiday destination. From the idyllic beaches of Cox’s Bazar to the lush tea plantations of the Sylhet region, the country offers a wealth of landscapes and experiences to discover.

Flora & Fauna

Bangladesh’s flora is characterised by lush river deltas, dense mangrove forests and fertile rice fields. The Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers are home to countless species of plants, including palm trees, bamboo and aquatic plants. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the rare Bengal tiger and many other species.
Bangladesh’s wildlife is equally diverse and includes a wide range of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. In addition to the Bengal tiger, some of the best known species include elephants, sloth bears, leopards, crocodiles and river dolphins. The country’s many rivers and waterways are home to a variety of fish species, including the famous Ganges river dolphin.
Bangladesh is also a bird lover’s paradise, as the country is an important stopover for migratory birds and home to a wide variety of species. The Sundarbans, in particular, is renowned for its variety of birds, including kingfishers, sea eagles, herons and storks.
Bangladesh is also home to a variety of insects, butterflies and invertebrates that play an important role in the country’s ecosystem.

Population

Located in South Asia, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. With more than 160 million people living in an area the size of Greece, the country is a vibrant melting pot of different ethnicities, cultures and religions.
Bangladesh’s population is diverse and is mainly made up of Bengalis, who are the dominant ethnic group in the country. There are also smaller ethnic minorities such as the Chakma, Marma, Santal and Rohingya, each with their own cultural traditions and languages.
Most people in Bangladesh live in rural areas, where they are mainly engaged in agriculture and their livelihoods depend on the seasons and crop yields. In recent decades, however, there has been a rapidly growing urban population living in major cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna and working in various sectors such as trade, services and industry.
Religion plays an important role in the lives of the people of Bangladesh, with Islam being the dominant religion in the country and the majority of the population being Muslim. There is also a large Hindu minority and smaller communities of Buddhists, Christians and other religious groups.
The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali, an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the vast majority of the population. Bengali is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and has a rich literary tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. In addition to Bengali, various dialects and regional languages are spoken, particularly in the rural areas of the country.

Religion 

Bangladesh is a country of great religious diversity, with a deeply rooted religious tradition that forms an important part of the country’s cultural identity. Islam is the predominant religion in Bangladesh and shapes the daily lives of most of the country’s inhabitants.
The majority of Bangladeshis are Muslim, and the country has a long history as a centre of Islamic faith and culture in South Asia. Most Bangladeshis belong to the Sunni branch of Islam, although Sufism plays an important spiritual role and there are many Sufi orders active in the country.
In addition to Islam, there are significant religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and others. The Hindu community is the largest religious minority in the country and has played an important role in Bangladesh’s culture and history. There is also a large Buddhist population, particularly in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in the south-east of the country.

Food and Drink

Bangladesh, a country rich in cultural diversity and culinary tradition, offers an abundance of traditional food and drink to delight the senses.
A culinary must in Bangladesh is biryani, a savoury rice dish prepared with spicy meat, usually chicken or lamb. A feast often served on special occasions, it is renowned for its rich flavour and variety of spices.
Another culinary highlight is Hilsa fish, also known as the ‘King of Fish’. It is prepared in a variety of ways and is particularly popular during the monsoon season. Whether grilled, fried or cooked in curries, hilsa fish is a delicacy not to be missed.
One of Bangladesh’s sweet treats is rasgulla, a popular dessert made from boiled dough balls in syrup. Sweet, moist and delicious, rasgulla is a treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Pitha, the traditional rice noodles, are another delicacy of the country and are often served on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. From sweet to savoury, there are a variety of pitha flavours served with syrup or coconut.
No visit to Bangladesh would be complete without a cup of cha, a hot, sweet tea often flavoured with spices such as cardamom and cinnamon. Tea is an integral part of Bangladeshi culture and a popular drink at any time of day.
A refreshing alternative is lassi, a yoghurt drink ideal for beating the heat of the Bangladeshi summer. Sweet and savoury varieties are equally delicious and a welcome refreshment.

Festivals

One of the most important festivals in Bangladesh is Bengali New Year, also known as Pohela Boishakh. Celebrated in April, it marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar. The festival is celebrated with colourful processions, traditional music and dance, and delicious food and drink. People wear traditional clothes, especially saris for women and panjabis for men, and visit markets and festivals to welcome the new year.
One of the most important festivals is Durga Puja, dedicated to the goddess Durga and celebrated in autumn. During this nine-day festival, people build elaborate shrines depicting the goddess Durga and her divine attendants. Traditional rituals are performed, songs and dances are sung, and delicious food is prepared and eaten together.
Another important festival in Bangladesh is Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. People celebrate with prayers in mosques, visits to relatives and friends, sweets and gifts. It is a time of joy, prayer and generosity that strengthens the community.
Many other festivals and celebrations take place throughout the year in Bangladesh, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity and sense of community.

Visa

German nationals require a visa to enter Bangladesh, which can either be applied for at the relevant Bangladeshi embassy before entering the country or for short stays on arrival (see visa on arrival).
Visa on arrival
For a short stay of a maximum of 30 days for tourism or business purposes, German nationals can normally obtain a visa on arrival at Dhaka International Airport as an alternative. For this purpose, the following documents must be presented in printed form upon entry:

a return flight ticket,
proof of accommodation (e.g. hotel reservation),
for private travellers, an invitation from a Bangladeshi national or a foreign national resident in Bangladesh,
for business travellers, an invitation from the business partner.

The fee for this visa is approx. 51 USD and must be paid in cash (in local currency, USD or EUR.

Health

Here is some important information about immunisations and diseases in Bangladesh:
Routine immunisations: Travellers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, including vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. These vaccinations are important for all travellers and should be regularly refreshed.
Hepatitis A and typhoid: These vaccinations are recommended for travellers to Bangladesh as both diseases can be transmitted through contaminated food or water. Immunisation offers protection against these potentially serious diseases.
Hepatitis B: As hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated needles or blood products, vaccination is recommended for travellers who may be at increased risk, such as medical personnel or long-term visitors.
Cholera: Cholera is endemic in Bangladesh, so vaccination is recommended for travellers, especially if they are travelling to rural areas or planning longer stays where the risk is higher.
Malaria: Malaria is present in some parts of Bangladesh, especially during the rainy season. Travellers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net. Taking anti-malarial medication may also be recommended, depending on the itinerary and individual risk factors.
 Dengue fever: Dengue fever is transmitted by diurnal mosquitoes and is widespread in Bangladesh, especially in urban areas. Travellers should take measures to avoid mosquito bites as there is no specific vaccination or treatment for dengue fever.

It is advisable to consult with a travel health professional or health facility for the latest recommendations on vaccinations and health risks in Bangladesh before travelling. Early planning and preparation can help minimise health risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

Do’s and Don’ts in Bangladesh

Do’s:

1. Respect the local culture: Show respect for the customs, traditions and religion of the people in Bangladesh. Take part in local festivals and get to know the country’s culture.
2. Politeness and friendliness: Always be polite and friendly towards the locals. A smile can often build a bridge between cultures and facilitate contact.
3. Clothing: Dress appropriately and conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing to show respect.
4. Washing hands: Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, to reduce the risk of illness.
5. Tipping: It is customary to tip, especially in restaurants and hotels, to recognise the services of staff.

Don’ts:

1. Criticising the government: avoid making negative comments about the government or political affairs to avoid conflict.
2. Alcohol in public: Alcohol consumption in public is unusual and frowned upon. Respect local laws and customs and only drink alcohol in designated places.
3. Footwear in religious sites: Never enter religious sites wearing shoes or other footwear. Remove your shoes and show respect for the religious site.
4. Interaction with the local population: Be respectful and avoid getting involved in disputes or conflicts with locals. Try to resolve conflicts peacefully.
5. Insensitive behaviour: Avoid behaving inappropriately in public or doing things that could be seen as disrespectful or insensitive.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you will help to make your trip to Bangladesh enjoyable and respectful while honouring the local culture and traditions.

Clothing recommendations when travelling in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a tropical climate with high temperatures and high humidity. Light, airy and comfortable clothing made of cotton or other breathable materials is ideal. Avoid clothing that is too revealing and make sure to wear conservative clothing such as long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders when visiting religious sites.

What you should take with you when travelling in Bangladesh

In addition to light clothing, it is advisable to bring sunscreen, a sun hat, insect repellent, a hat and a water bottle. An umbrella or rain jacket is essential during the rainy season from June to September.

What must not be taken outside Bangladesh

It is prohibited to take antique items, religious artefacts and protected animal and plant species out of Bangladesh. Be careful not to buy or take any items made of ivory, tortoiseshell or other protected materials.

Customary tipping in Bangladesch

Tipping is customary in Bangladesh, especially in restaurants, hotels and for services such as taxi rides or porters. A tip of around 5-10% of the bill amount is appropriate.

Usual means of payment/currency in Bangladesh

The national currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Cash is the most commonly accepted means of payment, especially in rural areas. In larger cities, however, credit cards are also accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops.

ATMs and withdrawing money in Bangladesh

ATMs are widely available in larger cities and most accept international credit and debit cards. It is advisable to stock up on sufficient cash in urban areas, as ATMs may not be available in remote regions.

What is the most popular food in Bangladesh?

The most popular food in Bangladesh is biryani, a delicious rice dish with spiced meat, often chicken or lamb. Hilsa fish, pitha (traditional rice noodles) and rasgulla (a sweet dessert) are also very popular and should definitely be tried to fully savour the local cuisine.