Bangladesh came into existence in
1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its
union with West Pakistan. About a third of this
extremely poor country experiences floods annually
during the monsoon rainy season, thus hampering
economic development. Bangladesh’s capital
city is Dhaka and the climate is generally hot and
humid during the summer months. Approximately 40%
of the population are unemployed and 45% fall below
the poverty line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 144,319,628 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 2.09% (2005
est.).
ETHNIC GROUPS
Bengali 96.9%, other South Asian 2%, tribal groups
1.1%
LANGUAGE
The official language is Bengali (Bangla). English
is widely spoken especially in government and commercial
circles. Tribal dialects are also spoken.
RELIGION
Muslim 88%, Hindus 10%, Buddhist and Christian minorities
2%. Religion is the main influence on attitudes
and behaviour. Since 1988, Islam has been the official
state religion.
CURRENCY
The local currency used is taka (BDT). Bangladeshi
Taka (Tk) = 100 paisa.
All foreign currency exchanged must be entered on
a currency declaration form. Hotel bills must be
paid in a major convertible currency or with travelers’
cheques. Many shops in the cities will offer better
rates of exchange than the banks. There is limited
acceptance of credit cards and traveler’s
cheques are advised to be in US Dollars or Pounds
sterling.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Travel visas are required by all except the nationals
of the following countries:
The government of Bangladesh refuses
admission and transit to nationals of Israel.
To apply for a tourist visa, submit
your passport (valid for three months after departure),
completed application form, two passport-size photos
and visa fee to the Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate
located in or near your country. Visas are valid
for three months (single entry), for up to 90 days
stay in Bangladesh.
For more information
on visa applications and procedures, inquire directly
with the Bangladeshi Embassy or Consulate in/ near
your country http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Bangladesh/Bangladesh.html.
AIRPORT TAX
A departure tax of Tk300 is required. Children under
two years of age and passengers in immediate transit
are exempted.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Bangladesh is 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.
Plugs are of the British 5- and 15-amp, two- or
three-pin (round) type.
TAP WATER
Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled,
filtered, or chemically disinfected. Drink bottled
water with the seal intact. Avoid having ice put
in your drinks, except in large international hotels
where it is usually safe.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area
(e.g. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is
required from travelers over one year of age arriving
within six days from infected areas). It is advisable
to check for updated health recommendations regarding
typhoid, Hepatitis A, dengue fever etc before your
departure to Bangladesh.
CLIMATE
Very hot, tropical climate with a monsoon season
from April to October when temperatures are highest;
rainfall averages over 2540mm. The cool season is
between November and March. The country is prone
to widespread flooding and is also a high-risk earthquake
zone.
TIME
GMT +6
CLOTHING
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year.
Warmer clothes are needed in the evenings during
the cool season. Waterproofs are necessary during
the monsoon season.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Bangladesh
Country Guide
Operation World, 21st Century Edition (2001) by
Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk
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