Bangladesh🇧🇩
Bangladesh is located in South Asia on the eastern edge of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by India and Myanmar. Known for its cultural and historical richness, Bangladesh boasts a civilization dating back over 2000 years. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes such as the Sunderbans – the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Cox's Bazar – the world's longest sea beach. Bangladesh's traditional music and dance, distinct architecture, and indigenous handloom and pottery industries draw tourists from around the world. It is also known for its friendly people, rich literature, and delicious cuisine.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. Instead, opt for bottled or purified water.
- Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in isolated areas or less travelled neighbourhoods.
- Avoid discussing sensitive political and religious topics.
- Avoid illegal activities such as drug usage and gambling, which can result in severe penalties.
- Avoid swimming in unprotected waters due to the risk of strong currents and presence of harmful marine creatures.
- Avoid public transportation during peak hours due to overcrowding and risk of pickpocketing.
- Avoid going to the southern part of the Chittagong Division due to its proximity to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, where security is unstable.
- Avoid engaging in public displays of affection, particularly in rural areas where it is not socially acceptable.
- Avoid disrespecting national symbols and sentiments, such as the national flag and anthem.
- Avoid entering protected or restricted areas without permission.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Crime in Bangladesh is a significant issue with theft and street crimes remaining the most common forms. Dhaka, the capital city, has the highest rate of crime with incidents like snatching, mugging, and burglary being frequent. The scanty presence of law enforcement in many areas exacerbates the situation.
Terrorism 💣
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Although the government of Bangladesh has vigilantly disbanded many terrorist activities, incidents of terrorism are occasionally reported. The worst attack took place on July 1, 2016, when militants targeted Dhaka's Gulshan neighborhood's Holey Artisan bakery, killing 22 people.
War ⚔️
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Bangladesh maintains peaceful relationships with its neighboring countries. Despite occasional border disputes with India and Myanmar, the country has remained free of any significant military conflict since the Liberation War for independence in 1971.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Bangladesh is prone to severe natural disasters owing to its geographical location. It frequently experiences cyclones, tsunamis, floods, and landslides. The Cyclone Amphan, one of the most powerful cyclones, hit the coastal districts of Bangladesh in May 2020, causing heavy destruction.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical care in Bangladesh varies from region to region. In urban areas like Dhaka, medical facilities are reasonably good. However, in rural areas, medical facilities can be under-resourced and inadequate. Many doctors are highly qualified, but availability and access can be a problem.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in Bangladesh is not safe for drinking as it might be contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. Use of bottled water is advised. In many areas, groundwater is also severely affected by arsenic.
Disease Burden 🤒
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The disease burden in Bangladesh is significant. Respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are prevalent. Bangladesh experienced a very high rate of Covid-19 infections during the 2020-2021 pandemic.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption is one of the major problems in Bangladesh. Issues such as bribery, nepotism, and misappropriation of public funds are common. In the 2021 Transparency International index, Bangladesh ranked 149 out of 180 countries.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Despite progress in women's rights, safety for women remains a concern in Bangladesh. Cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriages continue to raise serious concerns about female safety.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Bangladesh does not recognize LGBTQ+ rights, and homosexuality is still considered a crime. Hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community are not uncommon, and authorities often refuse to acknowledge or address these cases.
Censorship 📺
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There have been allegations of significant media censorship in Bangladesh. Journalists and bloggers report self-censoring due to fear of reprisals from the government. The Digital Security Act (2018) has been criticized for being used to suppress dissent.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Bangladesh is widely available but is often crowded. Road safety is a major concern due to poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and inadequate implementation of traffic rules. The most severe access accident occurred in June 2020 at Sadarghat Launch Terminal in Dhaka, leaving at least 34 people dead.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Bangladesh has its share of safety concerns, such as a moderate crime rate and risk from natural disasters, it remains a relatively peaceful country free from active combat situations. Caution should be taken in urban areas or crowded public transportation due to theft while respecting national rules and regulations is recommended for a safe travel experience.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Many countries have their embassies in Bangladesh, the most prominent ones being the USA embassy, located in Madani Avenue, Dhaka, UK embassy in United Nations Road, Dhaka, Australian embassy in Vales Arcade, Road no 83, Gulshan-2, Dhaka, and the Indian embassy in Road 142, Gulshan, Dhaka.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Visitors are recommended to have vaccinations for diseases such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, and Influenza.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Bangladesh is home to various dangerous animals, including tigers in the Sunderbans, venomous snakes like the Indian cobra and Russell's viper, and mosquitoes that transmit diseases like dengue and malaria. It is advised to take insect repellent and stay cautious in rural areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Visitors to Bangladesh must have a valid visa unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Visa on arrival is available for citizens of some countries. For others, a visa must be obtained from the Embassy or Mission of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Bangladesh Taka (BDT). Exchange of foreign currencies can be done in banks, authorized money changers, and some hotels.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit Cards are widely accepted in urban areas and tourist spots. However, in rural areas, most transactions are done in cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Yes, it is possible to work and travel in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors like education as an English teacher, development work, and foreign company representation. However, obtaining a work visa requires sponsorship from the prospective employer.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Bangladesh is among the most budget-friendly countries in Asia. Eating local food, traveling by local transportation, and staying in standard accommodation is very affordable. However, western-style luxuries can be expensive.