Bangladesh Discovery

Notes

Essentials

Visas
Most nationals including UK, EU and US visitors require a visa for entry to Bangladesh. These must be obtained in advance, and we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy for the most up to date details.

Airport Tax
Departure tax is Tk 300, which is normally included in the cost of your ticket

Health and Immunisations
As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.

Insurance

• What should my travel insurance policy cover?
• medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness abroad
• 24 hour emergency service and assistance
• personal liability cover in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property
• lost and stolen possessions cover
• cancellation and curtailment (cutting short your trip) cover
• Extra cover for activities that are commonly excluded from standard policies, such as certain sports

The policy should cover the whole time that you are away.

Your policy may also have:

• personal accident cover
• personal accident cover

Common travel insurance policy exclusions

Always check the conditions and exclusions of your policy:

• most policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents

You must take reasonable care of your possessions or your policy will not cover you.

Practical information

Local Currency
The currency is the taka, and it is not possible to purchase them overseas. For current exchange rates visit www.xe.com.

Where currency can be exchanged
Changing currency can be quite a task, as many banks, especially outside of Dhaka, will not exchange foreign currency. We recommend that you change as much money as you need for the trip in Dhaka. Although Bangladesh has many ATMs, often these do not accept foreign cards. There are also a number of exchange booths in larger towns and cities. US dollars are the best currency to bring to Bangladesh for exchange purposes.

Credit cards and travellers cheques
We do not recommend that you bring traveller’s cheques as they can be extremely difficult to exchange. Credit cards are generally only accepted in the more expensive shops and restaurants.

Best time to go
Of course Bangladesh is more than just a land of flooded rivers, which is the perception many would be travellers may understandably have. For the informed, it can be a year round destination, although the most comfortable time to visit is winter. It is hottest from April to mid-June, the pre-monsoon spring. By mid-June the monsoon begins to cool things off slightly, though it remains muggy. Nonetheless it is a fascinating time to visit, as the whole country seems to fill up with water. Of course this can affect transport and flexibility must be built into any carefully laid plans.

Main Language
Bangla (also known as Bengali) is the national language. There are also a number of indigenous languages such as those spoken in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Most educated people and those coming into contact with tourists speak English.

Main Religion
Around 83% of Bangladeshis are Muslim, 16% are Hindu, leaving Christians and Buddhists to make up the remaining 1%.

Food and drink
Bangladeshi cuisine is quite similar to Indian cuisine, although without the vast variety of dishes. A typical meal consists of course of curry, with rice, vegetables and lentils. Meat tends to be either chicken, beef or mutton, and is eaten here to a greater extent than in India. Bangladeshis are great fish lovers as well. Alcohol is available although not widely so – generally it can be found in government owned shops, although they may be tucked away, out of sight.

If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

For visitors Bangladesh is a cheap country. A 1L of bottled water or can of coke will cost 50 cents. A tasty simple lunch or dinner can cost as little as a couple of dollars. However, travellers should note that for religious reasons alcohol is not always widely available.

Transport
Our tour in Bangladesh will either use private cars or private buses. We also use a cruise boat inb the Sundarbans, and a domestic flight to return to Dhaka afterwards.

Local conditions
Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won’t be as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run as smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.

What to take with you

First Aid Kit
The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of prescription drugs, along with a medical kit.

Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy.

You should bear in mind that Bangladesh tends to have a conservative attitude towards dress. Women, and also to a certain extent men, will find that the way they dress will often determine the degree of respect they receive from both men and women.

Footwear
Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable walking shoes/boots are recommended.

Luggage
Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large suitcase/rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable.

Other
Suncream/sunblock is a must – please ensure you bring enough as it may not be available locally. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have.

Fitness
This tour does not require any special degree of fitness but you will find it more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit.

Cultural and environmental guidelines
You are certain to come across beggars while on tour in Bangladesh. Every traveller has different perspectives on this and ultimately the choice is up to you. Many sources recommend that you watch to see if local people give, and then follow their lead with genuine beggars. We do not recommend giving money, sweets, pens etc to children as this can encourage a begging mentality and can lead to children choosing to beg rather than go to school.

Haggling is a way of life in Asia when making many purchases, especially with tourist souvenirs. Usually, but not always, the vendor will start with a price that is higher than they are prepared to accept, and the buyer is expected to haggle. There are no hard and fast rules with this – some vendors may initially quote a vastly overinflated price, others may start with a price close to the true value, while others may just present you with one price and not be prepared to discuss it. Although many tourists may feel uncomfortable with this, it’s important to remember that this is best entered into in a relaxed manner. Once you have agreed upon a price, it is extremely bad form to then not pay this. Please also bear in mind that a small amount of money to you can be a relatively large amount for the vendor, and that it is not necessarily best practice to ‘beat the vendor down’ to the lowest possible price. Remember that they also have a living to make.

Please do not buy any products made from endangered species – this is not sustainable and hastens the species’ decline.

Photography
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Some people may also ask for some money – sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - in return for a photo. Taking photos of military installations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.

Tipping
Tipping is common practise in Asia. If your local principle guide, together with your driver have been helpful then you could think about tipping at the end of the tour. The amount can obviously be left to you. In addition to cover tips for hotel staff, waiters, local guides etc. we would propose that a kitty is established at the beginning of the trip. Between $5 and $7 per day would be appropriate, so in the region of $65 for a 13 day tour. Your guide will explain more about tipping and collect the kitty at the start of your tour.

Foreign Office Advice
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Bangladesh that we visit on our Bangladesh Discovery tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.

It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.

Further Information

Public Holidays in Bangladesh:

1 Jan  New Year's Day.
21 Feb International Mother Language Day.
9 Mar Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet).
26 Mar Independence Day.
14 Apr Bangla New Year.
1 May Labour Day.
2 May Buddha Purnima.  
20 Jul Shab-e Barat (Ascension of the Prophet).
2 Oct  Durga Puja (Dashami).
20 Oct Shab e-Qadr (Evening of Destiny). 
7 Nov National Revolution Day.
16 Dec Victory Day (Bijoy Dibosh).

Other holidays such as those associated with Ramadan are based on the lunar calendar and so vary annually.

Dates are for guidance only and may vary year to year

Electrical Supply
Generally electrical supply is 230V/50 Hz and plugs have two round prongs. Our advice is travel with an adaptor and to check the voltage locally.

Recommended Reading

Bangladesh – The Bradt Guide
Mikey Leung and Belinda Meggitt

Expatriate Games: 662 Days in Bangladesh
Mark Trenowden

A History of Bangladesh
Willem Van Schendel

IMPORTANT NOTES – PLEASE READ

Please note that the information provided is correct at the time of writing but may change. It is intended as a guide only. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or contact your local healthcare provider.

In addition we strongly advise you to check the information and any travel advice provided by your government. For British citizens you should visit the Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk.

Furthermore, you should be aware that any travel warnings or advisories may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Therefore, at the time of booking your tour it is essential you check any restrictions on cover with your insurance provider.

Issue Date – 30/07/09

For possible changes to this dossier please visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com or call +44 (0)191 296 2674

Historical Background

Most people know of Bangladesh only from the wrong type of headlines – devastating natural disasters and grinding poverty topping the list. Look beyond this however and you will find a rewarding and welcoming land, with hidden treasures and enough to occupy even the most energetic of travellers. Bangladesh is blessed with some fantastic scenery, incredible wildlife and engaging history, evidence of which you will find all around. The vast region that encompasses the Sundarbans is home to river dolphins, crocodiles and the elusive Bengal tiger, the iconic species of the Indian subcontinent – travelling through its mangrove forests by boat is to step into a timeless world where nature reigns supreme. The capital Dhaka is one of the most hectic, lively and exciting cities to be found anywhere, and while it can be daunting there is no place that offers such a great snapshot of Bangladeshi life. Its tribal villages offer a glimpse into a side of the country rarely heard of, where the inhabitants still practice customs passed down from generation to generation, and its beaches are simply stunning, the rivals of any better known destinations. Bangladesh’s neighbour India receives a huge number of visitors, but for now few take the trouble to cross the border and venture into this beautiful country. Be one of the first intrepid travellers to discover its hidden secrets.

The history of Bangladesh is of course linked with that of India, and it is in that famous Indian epic the Mahabharata that we first hear of it. Bangladesh was divided into a number of different kingdoms and tribes, apparently of a different ethnic grouping from the Indo-Aryans predominantly found towards the west. One of these was the kingdom of Vanga, a powerful seafaring nation trading with Indonesia and Thailand, which conquered Sri Lanka some time in the 6th century BC. There are few reports of Bangladesh for centuries after that, but Buddhism began to make inroads into the region, establishing itself as the dominant religion until the 12th century.

Ruled for a long time by more powerful neighbours in India, Bangladesh, known throughout most of its life as Bengal, established its first independent Buddhist kingdom in the 8th century under the Palas, followers of Mahayana Buddhism. Under the Palas the various areas of Bengal were unified and the region prospered, with many Buddhist temples being built. The Palas’ most renowned leaders, Dharmapala and Devapala, conquered territory far and wide – at its height the Pala empire stretched from Afghanistan to central India. The Palas were instrumental in the current day religious make up of the area, introducing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan. However following the death of Devapala in 850 AD the Pala dynasty began to fall into decline, to be succeeded by the Sena dynasty, who failed to capitalize on past glories. The rule of the Palas is seen today as the golden age of Bengal – never before or since has it wielded such power.

Buddhism was crushed in Bengal in the 12th century by invading Hindu armies from the west, but they were not to stay long. Sufi missionaries arrived slowly and cautiously in the 12th century, introducing Islam and building mosques and medressas to spread the faith. They were followed by Turkic invaders, who established a Sultanate at Delhi, and forced Bengal to pay tribute to it. Bengal adopted many of the customs of the sultanate, including adopting Islam, but it was a remote province to govern and so enjoyed a certain degree of autonomy, although not always willingly granted. In the 13th and 14th centuries a pattern emerged of Bengal declaring independence, only to be recaptured, and then repeating the cycle. In the 14th century, under Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah an independent dynasty was founded which repelled efforts from Delhi to conquer them and focused more on Bengali culture, with many great works of architecture, art and literature being created. Bengal started to establish itself once more as a separate state with a distinct identity. However, by the 16th century, Bengal had been invaded by Afghan armies from the north, who sacked the capital and set themselves up as rulers, only to be pushed out themselves by the Mughals, arriving in 1576.

Under the Mughals Bengal became once more a province of Delhi, although Chittagong remained outside of their control for another century, controlled at the time by the Portuguese who were beginning to make inroads into the region. Bengal was on the fringe of the Mughal empire and as a result was able to continue developing its separate linguistic and cultural identity.

It was in Bengal that the British conquest of the subcontinent began. Representatives of the British East India Company, set up to trade with the region, persuaded a local ruler to sell them three small villages – one of which was to eventually turn into the metropolis that is Calcutta. This small beginning was the start of British rule in the area as they moved to extinguish all other competition, European or otherwise – through conquest, deception and trade the British extended their sovereignty over the whole subcontinent under what is now known as the Raj, ruling Bengal and Pakistan as part of India. However Bengal was always rather a different case than the rest of India, and while many Indians co-operated with the Raj, learning English and becoming employed in British companies and institutions, Bengalis largely preferred to remain separate, continuing with more traditional practices and eschewing British culture for their own.

The independence movement in India that gained momentum in the 20th century came to be dominated by two parties, the Congress Party and the Moslem League. The Moslem League was concerned over the fate of a Moslem minority in an overwhelmingly Hindu nation, and pushed for the creation of two separate Moslem states – West and East Pakistan. When India was finally granted in dependence from Britain in 1947, Bengal was divided along religious lines, with the Hindu west becoming absorbed into India, while eastern Bengal became part of the rather unwieldy state of Pakistan. Bangladesh never sat easily within this arrangement however. With the seat of government over a thousand miles away and effectively in a separate country, Bengalis felt marginalized and exploited. Calls for real independence grew, fuelled by a growing discontent over language issues – Pakistan’s central government had declared that Urdu, widely spoken in West Pakistan but barely understood in East Pakistan, was to be the state language. A mass movement characterised by widespread protests was often met with brutality, but calls for independence continued until in 1971 the leader of East Pakistan’s main political party Sheikh Mujib effectively declared independence.

The central government moved quickly to quell the uprising, and troops were sent into East Pakistan to restore order. What ensued was a vicious war, with India fighting alongside Bangladesh against their traditional enemy, Pakistani troops massacring Bangladeshis, and refugees streaming across the border into India. Pakistan was defeated by the end of the year but at an enormous cost to Bangladesh – an estimated ten million had fled as refugees, the country was in tatters, and perhaps three million were dead. Bangladesh however was finally an independent state.

Since independence there is no doubt that Bangladesh has had its troubles – military coups, desperate poverty and natural disasters have led to the country being seen as a hopeless case by many western nations. But you only have to spend a little time here to realise that far from being hopeless, Bangladesh is overflowing with optimism and hope. Its people are among the friendliest you will find anywhere, pleased that you have taken the time to visit their country and keen to ask you what you think about it. In conversations with them you gain an insight into the resilience of this forgotten nation, on the fringes of global politics but with a proud identity that is often not found elsewhere. Bangladesh has been ignored by the world’s travellers, keen to tick off the sights of better known neighbours like India or Thailand, but if you take the time to visit this exciting and vibrant nation you will find a nation with a complex culture that is ripe for exploration. Wake up to the charms of this welcoming country and tread new ground in Asia.