Beautiful Bangladesh

Wedding Photography - Gaaye Holud - By SnapsBD

2011-06-22T00:49:00.000-07:00

গায়ে হলুদ বাঙালি জাতির বহু প্রচলিত উত্সবের একটি। এটি মুলতঃ বিয়ে সম্পর্কিত একটি আচার যেটি বর ও কনে উভয় পক্ষ দ্বারা পালিত হয়। গায়ে হলুদে সবচেয়ে গুরত্ব্বপূর্ণ বিষয়টি হলো কাঁচা হলুদ। বরপক্ষ বা কনেপক্ষের পক্ষ হতে অপরপক্ষের আয়োজিত অনুষ্ঠানে নানান উপহারসামগ্রী পাঠানো হয়ে থাকে এই অনুষ্ঠানে। এই অনুষ্ঠানে সাধারণত যে পক্ষ আয়োজন করে থাকে তারাই উপস্থিত থাকে। অপর পক্ষেরও দু একজন অতিথি উপহার সামগ্রী নিয়ে এই আচারে যোগ দেন। অনুষ্ঠানে বর বা কনেকে একটি পাটির উপর বসানো হয়ে থাকে। ছোট থেকে বড় সবাই তার গালে বা হাতে হলুদ বাটা মাখিয়ে দেন। সাথে বর বা কনের সামনে রাখা মিষ্টি জাতীয় দ্রব্যাদির কিছু অংশ তাকে তুলে দেয়া হয়। গায়ে হলুদে যে উপকরণগুলো সাধারণত ব্যবহার করা হয় তা হলোঃ ডালা,কুলা ,হলুদের বাটি,হলুদের পাটি,বেতের মাছডালা,মাছডালা,ঢাকনা,চন্দন,পালকি,সোহাগপুরি,চন্দনতেল,সোন্দা,মেহেদি,আপসান,মেহেদির তোয়ালে,হলুদের রম্নমাল।

এনগেজমেন্টের পরের পর্ব হলো গায়ে হলুদ। এ পর্বটি বর ও কনে উভয়ের জন্য প্রযোজ্য। তবে যুগের সঙ্গে তাল মিলিয়ে এখন মেহেদিও দেয়া হয়। গায়ে হলুদকে নিয়ে রয়েছে নানা ধরনের আয়োজন। গায়ে হলুদে সবচেয়ে গুরম্নত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়টি হলো কাচা হলুদ।

কাচা হলুদের জন্য যাওয়া যেতে পারে কারওয়ান বাজার অথবা নিউ মার্কেটে। এছাড়া গায়ে হলুদ অনুষ্ঠানকে কেন্দ্র করে কিছু আইটেমের তালিকা ও মূল্য এখানে দেয়া হলো : ডালা ২৫-৩০০ টাকা, কুলা ২৫-২০০, হলুদের বাটি ১০-৩৫, হলুদের পাটি ১০০-৩০০, বেতের মাছডালা ৫০-৩০০, মাছডালা ৫০-৩০০, ঢাকনা ১০-২৫, চন্দন ৩০-৮৫, পালকি ১০০-৪৫০, সোহাগপুরি ১০০-৩৫০, চন্দন তেল ৮০-১৫০, সোন্দা ৩০-৬০, মেহেদি ২০-৩০ (টিউব), আপসান ২০-২৫, মেহেদির তোয়ালে ৫০-৭০, হলুদের রম্নমাল ২০-৪০ টাকা। মোটামুটি হলুদের সবকিছু ১,৫০০-২,২০০ টাকার মধ্যে পাওয়া যাবে।

হলুদে কনের জন্য যা প্রয়োজন:

কুলা, ডালা, মাছডালা, ঝুড়ি, ঢাকনা, পালকি, হলুদ, হলুদ বাটি, প্রদীপ বাটি, রাখি, সোন্দা, উপটান, চন্দন, চন্দন তেল, আপসান, মেহেদি, সোহাগপুরি, হলুদের পাটি, হলুদের রম্নমাল, হলুদ টাওয়েল, লিপস্টিক, লিপলাইনার, আয়না, মাশকারা, আইলাইনার, ফেস পাউডার, নেইল পলিশ, নেইল কাটার, নেইল পলিশ রিমুভার, কাজল, আই শ্যাডো, আই ব্রাউ পেন্সিল, সাবান, সাবান কেস, শ্যাম্পু, হেয়ার জেল, চিরম্ননি, বডি স্প্রে, হেয়ার স্প্রে, কাটা ক্লিপ, তেল, খোপা, জরি স্প্রে, আলতা, হেয়ার রিমুভার ও চুড়ি।

হলুদে কনের জন্য যে আইটেম দেয়া হয় বরের জন্যও একই আইটেম দেয়া হয় এবং এর সঙ্গে স্যান্ডো গেঞ্জি ও শেভিং ক্রিম বা জেল, রেজর এসব দেয়া হয়।

হলুদের সময় যে জিনিসগুলো দেয়া হয় বিয়ের সময়ও ওই একই জিনিস দেয়া হয়, তবে এর সঙ্গে কনের জন্য কাবিনের শাড়ি, বিয়ের শাড়ি, বৌ-ভাতের শাড়িসহ আরো দু-তিনটির মতো শাড়ি দিতে হয়। বর্তমানে লেহেঙ্গাও দেয়া যেতে পারে।

আর কনে পৰের নজর দিতে হবে বরের রেজর, শেভিং ক্রিম বা জেল, লোশন, শ্যাম্পু, সাবান, সাবান কেস, বডি স্প্রে, হেয়ার স্প্রে, হেয়ার জেল, পারফিউম, রম্নমাল, আয়না, চিরম্ননি, গেঞ্জি, পাজামা, পাঞ্জাবি, স্যানডাল, পাগড়ি, শেরওয়ানি, মোজা, জুতা, নাগরা, শার্ট, প্যান্ট, কমপিস্নট সুট, টাই, আংটি, ব্রেসলেট, চেইন ও ঘড়ি।

Original Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/snapsbd/5853711511/in/photostream

More Photos -
SnapsBD at Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/snapsbd
SnapsBD at Facebook - www.facebook.com/snapsbd

SnapsBD - Creative Wedding Photography in Bangladesh.
Voice: +8801712058079
Email: snapsbd@yahoo.com
Web: www.snapsbd.com

Wedding Photography in Bangladesh

2010-12-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Your wedding day is an extremely special day in your life. That is the day that you want everything to be perfect – and the photographer you choose will play an important part to ensure that your Big Day is captured in such a way that it will keep all your wonderful memories fresh and alive, every time you revisit your wedding album.

Welcome to SnapsBD - Creative Wedding Photography.

We create an accurate, unforgettable and enjoyable reflection of your wedding. We believe in the fun aspect that a wedding day invariably brings; the importance of individual, couple, and family portraits; and most of all, to capture all the special moments.

All our photos are taken digitally with professional equipments, and all digital post-processing are done personally. This ensures that your reproductions are of exceptional quality.

Every wedding is an individual affair and has its own requirements. We therefore design all our packages around your requirements and take into consideration all aspects of your Big Day. If you are interested in hiring us, we are happy to discuss anything about your wedding or put together a photography package that suits your NEEDS & BUDGET.

What we offer you for your wedding:

* Not only one, but TWO photographers on the day covering your wedding – each from a different angle – literally nothing will be lost for future memories.

* We can give pre and post wedding attention to the bride and groom. Female Photographer available for Bridal Photo shoots in parlor especially for brides.

* We only accept ONE wedding for the day, in order to give exclusive attention to YOUR wedding.

* Our price includes all digital post processing of the photos – including special effects, black & whites, sepia tint, and soft focus where required.

* You are welcome to give creative input in the above processes.

* All photos making the final selection will be placed on CD / DVD for you in High Resolution – this is the equivalent of receiving the negatives, and will enable you to do future printing of all your photos.

* We pride ourselves in our passion, creativity, professionalism, enthusiasm, easy going personalities and the value for money packages which we offer.

More Photos -
SnapsBD at Flickr - www.flickr.com/photos/snapsbd
SnapsBD at Facebook - www.facebook.com/snapsbd

SnapsBD - Creative Wedding Photography in Bangladesh.
Voice: +8801712058079
Email: snapsbd@yahoo.com
Web: www.snapsbd.com

PUTHIA

2010-04-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

Puthia is 23km (14mi) east of Rajshahi and 16km (10mi) west of Natore. It is in Rajshahi District. Puthia has the largest number of historically important Hindu structures in Bangladesh.

Shiva Temple:

The most amazing of the village’s monuments is the Govinda Temple, which was erected between 1823 and 1895 by one of the maharanis of the Puthia estate. It’s a large square structure crowned by a set of miniature ornamental towers. It’s covered by incredibly intricate designs in terracotta depicting scenes from Hindu epics, which give it the appearance of having been draped by a huge red oriental carpet. The ornate Siva Temple is an imposing and excellent. Example of this five-spire Hindu style of temple architecture common in northern India. The ornate temple has three tapering tiers topped by four spires. It’s decorated with stone carvings and sculptural works, which unfortunately were disfigured during the War of Liberation.

Jagannath Temple or Govinda:

The village’s 16-century Jagannath Temple is one of the finest examples of a hut-shaped temple: measuring only 5m (16ft) on each side, it features a single tapering tower, which rises to a height of 10m (33ft). Its western facade is adorned with terracotta panels of geometric design.

Raajbari:

More Details..

MOHASTHANGARH

2010-04-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

History:
Mohasthangarh is one of the main attractions in north Bengal. It was the capital of Kingdom of the Mourjo, the Gupta and the Sen Dynasty. This is the ancient archeological and historical which was, established in 2500 BC.

Location:
It is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh is on the western bank of river Karatoa 18 km. north of Bogra town beside Bogra-Rangpur Road.

Description:
The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified, oblong enclosure measuring 5000 feet by 4500 feet with an average height of 15 ft. from the surrounding paddy fields. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about five miles radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodai Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century archaeological site is still held to be of great sanctity by the Hindus. Every year (mid-April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for you wide variety of antiquities, ranging from terracotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Now it is one of the major tourist spots maintained by Bangladesh archeological Department. You can go to Mohasthanagar from Bogra town, 10 km. away. Don’t forget to visit Mohasthangar museum while visiting Mohasthangar. Mohasthan Buddhist Stambho is another attraction for the tourists; it is locally called as Behula’s Basar.

KANTAJI'S TEMPLE - DINAJPUR

2010-04-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Photo: The original Beautiful Kantaji's Temple.

Photo: Now the Kantaji's Temple.

Kantaji's Temple is in Dinajpur district. It is the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is the Kantajee’s temple near Dinajpur town, which was established in the year 1722 by Ram Nath, son of Maharaja Pran Nath .The temple, a 51' square three storied edifice, rests on a slightly curved raised plinth of sandstone blocks, believed to have been quarried from the ruins of the ancient city of Bangarh near Gangharampur in West Bengal. It was originally a navaratna temple, crowned with four richly ornamental corner towers on two stores and a central one over the third stored.

Kantaji's Temple is an earthquake at the end of the 19th century. In spite of this, the monument rightly claims to bathe finest extant example of its type in brick and terracotta, built by Bengali artisans. The central cells is surrounded on all sides by a covered verandah, each pierced by three entrances, which are separated by equally ornate dwarf brick pillars, Corresponding to the three delicately cusped entrances of the balcony, the sanctum has also three richly decorated arched openings on each face. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terracotta plaques, representing flora fauna, geometric motifs, mythological scenes and an astonishing array of contemporary social scenes and favorite pastimes. The beautiful wall paints of this temple tell us the story of Ramayan-Mohabharat, Krishna-Lila and Dev-Devies.

More about Kantaji's Temple..

There are some other interesting places to visit in Dinajpur which are Dinajpur Rajbari and Rajbari Kali Temple.

Kali Temple: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamal-imran/3061547828/
Rajbari: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65895639@N00/3097642866/

PAHARPUR

2010-04-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Paharpur Buddhist Monastery is another tourist attraction of North Bengal. Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district. You can go to Paharpur from Jaipur district. It’s only 10 km from Jaipur. King Dharma Pal established Paharpur Buddhist Monastery in 7th century, which is the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas, has been excavated. The main Mandir is in the centeri of this Monastery. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land.

The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular court , measuring more than 900 ft. externally on each side, has high enclosure- walls about 16 ft. in thickness and from 12 ft. to 15 ft. height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north, there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temples profoundly influenced by those of South-East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. A small site-Museum built in 1956-57 houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area, where you can see the statues of Buddha and Vishnu. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terracotta plaques, images of different gods and goddesses, potteries, coins, inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects.

MAJOR ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES AND HISTORICAL SITES IN BANGLADESH

2010-04-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

1. Paharpur

2. Dinajpur Kantaji's Temple

3. Mahasthangar

4. Puthia Shiva Temple

5. Mainamati

6. Bagherhat world Heritage Mosque

7. Varendra Research Museum , Rajshahi

8. Sonargaon the old capital Panam City

9. Lalbagh Fort

10. Ahsan Manjil

11. Tajhat Razbaari,Rangpur

12. Parobarpur mosque, Shatkhira

13. Kushumba mosque, Naogaon

14. Curzon Hall, Dhaka

ARCHAEOLOGY OF BANGLADESH

2010-04-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Archaeology, archeology, or archeology is the science that studies human cultures through the recovery, documentation, analysis, and interpretation of material remains and environmental data, including architecture, artifacts, features, bifocals, and landscapes. Because archaeology's aim is to understand humankind, it is a humanistic endeavor. Furthermore, due to its analysis of human cultures, it is therefore a subset of anthropology, which contains: Physical anthropology, Cultural anthropology, Archaeology, and linguistics. The goals of archaeology vary, and there is debate as to what its aims and responsibilities are. Some goals include the documentation and explanation of the origins and development of human cultures, understanding culture history, chronicling cultural evolution, and studying human behavior and ecology, for both prehistoric and historic societies.

Of the archaeological sites in Bangladesh, the most important are paharpur (Pahadpur) in Naogaon, mahasthan (Mahasthan) in Bogra, and mainamati (Mainamati) in Comilla. Each is unique in its own way. Paharpur is the largest monastery and temple. Mahasthan is not only the one city site among the mostly religious sites in Bangladesh but also a city going back to the distant past (3rd - 2nd century BC). It is contemporary with the early historic cities of the Gangetic valley - Vaishali, Pataliputra, and Kaushambi - to name only a few. Mainamati's uniqueness lies in its being a complex of religious establishments - monasteries and temples of latter day Buddhism (of c 6th to 13th century AD) - extending over miles on the hill-top. Of these Buddhist remains, the only exception may be the Charpatra Mura temple, which may have been of Vaisnavite affiliation.

Sir Alexander cunningham's archaeological expeditions in areas now forming Bangladesh was carried out in 1879-80 and included Mahasthan and Paharpur. Cunningham also reported on bhasu vihara (Bhasu Vihara) near Mahasthan, Jogi Gupha near Paharpur, Ghatnagar, and Debar Dighi. Some other British administrators like EV Westmacott (1875), H Beveridge (1878), and CJ O'Donnel had already written on the ruins of Paharpur and Mahasthangarh. Owing to non-cooperation of the local zamindar, Cunningham could not investigate the site long enough to understand the real nature of Paharpur. Excavations carried out much later, however, proved that it was the remains of the biggest Buddhist monastery in the subcontinent (very recently Vikramashila has been claimed to be slightly larger).

However the outstanding achievement of Cunningham during his 1879-80 tour was his brilliant identification of Mahasthangarh with the city of pundranagar on the basis of huen-tsang's itinerary. At a later date (1931), a stone plaque discovered from the site, bearing an inscription in early Brahmi characters (mahasthan brahmi inscription), points to the site's probable association with the Mauryan empire, perhaps as a provincial capital.

Initial excavations at these sites, particularly Paharpur and Mahasthan, were begun by some private research bodies, the foremost being the varendra research society of Rajshahi, led by Kumar Sarat Kumar ray of Dighapatia in association with some enthusiastic gentlemen of Rajshahi town, notably Akshay Kumar maitreya, a lawyer and Ramaprasad chanda, a teacher in the local collegiate school, all of whom became famous later for their scholarly achievements. The society, established in 1910, made archaeological tours in areas around Rajshahi, undertook small excavations, wrote and published reports -all financed by Sarat Kumar Ray - and built up its collection of antiquities, particularly sculptures. These activities led to the Varendra Research Society Museum, established in 1919. The Society is now extinct and the museum, now called the varendra research museum, is part of Rajshahi University.

An earlier landmark in the rise of private initiative in the development of archaeological studies in Bengal was the establishment of vangiya sahitya parishad in Calcutta in 1893-94. The Parishad gradually built up a rich collection of sculptures. After 1905, its branches proliferated in such far-flung areas as Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Sylhet and Comilla, each having its own collection of sculptures. It is also apt here to recall the significant contribution made by the indefatigable scholar NK bhattasali, curator of Dhaka Museum from 1914, whose many-sided genius and dedication enriched archaeological studies in Bangladesh. He was an epigraphist, a numismatist, both ancient and medieval, and also an art historian. He explored tirelessly sites mostly in the Dhaka area - savar, vikramapura, wari-bateshwar etc. But he also visited Mainamati in Comilla. Two of his works, Iconography of Hindu Buddhist Sculptures in the Dhaka Museum and The Coins and Chronology of the Early Independent Sultans of Bengal, are still important and widely referred.

Archaeologists are also concerned with the study of methods used in the discipline, and the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings underlying the questions archaeologists ask of the past. The tasks of surveying areas in order to find new sites, excavating sites in order to recover cultural remains, classification, analysis, and preservation are all important phases of the archaeological process. These are all important sources of information. Given the broad scope of the discipline there is a great deal of cross-disciplinary research in archaeology. It draws upon anthropology, history, art history, classics, ethnology, geography, geology, linguistics, physics, information sciences, chemistry, statistics, pale ecology, paleontology, pale zoology and pale botany.

Cats Eye Showrooms

2009-09-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

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Natore - Uttara Gonobhaban

2009-08-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

Uttara Gonobhaban, known as the Dighapatia Rajbari and situated in Natore District. People from all over Bangladesh come to see the majestic buildings and gardens of the Rajbari.

Dighapatia Rajbari was made 'Dighapatia Governor House' on 24th July, 1967 by Mr. Abdul Monem Khan. Later, after our country's independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the Dighapatia Governor House as Uttara Gonobhaban on 9th February, 1972.

Here the king's rule prevailed upto their 7th generation but afterwards the abolishment of Zamindari system forced them to leave the Rajbari. This enormous building with lakes and trees was built on one twenty five bighas of land. At first sight, I saw a huge clock on top of the gate and it seemed just like a replica of the Big Ben in London. Recalling those days and the power of kings made me go nostalgic. On each side of the palace there are two beautiful statues of a woman. Entering the castle I saw two armoured knights on each side. All the bedrooms have beautifully decorated beds. There are nine bedrooms in total in the palace.

The bathrooms are entirely made of marble stone. A big stone-made bathtub is kept in the verandah for visitors to take a look. The curator informed us that Raja DayaRam was the first king and his last descendant was Raja Pratibhanath Roy. The Rajbari also has a dance room where dancers danced to the tune of instruments to entertain the kings and their guests. Needless to say, the room is very spacious and accommodated with couches so that the Rajas could comfortably rest and enjoy the performance.

One eye-catching thing was the upside down fan, the inverse form of today's table fan, and the blades of which point downward. This machine was powered by kerosene oil. There are also card rooms, a dining room with two green colour candle stands hanging from the ceiling and most significantly the room of "The Royal Court". Here the kings discussed different matters with the members of the court. The famous chair of the king symbolizes a person who is not ordinary but destined to be someone who is much more than ordinary.

The dynasty of kings and queens exists no more but what they have left behind still amazes us creating everlasting impressions on our hearts.

Lawachhara Rain Forest

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Lawacherra Rain Forest is one of the important & well-reserved forests in Bangladesh. Here visitor may see gibbons swimming through the trees and birds like bee-eater owls parrot. It is a good habitant of Deer, leopard, wild chicken, squirrel, and python. Don't miss it especially if you are bird watcher. The terrain is hilly and vegetation is fairly thick. Only one rare Chloroform tree of Asia is prime attraction.

Khasia & Manipuri is two important ethnic-tribe live here. Manipuri is famous for its rich culture especially for dancing, singing. They are also famous for their traditional weaving. You can buy their handicrafts exquisitely woven woolen. Shawls, Sharee, Napkin, bed-cover and some should a bags. It is known as colorful community. Khasia tribe is famous for their betel leaf cultivation. They make their villages high on hilltop in deep forest and so far from town. It is like "A Piece of Paradise". Certainly it will please you.

Pineapple cultivation - Sweetest and best quality pineapples grown here in Bangladesh. Pineapple is really a greatest offer of summer but now it is cultivated round the year. So, you can enjoy the juicy summer fruit in any time coming to its real field.

Srimongal

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Srimongal is the tea capital of Bangladesh where more than 150 tea gardens are located and out of which three are ranked as the largest tea gardens in the world. Srimongal is popularly known as the land of two leaves and a bud. Nestled in the picturesque Surma valley amidst scenic beauty of terraced tea gardens, eye soothing orange and lemon groves, pineapple plantation and the rich tropical forests farming the extra ordinary beautiful lands cape. The valley is covered with the three distinctive rain forest like Lawachara, Shatchari and Remakalanga wildlife sanctuary bordering . The Tripura hills of India on the south east. There are quite good number of enormous natural haors supporting huge marine plants and sweet water fish resources. These haors provide sanctuary to the millions of local migratory birds flying from Siberia across the Himalayas.
The indigenous people like Khasia, Monipuri, tripura and Garo are the mainstream of Adibashi (aboriginal) who are still untouched. The classical Monipuri cultural excellence has acquired world wide reputation.

Place to stay in Srimongol:

Nishorgo Nirob Eco-Cottage (3 rooms) Radhanagar, 20 minute rickshaw ride from train station; mob: 01715 041207; Nishorgo’s flagship project of creating ‘eco-cottages’ began here at this small village just a few kilometers outside of Srimongol and a 45-minute walk from the Lawachara rainforest. The concept was to employ locals to house visiting guests and provide some fo the capital necessary to build facilities for them. At the Nirob eco-cottage, there are three rooms. One is housed in a standard concrete building but the other two are bamboo huts nestled in a lemon grove tucked away at the back of the property, with a small flowing stream behind it, perfect for dipping on hot days. Needless to say, this is a secret spot that won’t remain hidden for long. Calling ahead for booking is essential. The proprietor’s wife is an excellent cook as well. The bamboo hut costs Tk1,000 per night and includes breakfast. Facilities include hot water on request, meals, and a power supply system that can run computers, chargers and lights even when the power goes out. Mr. Shamsul is the one you want to speak with.

Nishorgo Nandan Eco-Cottage (2 rooms) Uttar Baligaon, Karamat Nagar; mob: 01711 731551; The second of Nishorgo’s eco-cottages, offering similar facilities but not the beautiful bamboo hut. If Nirob is already booked this would be a great choice as well. Facilities are the same: two double-bedded rooms with attached bath and basic food served (Tk1,000). Mr. Anando is the proprietor here.

Cox's Bazar, the world longest natural sea beach

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Cox's Bazar, the world longest natural sea beach enriched with miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colorful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea-food--this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest (125-kilometers) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist sport in the country. There are also a few very old wooden Buddhist temples at Ramu, a few kilometers from Cox's Bazar, well worth visiting. Located at a distance of 152km south of Chittagong, the leading seaport of Bangladesh, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. A drive to Teknaf, which is the southernmost tip of the mainland of Bangladesh, is a memorable journey. A day trip to either Moheshkhali or Sonadia, the deltaic islands nestled among the gentle waves of the Bay of Bengal, will also be really interesting. Other attractions for visitors are conch shell market, tribal handicraft, salt and prawn cultivation. Besides, the longest sea-beach, Cox's Bazar and its adjoin areas have a lot of things to see and places deserve visit by the tourists.

Cox's Bazar, the world longest natural sea beach

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Promoting Cox’s Bazar as the Longest Unbroken Sea Beach

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Promoting something in the age of globalization may be thought as a common phenomenon. Almost nothing goes without promotion around us. Still, one would wonder why to promote something like a sea beach, a unique ecological resource of the world. A spot of beauty and health like Cox’s Bazar may not need be promoted. But, such a resource and place of attraction as well need be promoted. People across the world now a days have lot to do throughout their working hours. Time constraint and workload have narrowed the scope of men to learn. But the thirst to explore and learn is very much alive. Their needs keep them busy, their demands get fulfilled by quick marketers, their thirst for knowledge is quenched by the materials at their reach. Yes, a mutual exchange of the demand and the means to satisfy them have come at terms with each other. We go for satisfying our needs but there are agents to reach us as well. Therefore, in the same age when channels are there to go to and to reach the market vice versa one need to think twice before deciding the way one would a century before.

Promoting a cause in the twenty first century is not the same as it used to mean a century before when it would have to deal with patriotism, ethical viewpoints, emotional enthusiasm and uplifting the sense of pride as such. In an era of marketing and globalization it tends to encompass the issues of business, economics, human welfare and going for a sustainable development. And all these uphold a national standard at the top. If we consider one or two unique features that our land has and which are famous around the world as places of natural wonder are the Sundarbans and the longest unbroken Sea beach in the world Cox’s Bazar. But, in the era of business and promotion we need to highlight our natural resources in order to bring businesses for our country. Tourism is such a field where Bangladesh as a naturally beautiful country has a lot to explore its prospects.

All the countries of the world now a days are going for massive promotional activities in various media and in diverse ways. These countries have realized the need to join in the trend of globalization. They have a positive attitude toward taking the challenge of getting along the world community while it is moving toward a global village, they have also realized that being globally viable only means becoming locally / nationally stable and well off. It only upholds the pride of a nation. In an era of business and communication the fronts that the countries have to win on are the economic viability, promoting national causes by attracting the attention of the global community toward the resources of its own and above all sustainable development.

Some considerations to Promote Cox’s Bazar

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Cox’s Bazar as a cause and product should be taken with due importance. Enterprises from both the government and the private sector are very much needed in this regard. Professional attitude toward the cause can make it a success. But, before anything is done a line of thought and a course of action should be chalked out. Experts and professionals including teachers, consultants and tourism businessmen may be involved in the process. welcoming all the advices may be very useful in this regard.

Following points in this regard may be considered:

1. Using media: introducing the media personnel from the print and electronic media. The National Tourism Board (BPC) should engage itself to invite personnel from print media to highlight the grandeur of the destination as a natural wonder.

Government should advertise in the widely circulated international magazines including the famous tour magazines with glossy illustrations. The aesthetic view should never be lost sight of.

2. The prospects of electronic media should be explored. The international entertainment and news channels should be used for mass advertisement along with lucrative rhetoric. Slogans may be developed for the purpose.

3. The Tourism Board can arrange programs in popular satellite channels at attractive TV slots to highlight the beauty and grandeur of the sea beach. The programs should be furnished with attractive videos exhibiting mastery in the aesthetic sense of colour, tones and sound. As they have made in Vienna. We have seen quality documentaries of Ronald Halder and A. Masud Choudhury Pitu here.

4.The Tourism Board along with the airlines can jointly work for this. Private sector can be involved with the effort and their involvement can be treated as an observance of corporate social responsibility.

5. The front desks of the airliners may have posters, booklets and souvenirs exhibiting the beauty and other aspects of the sea beach.

6. The diplomatic missions of Bangladesh may go for arranging seminars, shows etc to promote the cause.

7. Non Resident Bangladeshis may be involved in the process of promotion.

8. The airlines should develop seasonal packages for the tourists to attract them to have trip to the sea beach. Frequent flyers may be given bonuses or discounts.

9. The airliners can jointly work with the tour operators to arrange tourism fairs abroad in order to develop markets.

10. Celebrities may be involved to work as ambassadors to promote the cause.

11. All the agencies involved in the tourism sector should go for publishing in the web. Portals of different brands as G – mail, Yahoo!, Hotmail can be used for advertisement. The front pages of the search engines can be hot spaces for advertisements. Sharing features social networking medias as Facebook, Orkut, Myspace, Hi – 5 may be used to induce world community to know and get interested to the destination. This practice is seen in the international web dailies as The New York Times, The Guardian, International Herlad Tribune. Facilities of mailing should be incorporated with the sharing features in the web.

12. Videos can be uploaded in e – snips and YouTube.

13. The promoting airliners, tour operators and the travel agencies may be given subsidies under a well chalked out definition.

14. The stakeholders involved in the tourism sector should include renowned experts.

15. International competitions regarding the beach may be introduced with lucrative prizes as has been done in the case of the Great Barrier Reef.

16. Walking and other sports centering the beach may be arranged. An international walking event may be arranged yearly and named: Walk In The Longest Unbroken Beach.

A marathon may be introduced named: The Cox’s Bazar Marathon. Special emphasis may be put including developing packages for internationally acclaimed walking competitors.

Other sports tournaments as beach volleyball, beach cricket, beach racing by motor bikes, surfing which would be broadcast in international media.

17. Artists from home and abroad may be invited to make sand sculptures in the beach.

18.UNICEF may be convinced to declare a day to observe The Sea Beach Day. On the eve of this day mass awareness may be created among the population of the world so that they realize the value of preservation of the sea beaches. By highlighting the Cox’s Bazar the cleanliest and the longest beach to explore we can promote the cause. Programs as Cleaning The Longest Sea Beach may be arranged involving celebrities who are UN Ambassadors.

19.The National Tourism Board may announcing lucrative prizes for tourists, photographers, documentary makers who can highlight Cox’s Bazar as the longest unbroken beach.

20. Entertainment facilities including barbecue, casino, motorized and non motorized vehicle drives around the beach areas, skilled tourist guides may be developed and utilized to make positive impression in the incoming tourists so that these tourists themselves promote Cox’s Bazar as an attractive destination.

21. The sea beach needs to be highlighted as a secure destination in terms of availability of law enforcing agencies. The government should take necessary steps to ensure security for the tourists.

History

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The greater Chittagong area including Cox's Bazar was under the rule of Arakan Kings from the early 9th century till its conquest by the Mughals in 1666 AD. When the Mughal Prince Shah Shuja was passing through the hilly terrain of the present day Cox’s Bazar on his way to Arakan, he was attracted to the scenic and captivating beauty of the place. He commanded his forces to camp there. His retinue of one thousand palanquins stopped there for some time. A place named Dulahazara, meaning "one thousand palanquins", still exists in the area. After the Mughals, the place came under the control of the Tipras and the Arakanese, followed by the Portuguese and then the British.

The name Cox's Bazar/Bazaar originated from the name of a British East India Company officer, Captain Hiram Cox who was appointed as the Superintendent of Palonki (today's Cox's Bazar) outpost after Warren Hastings became the Governor of Bengal following the British East IndiaCompany Act in 1773. Captain Cox was especially mobilized to deal with a century long conflict between Arakan refugees & local Rakhains at Palonki. The Captain made significant progress in rehabilitation of refugees in the area, but had died (in 1799) before he could finish his work. To commemorate his role in rehabilitation works a market / bazaar was established and was named after him as Cox's Bazaar (market of Cox). Cox's Bazar thana was first established in 1854 and a municipality was constituted in 1869.

After the Sepoy Mutiny (Indian Rebellion of 1857) in 1857, the British East India Company was highly criticized & questioned in humanitarian ground specially for its Opium trade monopoly over the Indian Sub-Continent. However after getting dissolved on January 1, 1874, all of company's assets including its Armed Forces were acquired by the British Crown. After this historic take over, Cox's Bazar was declared as a district of the Bengal Province under the British Crown.

After the end of British rule in 1947, Cox's Bazar remained as a part of East Pakistan. Captain Advocate Fazlul Karim, the first Chairman (after independence from the British) of Cox's Bazar Municipality established the Tamarisk Forest along the beach to draw tourist attention in this town and also to protect the beach from tidal waves. He also donated many of his father in law’s and his own lands for establishing a Public Library and a Town Hall for the town. He was inspired to build Cox's Bazar as a tourist spot after seeing beaches of Bombay and Karachi, and one of the pioneers in developing Cox's Bazar as such. He founded a Maternity Hospital, the Stadium and the drainage system by procuring grants from the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation through correspondence. Mr. T. H. Matthews, the principal of the Dacca Engineering College (1949-1954) was his friend who had helped him in doing this. Engineer Chandi Charan Das was the government civil engineer who had worked on all these projects. In 1959 the municipality was turned into a town committee. In 1961 the erstwhile Geological Survey of Pakistan initiated investigation of radioactive minerals like monazite around the Cox’s bazar sea-beach area and a number of precious heavy minerals were identified the same year.

Submarine Cable Landing Station

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In 1971, Cox's bazar wharf was used as a naval port by the Pakistan Navy's gunboats. This and the nearby airstrip of the Pakistan Air Force was the scene of intense shelling by the Indian Navy during Bangladesh Liberation War. During the war, Pakistani soldiers killed many people in the town including eminent lawyer Jnanendralal Chowdhury. The killing of two freedom fighters named Farhad and Subhash at Badar Mokam area is also recorded in history.

After the independence of Bangladesh Cox's Bazar started to get the administrative attention. In 1972 the town committee of Cox's Bazar was again turned into a municipality. In 1975, The Government of Bangladesh established a pilot plant at Kalatali, Cox's Bazar to assess the commercial viability of the heavy mineral content in the placer deposits of the area with the cooperation of the Australian Government. Later, in 1984 Cox's Bazar subdivision was promoted to a district and 5 years later (in 1989) the Cox's Bazar municipality was elevated to B-grade. In 1994 (jobs) the Marine Fisheries and Technology Station (MFTS) was established at Cox's Bazar. MFTS is a research station of Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) headquartered in Mymensingh. The station covers a land area of 4 hactor and is equipped with 5 specialized laboratories, and one indoor and one outdoor cistern complex. In April 2007 Bangladesh got connected to the submarine cable network as a member of the SEA-ME-WE-4 Consortium, as Cox's Bazar was selected as the landing station of the submarine cable.

Geography and climate

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Cox's Bazar town with an area of 6.85 km², is located at 21°35′0″N 92°01′0″E / 21.58333°N 92.01667°E / 21.58333; 92.01667 and bounded by Bakkhali River on the north and East, Bay of Bengal in the West, and Jhilwanj Union in the south.

The climate of Bangladesh is mostly determined by its location in the tropical monsoon region: high temperature, heavy rainfall, often-excessive humidity, and distinct seasonal variations. The reversal of the wind circulation between summer and winter is another important feature of the climate of the country.[12] The climate of Cox's bazar is mostly similar to the rest of the country. It is further characterized by the location in the coastal area. The annual average temperature in Cox's Bazar remains at about a maximum of 34.8 °C and a minimum of 16.1 °C. The average amount of rainfall remains at 4,285 mm.

Economy and development

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As a most beautiful and famous tourist spot of Bangladesh, the major source of economy of Cox's Bazar is tourism. Millions of foreigners and Bangladeshi natives visit this coastal city every year. Therefore, a number of hotel, guesthouse, and motel have been built in the city and coastal region. Many people are involved in these hospitality and customer service type business. A number of people are also involved in fishing and collecting seafood and sea products for their livelihood. Out of several sea products various kinds of Oyster, Snail, Pearl and their ornaments are very popular to tourists in the seaside and city stores. A number of people are also involved in the transportation business for tourists. Cox's Bazar is also one of the few major spots for aquaculture in Bangladesh. Along with Khulna, it is considered as a major source of foreign exchange earning of the country from this sector. Besides, a mix of small-scale agriculture, marine and inland fishing and salt production are other industrial sources from this region that plays important role in the national economy.

Tourist attractions near the town

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Local hotels arrange beachside accessories for the tourists at Cox's Bazar. The beach is the main attraction of the town. Larger hotels provide exclusive beachside area with accessories for the hotel guests. Visitors in other hotels visit the Laboni beach, which is the area of the beach closest to the town. Other than the beach there are several places of interest near the town, which can easily be visited from town center.

Aggmeda Khyang: a large Buddhist monastery, and a place revered by around 400,000 Buddhist people of Cox’s Bazar; and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The main sanctuary is posted on a series of round timber columns. It has a prayer chamber and an assembly hall along with a repository of large and small bronze Buddha images and a number of old manuscripts.

Ramu: about 10 km from Cox’s Bazar, is a village with a sizeable Buddhist population. The village is famous for its handicrafts and homemade cigars. There are monasteries, khyangs and pagodas containing images of Buddha in gold, bronze and other metals inlaid with precious stones. One of the most interesting of these temples is on the bank of the Baghkhali river. It houses not only interesting relics and Burmes handicrafts but also a large bronze statue of Buddha measuring thirteen feet high and rests on a six feet high pedestal. The wood carving of this khyang is very delicate and refined. The village has a charm of its own. Weavers ply their trade in open workshops and craftsmen make handmade cigars in their pagoda like houses.

Dulhazra Safari Park: This safari park is an extension of an animal sanctuary located along the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar road about 50 km from Cox's Bazar town. The sanctuary itself protects a large number of wild elephants which are native to the area. In the safari park there are domesticated elephants which are available for a ride. Other animal attractions include lions, Bengal tigers, Crocodiles, Bears, Chitals and lots of different types of birds and monkeys.

Risks and Hazards

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The coastal areas of Cox's Bazar are prone to devastating cyclones and landslides on a yearly basis. The areas near the Cox’s Bazar town are located directly in the high-risk area for surge water heights above 1 meter as well as landslides. There was a 70% casualty rate near the town area during the 1991 cyclone. Another hazard of the Cox's Bazar area is the high natural background radiation, which has been found to be above global average. There have been reported incidents of human casualty due to actions of wild elephants in the locality. The threat of mosquito borne diseases like Malaria also may be higher in the area. However, all these hazards mainly affect long term residents of the area and visiting tourists should be able to guard against these risks with appropriate precautions.

Tourists and accommodation

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Cox's Bazar, arguably the best tourist spot in Bangladesh, is visited by a large number of tourist from Britain, America, Korea, Japan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and many more countries each year. Though there is no specific record in Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation (BPC) on how many people usually visit Cox's Bazar each year but an AFP report says that during the winter 10,000 available rooms in the beach area hotels usually remain occupied almost seven days a week. Accommodation near the beach varies from an expensive range to a reasonable price. Many private hotels, BPC Motels and two Five Star hotels are located near the beach.

Places of interest along the beach

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Cox’s Bazar, mostly famous for its beautiful sea beach and the sunset, has several other attractions, including:

Himchari: It is about 32 km. South of Cox's Bazar along the beach, a nice place for picnic and shooting. The famous "Broken Hills" and waterfalls here are rare sights.

Laboni Beach: This is the main beach of Cox's Bazar and is considered the main beach due to the fact that it is closest to the town. Close to the beach, there are hundreds of small shops selling souvenirs and beach accessories to the tourists.

Himchari: Located about 18 km south of Cox’s Bazar along the sea beach, is a nice place for the picnic and film shooting. This picnic spot is famous for its waterfalls. The road to Himchari runs by the open sea on one side and hills on the other which makes the journey to Himchari very attractive. Its another attraction is the Christmas tree.

Enani Beach: Located 35 km south of Cox’s Bazar, this white sandy beach is located within Ukhia Thana. This beach is famous for its golden sand and clean shark free water which is ideal for sea bathing. Most tourists prefer to come down here for relaxing because it is free from the crowd of tourists that is usually seen at the Laboni beach.

Mineral content in beach sand

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The sand at Cox's Bazar beach and surrounding areas is rich in heavy-metal mineral content. The heavy minerals of Cox's Bazar beach sands are dominated by hornblende, garnet, epidote, ilmenites (both unaltered and altered) with magnetite, rutile, pyrite and some hydroxides. Cox's Bazar beach alone is believed to have a deposit of 5.119 Mt of minerals, while nearby Enani beach is expected to have another deposit of 0.729 Mt. of minerals. Surrounding islands of Maheshkhali, Kutubdia and Nijhum Deep as well as mainland beach in Teknaf area are also believed to have similar large deposits. The total deposit in these locations is about 20.5 million tons of raw sand, which contains 4.4 million tons of heavy minerals.

Other tourist attractions near Cox's Bazar

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Maheshkhali is a small island (268 square kilometres) off the Cox’s Bazar coast. The island offers panoramic scenic beauty and is covered by a range of low hills, about 300 feet (91 m) high, streatches through the center of the island and along its eastern coastline. The coasts of the island on the west and north form a low-lying tract that is fringed by the mangrove forests. Adinath Temple, a temple of Shiva, and a Buddhist pagoda are also located on this island.

Sonadia Island, a small crescent shaped island of only 9 square kilometers, it is 7-km north-west of Cox's Bazar. The western side of the island is sandy and different kinds of shells are found on the beach. Off the northern part of the island, there are beds of window pane oysters. During winter, fisherman set up temporary camps on the island and dry their catches of sea fish. Sonadia Island supports the last remaining part of mangrove forest in southeast Bangladesh. Sonadia's mangroves are distinct from the well-known sunderbans, due to their development in a coastal lagoon setting rather than in a delta. Another attraction of this island is the sight of game birds migrating here in great numbers during the winter seasons.

Teknaf, a place situated by the side of Naf river is the southernmost part of mainland Bangladesh. This also marks the end point of Cox's Bazar beach. Tourists usually come here to have a river cruise along beautiful Naf river, which flows between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

St. Martin's Island, a small island in the northeast part of the Bay of Bengal, about 9 km south of the tip of the Cox's Bazar-Teknaf peninsula. It is the only coral island in Bangladesh. It is about 8 km west of the northwest coast of Myanmar at the mouth of the Naf River. The local name of the island is "Narical Gingira", also spelled "Narikel Janjina/Jinjera", translated from Bangla, meaning 'Coconut Island'. St. Martin's Island has become a popular tourist spot. Three shipping liners run daily trips to the island. They are Kutubdia, Sea-Truck and Keary-Sindbad. Tourists can book their trip either from Chittagong or from Cox's Bazar. The surrounding coral reef of the island has an extension named Chera Dwip. The island is home to several endagered species of turtles, as well as the corals, some of which are found only on this island.

Chakaria: One of most large area in Cox's Bazar.

Bandarban: Bandarban lies three hours away from Cox's Bazaar by bus. The Buddha Dhatu Jadi, the largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, located in Balaghata, 4 km from the town, is an excellent place to visit. This Theravada Buddhist temple is made completely in the style of South-East Asia and houses the second largest statue of Buddha in Bangladesh. The waterfall named Shoilo Propat at Milanchari is also an excellent site. In addition, the numerous Buddhist temples, known as kyang in local tongue, and vihars in the town include the highly notable the Rajvihar (royal vihar) at Jadipara and the Ujanipara Vihar. Bawm villages around Chimbuk, and Mru villages a little further off, are also lies within a day's journey from the town. Prantik Lake, Jibannagar and Kyachlong Lake are some more places of interest. And, a boat ride on the river Sangu is also an excellent proposition.

Rangamati: One can reach Rangamati from Cox's Bazar either via Chittagong or Bandarban. Rangamati offers several attractions including local tribal museum, Buddhist temple, tribal markets, hanging bridge and even the palace of traibal kings. The major attraction of the district is Kaptai Lake. It is a man-made lake in the Kaptai upazila of Rangamati District. The lake was created as a result of building the Kaptai Dam on the Karnaphuli River, as part of the Karnaphuli Hydro-electric project. The beautiful view of surrounding green hills has turned the lake into a wonderful spot for boating and cruising.

MadhabKunda Waterfall

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Madhabkunda waterfall is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Mowlovi Bazar District, Sylhet division. Lots of tourists and picnic parties come to Madhabkunda every day for their enjoyment. You can go to Madhabkunda either from Sylhet if you go by road or from Kulaura if you go by train.

From Kulaura rail station its about one hour journey by microbus to Madhabkunda. The journey to Madhabkunda itself is exotic. On the way you can see the greenish beauty of tea garden, the hills and the zigzag road through the hills will increase the joy of your journey. In Madhabkunda you will see the great waterfall – falls of million tons of water form 200ft. height. Big bolder of stones and the black stones in giving a shape of care in Madhabkundu. There is a Parjatan Motel with a good restaurant for accommodation and food facility.

When I last went to Madhabkunda, it was July. My suggestion is, if you want to enjoy the complete beauty then please go in rainy season. I went there from Srimongol, by Microbus. It takes almost 2 hours to reach there.

There is also a district council Bunglow for night stay. Here you can enjoy adventurous feelings to stay in a jungle. All you need to have a prior booking for the bunglow from Moulvibazar Zilla Parishad office.

Woman in Bangladesh

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GONE are the days when a woman used to be frowned upon for daring to step out of her house to pursue a career. No longer is her job laughingly dismissed as a mere 'time pass'. Shouldering the financial responsibilities of a family is also being accepted in more middle and upper class households, the female garments workers and brick breakers already having claimed respect as bread-winners in working class families.

With greater acceptance, there are now a wider range of career choices available to women. Let's take a look at some of these.

Hospitality
After generations of feeding hungry hordes, the art of hospitality comes naturally to the fairer sex. For those who have a knack for cooking, but not enough finances to really push it forward, one can start small by taking orders for food items for special occasions.

If you possess the location for it, small cafes are great investments. As long as the coffee keeps flowing, a few light snacks and a cosy atmosphere is all you'll need. In this busy city, people will be glad to find a quiet place to unwind.

Finally, if you have the dosh for it, restaurants have great potentials, although they also come with great risks. There's the problem of finding the right location, selecting the right menu, creating a proper ambience, hiring staff, finding an attractive 'hook' or gimmick that sets you apart from the half-dozen other eateries that might be located right on the same road, and there's still no guarantee that you'll float. But if you can get it up and running, though, the dividends could outweigh the risks.

Advertisement and event management
Watch a mother try to convince her child to eat his vegetables, and you know that women have a talent for persuasion. This could be channeled towards fields like advertising. To begin with you must evaluate your specialisation and your ability to deliver with professionalism. In a global environment you will need to create an edge over others. But the key would be the focus on understanding the market; whether you're selling a product, or promoting a brand, you have to know who your buyers are, and what they want. Pushing your brand or product also requires persuasive skills, and one needs to have a lot of confidence and awareness to succeed in this field.

Other than pushing products and brands, the goal could also be raising awareness, be it about an issue, or for a charitable cause, and this is where event management comes in. For these, you bring in the same kind of energy and creativity that you would in ensuring your party makes your neighbours green with envy. Most women are naturally good at organizing such 'do's and drumming up support for their causes, and so would shine in this field.

Publishing
Books: Almost a hundred years ago Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hussain was able to publish her book- Sultana's Dream. She was fortunate. It was a groundbreaking event in the history of Bengali literature. As a woman entrepreneur you could support this admirable cause of publishing. Today, other women writers work and contribute favourably to social issues, while at the same time deriving far reaching economic benefits. It would be an ideal stepping stone in the world of publishing. I believe there should be a great deal more women writers sweeping the domain of the literary world. Our culture, language, people, and environment could use more gender perspective. You could publish fiction, poetry or drama that has specific artistic value, or cook books, travelogue, or even books on motivation or homes and gardens that has found enthusiastic readership.

Magazines: This is a business where women have shown leadership with a definite direction. As in the past, this business can target a specific women-centric audience or a larger general one depending on the focus of the work. It is evident especially in Bangladesh that women have shown a more sensitive regard for their own issues than their male counterparts. The scenario, however, has changed somewhat as there is considerable growth in the business and larger publishing houses having taken initiatives with gender specific examinations. Lifestyle magazines with a larger scope for action have done particularly well. In order to launch such a business you must bear in mind that sustenance cannot be accomplished on the sales of the magazine but rather depends on the paid advertisement in the publication. The magazine must divulge on current issues. That is the key to any success.

Journals: There could be more journals on specific subjects. It is a great educational tool. Although fast losing its relevance in the era of electronic media where the Internet plays a significant role, art, industry, trade, medical, educational and other related subjects of serious magnitude could be updated and put forward through journals.

Hair and beauty
Traditionally, beautification has always been seen as a woman's prerogative, one of those feminine things that could be taken for granted. With so much riding on presentation these days, people in the professional sphere have begun to take their appearance very seriously, thus providing incentive for the emerging beauty industry. We have more beauty pageants now, more magazines, more models and fashion shows, all of which has created a growing demand for the hair and beauty industry.

We see spas and beauty parlours mushrooming up around the city, offering all kinds of personal grooming services and treatments. With the clientele becoming increasingly well-informed, the industry is under pressure to raise the quality of its services, so this field, as well as growing in importance, also requires intensive technical training. The need for such skill-development programs has profound implications for the industry. This should be further investigated.

Academic Institutions
Schools: Customarily the teaching profession for women has been embraced positively by our patriarchal society. In the past two decades we have found many schools run and managed by women. The success story of all these women should inspire many more to consider an entrepreneurial activity in developing an educational establishment. I believe there will always be a demand for better institutions.

One could start with preschool activity and work to a primary level. She could slowly build the foundation for a high school. In order to address specific needs of the age based requirements of key stage programmes you must be trained to attain good results and also train the faculty. On many occasions we find inexperienced teachers with colossal responsibilities.

It is the responsibility of the management to provide high standards. The business of teaching is a venerable trade that should always be regarded as a commendable contribution to the society. Educating is a sensitive activity and deserves high regard only if you are providing excellent service worthy of children's needs. Dedication and professionalism is needed to carry out such a venture. If done appropriately there is a potential for exceptional achievement.

Women have the potential for being solid entrepreneurs. Given the opportunity they can be creative and determined executors. We would all like to see more women working in an open market environment that encourages development and financial growth for individuals. A country must progress with all its national components. The women folk are very much part of the apparatus. Women need to gear up to the next level of economic emancipation. They should not just be players but rather take on the challenges of decision-making capacity. They should be involved in more complex planes of business activities. I think we can all agree that their right to civic and social liberty shall always lie with their capacity to pursue monetary empowerment.

Collected from The Daily Star.
Photo: Zahedul I Khan

Destination Bangladesh

2009-07-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

A country of pristine beaches, national parks, ancient palaces, mosques, temples, churches and wildlife, Bangladesh is truly one of the most delightful places to visit. Bangladesh enjoys a moderate tropical climate and as a vacationer, you could go riding on the secluded beaches or enjoy an exhilarating trek among the cloud-reaching mountains at Bandarban, as well as a wide variety of other options to choose from when making a travel plan.

You could stay in either a hotel or motel. If however, you were planning to stay for a longer time with friends or family, it would be ideal and more cost-effective to rent out a guesthouse or a flat.

Cox's Bazar- certainly one of our major attractions- is a mesmerising site, which is also the longest stretch of natural beach in the world and has enchanted travellers from across the globe for a long time. The magnificent sights and sounds of Cox's Bazar is a fascinating, awe-inspiring experience.

Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest” is undoubtedly another must see. Here, the land and the water meet in spectacular fashion. The wildlife presents many a spectacle. If you're really lucky, you may come across a Royal Bengal Tiger swimming across the streams or crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. For the horticulture enthusiast, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter, this mass of green forest provides a variety of wonders for which they all crave.

The capital city, Dhaka is friendly and relatively clean in the posh areas. There are many sights to attract visitors. The most essential sights are the Lalbagh Fort, the National Assembly Building, the Baitul Mukarram Mosque, National museum, Savar Sriti Shoudho, Shahid Minar, botanical gardens, the zoo and many more significant places to enjoy.

You can get cheap deals on flights to Dhaka throughout the year, and once there, the cost of living is considerably low, making Dhaka, and Bangladesh as a whole, amongst the best value destinations in the world.

It would be a good idea to move around Bangladesh with a constant vehicle, so renting a car is a good option. There are many companies offering car rental and hiring services. You could negotiate your rates with them.

Get help from a travel agency to chart out your Bangladesh vacation. They would be in a better position to plan a Bangladesh travel diary for you.

Winter in Bangladesh is a most comfortable season and therefore the ideal time for a vacation.

By Mohammad Shahidul Islam
Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

Collected From The Daily Star.

Open T Bioscope

2009-07-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

Stepping into the shop, you will be engulfed by its warmly illuminated interior. The bold, warm colours on the wall and the dusky lighting rivet a jubilant spirit of fashion.

Open T Bioscope has been creatively designed to embodythe essence of traditions. Rather than Barbie doll mannequins, the shop has customised figurines, keeping local clay dolls in mind, so that every Bangali girl can familiarise oneself with it.

Open T Bioscope is the brainchild of two vibrant architects- Muslima Nazneen Khandakar and Suriya Zabin. The shop came into being with a view to setting up a common platform where ideas can be toyed with playfully and nurtured into reality. It serves as a stage for rising designers to showcase their creative experiments.

The shop is artistically set apart into two distinct wardrobes - Sultana and Bibiana - carrying clothing lines, and Shaheb Babu Boithokkhana- a room with crafty, wooden interiors showcasing decorative household accessories.

The product line caters to two different styles; one focusing on the everyday, casual and to some extent formalwear, and the other focuses on a glamorous clothing line designed exclusively for special occasions. “Sultana” is designed keeping the preferences and tastes of young vibrant females in mind, and “Bibiana” is geared towards the penchants of females in the mature age bracket.

For fatuas and shalwar kameez that can be used as formal or everyday wear, the fabric used is mainly cotton, keeping in mind the comfort factor. The wardrobe changes fabrics with changing seasons.

The summer line mainly consists of cool colours like lemon green, pistachio, bright almond, lilac and ocean green matched with contrasting dupattas and shalwars. The shalwar kameez are available unstitched and also prêt-e-porter. You can also buy creatively designed fatuas or make a three-piece from its own matching centre. The prices of fatuas are from TK 400 onwards.

The “Bibiana” collection consists mainly of saris, casual and formal. The fabric is mainly cotton, endi-cotton, endi-silk adorned with colourful hand-paint, spray paint and glittery danglers at the borders. Vegetable dyed saris are one of the exclusive picks of the shop. The saris are displayed in their entirety, opening up the whole work done on the fabric.

The most interesting section of the shop is “Shaheb Babu Boithokkhana”, a wooden panel consisting of three stair steps. At the very bottom, customers can sit and try on ornaments. The middle stair consists of household materials such as hand-painted kathas, pillows in creative shapes like dice, envelope, drum, vegetable dyed bed sheets, silk bed sheets, etc. The very last stair leads to the trial room.

This part of the store is created to give the customers a vibe of comfort as if in their own boithokkhana (living room), where they can have a friendly chat, select the dress materials, try the ornaments on, etc.

Adds Muslima Nazneen, “Open T Bioscope is not aimed at making profit, it is rather aimed at bringing out the creative roots and nurturing them. There are lots of talents who don't get to steal the show due to lack of a proper platform. Open T Bioscope is that platform for them; a platform for any and every kind of artist/ designer to host their creative products. I want them to play with their ideas and that's exactly why I named the shop Open T Bioscope, to play away with their creativity just like the childhood song: Open T Bioscope; Nine ten teiscope; Sultana, bibiana; ,shaheb babu boithok khana…"

Address: Open T Bioscope, Shop #422, Metro Shopping Mall.

By Zannatul Lamea
(Collected from The Daily Star).

Beach

2009-06-01T07:46:00.001-07:00

Cox's Bazar:

Saint Martin:

Saint Martin:

Saint Martin:

Shopping

2009-05-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

Boutique House List:

Brand Shops:

Cats-Eye
Monsoon Rain
Ecstasy
Artisty Collection
Handi Bazar
Plus Point
Tex Mart

Andes

2009-05-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

If attitude is an integral part of style then certainly Aneela Haque's designs have plenty of it. "I prefer my creations to stand out and show the right attitude," says Aneela, also owner of an advertising agency and a public relations and event management company. "I suppose that's what the people who walk into my store want as well."

Merging elements from the rural culture and urban sophistication, Aneela's designs are a combination of the east and the west. Having launched her fashion label, AnDes (ANeela's DESigns) about ten years ago, Aneela is one of the pioneers of Bangladeshi fashion today. She is also one of the seven founding members of Bangladesh Fashion Alliance that organised the first Bangladesh Fashion Week in 2004.

"My clothes and garments are like a passport to the world," she smiles. Her designs speak of the traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts, including the many influences that she has had.. "I love ghazals, karate, reading, gardening, interior designing, gardening and travel," she lists. "Travelling led me to work with different cultural motifs, for instance, fiery dragons from China, the hieroglyphics from Egypt, elements from Africa, Paris, India and also various elements from rural Bangladesh," she adds.

These elements are apparent in the 12 designs that Aneela created for the Bridal Asia collection to be held in October in New Delhi. Launched in 1999 by Indian designer Divyaa Gurwaara, Bridal Asia is a premier bridal show that showcases the latest bridal collections by the top designers in and around the country. "Bridal Asia is platform where one can actually see the obvious display of diversity in culture," explains Aneela. "Famous names like Ritu Kumar, Mona Pali, Arjun Khanna and many more are actively involved in this event. Even Mahin Khan from Bangladesh had represented Aarong from Bangladesh in this event last year."

Among the well known designers, Aneela Haque will be representing her own designs for the first time, representing Bangladesh this year at the three-day Bridal Asia event to be held at the Taj hotel in New Delhi from October 8-10. She will be unveiling, what she calls, "a poetic journal" where the "Majestic Royals by Aneela" will be displayed on the runway. "Travelling over the years has made me extremely sensitive to the cultural and social beauties of every country," she says. "There's something so beautiful in music, the art and the poetry that every culture represents. These art forms have a lot to say about one's own identity as a person as well. Every designer has his or her own character traits or identity marks clearly sprawled on the designs. One just has to look carefully at the clothes to know what exactly these characteristics speak of."

Her collection for Bridal Asia, in bold colours of red, black and white, is inspired by the writings of Rabindranath Tagore, Jibonanondo Das from Bangladesh, Chinese intellectual Li Bai from China and French poet Appolianaire.

"Marriage is a happy occasion and it reminds me of the colour red," she smiles. "There is so much romance in Tagore's poetry, which led me to use verses from the songs Tumi je surer agun and Tumi kemon kore gaan koro."

Aneela has used jute-silk, a variety of cottons, khadi, muslin and crepe-silk for her designs. "My clothes have various scriptures and calligraphy on them," she explains. "Being someone who appreciates being global, rather than pointing down to a particular culture, I have tried to blend my own culture with bits and pieces of the ancient cultures from Egypt, Paris and many others."

Aneela describes Bridal Asia as an event which literally breaks all cultural barriers and brings everyone under one roof. "The best part about this event is that there are cross cultural exchanges that take place and are very much welcomed by the artists present there."

Bridal Asia has had designers from the subcontinent coming together to display their designs and speak their expressions. Very soon, however, designers and creators from Singapore, UAE from the Middle East and London will be participating in this yearly event.

"Bridal Asia is coming to Bangladesh!" exclaims Aneela. "It will have one of its branches here in Dhaka very soon, which I will be heading. I plan to start work in December, merging festive occasions like Eid, Christmas, New Year, the wedding season together, not to mention winter itself, where a variety of designs can be created." Aneela also plans to involve designers from other countries such as Pakistan and India. "Eventually, we can move farther on the globe," she quips.

Collected From: daily Star (30sep,2005).
Report by : Elita Karim.

Designer: Aneela
Address : ZN Tower, House-3, Road-8, Gulshan -1, Dhaka-1212
Time : 09:30 am - 08:00 pm
Phone : 8814756, 9894566
Mobile : 0172649835
Email : aneela@andes-ltd.com
Price : Tk 1000 to Tk 5000
Web: http://andes-ltd.com/contactus.swf

Wedding in Bangladesh

2009-03-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

www.weddingbd.blogspot.com

Boutique House: Nillajon Polli

2008-09-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

NIlajon Polli prides themselves in promoting the concept of swadeshi movement. They patronise, through their designs, the concept of self reliance and uphold tradition. Although much famed for their work on jamdani, this season they have chosen katan to work on.

Saris in suta katan are range from Tk 3,500 to Tk 20,000, Net katan and tissue katan between Tk 5000-15000, hand embroidered muslin katan starting from Tk 15000. Katan shalwar kamiz are available between Tk 4000-15000.

Men can chose from their selection of jamdani and cotton pajanbi, hand and machine embroidered within Tk 2500.

Boutique House: Aranya

2008-09-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Aranya is pleased to announce its exciting Eid Collection in a range of natural colours, now in-store! Witness the revival of beautiful Jamdani from museum collections abroad, traditional Kantha saris with patterns derived exclusively from traditional Kanthas in new colour palettes and limited edition hand block printed saris, combined with hand designed aanchals in silk with an extensive range of weaves and prints in silk, tussar, crepe and endi cotton blends, and accessories in new prints, weaves, textures and embroideries. Select your own Eid specials while stock lasts.

The past decade has seen innumerable changes in and around Dhaka city, one of them being the sudden upsurge in the number of boutiques and fashion houses mushrooming in every nook and cranny. While most fashion houses drown in a sea of mediocrity, Aranya is a boutique with a difference. Over the years it has created a niche of its own, and have held the patrons in an enchanted rapture.

Aranya's journey started with the objective to revive the traditional skills of Bangladeshi weavers and artisans that were fizzling out with the passing of time. Through extensive use of indigenous raw materials, Aranya has played a role in creating job opportunities for many weavers who were slowly going out of business. Ruby Ghuznavi, Managing Director of Aranya Crafts Ltd, believes that if these indigenous fabrics and other raw materials can be popularised for extensive use by the masses, the employment sector of our economy can be boosted to a great extent.

In this era and age of synthetic and chemical dyes, Aranya has set itself in an altogether different pedestal, with its contribution to the revival of natural dyes through its indefatigable efforts spanning the past 26 years. With in-depth research, a wide palette of 30 colour-fast natural dyes have already been established, which includes different vibrant shades of blue, green, brown, purple, red and more. Contrary to popular myths that natural dyes are dull and faded, Aranya has made available beautiful traditional attires in lively colours suitable for both day wear and evening wear.

Yet another misconception is that natural dyes are not colourfast; they fade away within a few washes. “Any fabric will lose its brightness if you don't handle it the way it is supposed to be handled,” says Ruby Ghuznavi. “Washing with harsh detergents and exposure to scorching sunshine will take away the vibrancy from any fabric. But if you take proper care in washing the clothes a little delicately, natural dyes are just as colourfast as any chemical dye.”

When it comes to fashion, Aranya prefers sticking to classic styles rather than following the trend, because craft development is their main priority. Restoring the pristine beauty of Bangladeshi craft and designs is given more importance than incorporating modern adaptations. Aranya, interestingly, does not have one individual designer. Rather, their designs are products of teamwork, and can come from anyone in the organization.

Recently, Aranya has revived two Jamdanis, one that had been stored in the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK and the second one acquired from an ardent Japanese collector. “The process was a long one, but well worth it” Ruby Ghuznavi opines. According to her, Jamdanis are too precious to meddle with, so she prefers keeping the designs intact and does not allow any alterations to the original motifs. However, Kantha saris are sometimes given a slight modification in the designs, but the inspirations are always drawn from old designs. “An old Kantha sari may have beautiful kolka motifs in the border, so we sometimes incorporate the kolka motifs in the aanchal to magnify its beauty.”

With its strong commitment to quality maintenance, Aranya has won the hearts of customers home and abroad. Recently, Aranya is working on some orders placed by the Taj Hotel of India. Aranya is considering this to be a breakthrough since it is already interested in exporting its products to the huge market that exists in India. Aranya Crafts Ltd. also has a training centre where interested learners are trained in the crafts of dyeing and weaving. Eager learners have already come from Bhutan, Pakistan and the UK to receive training, while Aranya has arranged training workshops in countries like Malaysia, Turkey, UK and India. Expatriate Bangladeshis are also major buyers of Aranya's products.

The apprehensions that were raised about commercial viability of natural dyes when Aranya started out have gradually been smoothed out. Aranya is now a recognized brand name and has been lauded for its undiminished determination to the revival and maintenance of Bangladeshi crafts. Ruby Ghuznavi, however, shares some of this appreciation with the media. “The continued support that we have received from the media should definitely be recognized. Media has always played a proactive role in reviving the craft sector of our country, and the assistance has been unprecedented.”

Faced against the continuous evolution of the Dhaka fashion scene and the ever-changing tastes of the customers combined with their hunger for uniqueness and variety, Aranya continues to follow its very own trend and wow its customers with its unique creations. Our country, being a reservoir for some of the finest skilled craftsmen and weavers producing delicate weaves of world class quality, holds vast opportunities to experiment with and create work that could only be called sheer genius; and Aranya is doing just that. It continues to be in a league of its own.

Address:
Aranya, 60 Kemal Attaturk Avenue, Banani.

(By Wasia Mehnaz Minna, Photo Courtesy: Aranya)
Collected From The Daily Star

Boutique House: Labonno

2008-09-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

BOUTIQUE Labonno offers exquisite designs in hand stitch work, machine embroidery, block, sequins and karchupi in their eid collection that is set to dazzle. The entire range covers saris, shalwar kamiz, panjabi, fatua, ornaments and children's wear.

The shalwar kamiz are made in bold cuts and the creative designs of the neckline would add the extra something everyone craves during Eid. Skilful work in karchupi, sequins, mirror, block and hand embroidery sets the designs apart. There has been a predominant use of cotton, to make the prices more attractive to the consumers.

Predominantly in bright colours, the men's wear consisting of panjabi and fatua, speak of youthfulness. Common materials like cotton and khadi have been revamped to create trendy outfits. Besides, exclusive party wear are available in silk and half silk.

Showroom Addresses:

308 Plaza A.R. Mirpur Road, Dhaka and
100/B, Shukrabad, Mirpur Road, Dhaka. Tel# 01819220479

Boutique House: Bangla

2008-09-24T22:59:00.001-07:00

Eid and Puja are two of the major religious festivals that are fervently celebrated every year in Bangladesh. This year, the celebrations are to be extra special with Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja almost overlapping, with only a matter of a few days in between.

Which is why, Bangal decides to go that extra mile to make this holiday as unique as possible. This year, their collection constitutes of three-piece kamiz suits, fatuas and panjabi with exclusive handloom textiles from Narsinghdi, Shirajganj and Comilla. Also available is a collection of hand painted panjabi and kamiz.

The three-piece suits are available at Tk 850-Tk 2500; ladies fatua at Tk 300-Tk 1200; men's fatua at Tk 250-Tk 900; panjabi at Tk 4500-Tk 1500 and T-shirts at Tk 150- Tk 500.

Boutique House: Nipun

2008-09-24T22:53:00.000-07:00

For long 35 years, Nipun has served the fashionistas of the country. The connoisseurs are aware of Nipun's contribution towards promoting traditional looms and crafts. The collections have not only featured seasonal variations but also highlighted the festivities surrounding our lives.

This Eid, the motifs have been influenced from Europe, Asia and Islamic Arabia. Intricate works of hand block prints, screen print, embroidery, karchupi, and sequins will please the clientele, as they have in the past.

Addresses:

38, free school street kathal bagan, dhaka.
23/a, free school street, panthapath.
Husain plaza, H#1, R#12, dhanmondi.
Adel plaza, 1/1 mirpur road, lalmatia.
500/a, R#8, dhanmondi.
Hair street, wari.
West jinda bazar, sylhet.

Boutique House: O2

2008-09-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

GOing truly diverse, has launched an exquisite collection of saris along with their regular line of women's and men's wear. Designed by Supratik Sen from India, “Kalpana - the dream evoked collection” is a mixture of classic sophistication and modern uniqueness.

Saris in the “Kalpana” collection have been done in silks, crepes and georgette and fabrics hailing from as far as Surat, India. Ranging in colours from aristocratic reds and blacks to shocking pinks and ultramarine blues, these Saris go against the so hyped up trend of simplicity and make a bold fashion statement with heavy embellishments. The very in fabric when it comes to saris, Muslin has been consciously left out to keep the collection atypical.

The zameen of the saris have been embellished with hand blocked motifs, embroidery and sequins. Some saris have been custom dyed with bright colours to make them stand out in any party. Pieces of Katan have been patched together to create borders alongside zari and lace. Moreover, contrasting colours of velvet used both as strips for borders and as appliqué has given a new dimension to hand embellishments. Jute cotton has also been used as a unique embellishment. Another very in thing used in this collection is netting in the aanchals. Every sari has been hand worked to create a very unique one of a kind piece.

The collection also has some custom-made exclusive shalwar kamiz sets that are set apart in their use of colour combinations and fabrics.

The great thing about the “Kalpana” collection is that no two pieces are alike and even the similar pieces have their own uniqueness differentiated with either colour or embellishment. The amount of work that went into per sari is mind blowing thus justifying the price range for the collection. Prices for the saris range from Tk 3, 500 to Tk 30, 000 and the shalwar kamiz sets are available from Tk 1, 500 to Tk 10, 000.

Apart from his collection Supratik has also collaborated with Goutam Saha for saris and anarkalis. Saris in this collection have used a lot of glass nylon and mixed polyester giving the saris a very fragile, demure and sophisticated look. Anarkalis have been done in soft shades of pinks, blues and greens with detailed embroideries of katan, Brocade and block. The katan and gold embroideries have been antiqued to evoke a sense of romanticism of the bygone era of the days when anarkalis originated.

As usual O2 also has one of the best collections of men's wear out for Eid. Taking traditional designs to the next level are O2's short panjabis and kurtas. They range from plain white with minimal design details in black and white to really gorgeously embroidered and sequined dark coloured ones. Colours range from black, chocolate, deep crimson and blues. Regular panjabis are done in mostly white with some other light colours like pinks and blues.

O2 has also launched their footwear for both men and women. The line of women footwear has already grabbed the attention of the crowd. Range from very traditional straps to modern ones men's line is also not falling behind.

So make sure to go and browse at O2's outlet in Banani, Road 12 and whether you are shopping for yourself or someone else, you will be sure to find something irresistibly unique, different and sophisticated.

Address:
Banani, Road 12, Dhaka.

Shokh

2008-09-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

Shokh Boutique presents a variety of stylish salwar kameezes with elegant embroidery and gorgeous karchupi work. Fashionable saris with delicate embroidery and beadwork done on a variety of material ranging from silk to chinon to chiffon, are also on display. Apart from these, fotuas, children's wear and men's panjabis are also available within reasonable price ranges. The concept and styling of the dresses are unique as always, while keeping quality and comfort in mind.

Shokh Boutique caters for quality dresses at reasonable prices. You can easily view and have access to some of the latest creations either by visiting the boutique's outlet yourself or by logging into www.shokhboutique.com.

Address:
In Dhanmondi at the junction of Satmasjid Road and Road 9/A.

Emprint

2008-09-22T03:44:00.000-07:00

Designer Farzana Yusuf has managed to creatively balanced surface decoration and beautiful traditional embroidery techniques with an emphasis on modern cuts and silhouettes. The collection includes zardozi mixed with aari and karchopi techniques on saris, shalwaar kamiz, blouses and tops. Hand block printed on khadi shalwar kamiz and saris that are perfect to welcome guests on the morning of Eid day, and also as gifts!

Emprint takes great pride in their attitude towards quality and workmanship of their products.
Emprint has taken a small initiative of working on reviving this traditional technique.

Prices:

Prices of embroidered saris start from Tk 8500 and shalwar kamiz from Tk 2800, the tops and blouses from Tk 1600 onwards.

Address:

The Emprint Eid collection is now available at their outlet, Shop # 17A, Rupayan Golden Age, Gulshan Avenue.

Doorjee

2008-09-22T03:41:00.000-07:00

Doorjee has created design in lieu with the customer's taste and sense of styling. The patrons themselves have regarded Doorjee as a boutique with a difference. That is why Doorjee stands for trendy, elegant and unique fashion statements.

The forte of the boutique has been hand block prints, intricate work of karchupi, and detail embroidery on silk, georgette, crepe and cotton. Embellishments in vibrant work with sequins and stones have given their Eid collections a distinct grace this year. A bright colour scheme chosen has been chosen from suave maroon, to elegant black and sizzling red.

The georgette kameez are priced between Tk 2000 Tk 5000, and cotton kamiz between TK 1000 TK 2500.

Address:

Doorjee, House # 7, Road # 23/A, Gulshan- 1, (Near Gulshan-1 Post Office).

Http://doorjee.bangladeshinfo.com

Aziz Super Market

2008-09-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

With the Eid and Puja shoppers rushing all over the city to buy something new and fashionable to wear for the festivities, Aziz Super Market provides a unique experience. Devoid of the glitz and glamour of the super malls, the corridors are dark, the shops dimly illuminated. But there is no dearth of activity in this market, once exclusively a den for intellectuals to mingle among the bookstores, now flooded with 17 stores selling clothes. But the uniqueness of this shopping area can be detected through the interesting names of the shops, which are all Bangla names, a refreshing change from English sounding appellations that are often mispelt or used totally inappropriately. Britto, Swadeshi, Pheriwala, Dhak Dhol, Hodai, 1971, Shada Mata, these are some of the names that reflect a growing urge to establish a Bangladeshi identity. Set up mostly by artists from the Fine Arts Institute or Charukala, the clothes sold are reasonably priced and all made in Bangladesh. Fotuas, punjabis, shalwar kamiz, T shirts and saris -all have the trademark of a particular designer and provide mainly middle-class customers, with a much-needed, affordable market for trendy clothes.

- COLLECTED. (The Daily Star, September 19,2008. By ZAHEDUL I KHAN)

Tourism In Bangladesh

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1. INTRODUCTION

Tourism is one of the initiators of people's movement, a facilitator for exchange of knowledge, a provider of pleasure, a way to enjoy leisure, and a means to enrich culture. There was a time when only the elite classes had the time and money to enjoy traveling. Especially before fifties of the twentieth century, travel was the privilege of a few rich, affluent and perhaps adventurous people. Things have since changed much. Today the rise in the standard living of people in several developed and developing countries along with the fast technological revolution in transport industry has brought overseas holiday within the rich of middle and even working class. Besides, the emergence of cheap holiday through non-scheduled carriers has brought about a major revolution in the concept of holiday package. Thus, the concept of tourism has now acquired a wider significant among the mass people.

2. ATTRACTIVE BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is situated on the north-eastern side of the South Asian subcontinent and is bordered by India in the east, west and north; by a small part of Myanmar in the south-east and by the bay of Bengal in the south. Bangladesh is mainly a flat alluvial plain, criss-crossed by the world's three mighty river systems, namely the Padma, the Jamuna and the Meghna and their innumerable tributaries. The land mass of Bangladesh is home to 120 million people. The hill districts are situated in the eastern fringes of the country reaching an average elevation of 660 meters. The slopes and valleys are covered with virgin forests that are home to numerous flora and fauna. In the south are the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest and the habitat of the Royal Bengal1iger. The climate of Bangladesh is sub-tropical with a hot and humid summer and a cool and dry winter. Annual rainfall ranges from 160 to 200 cm. The best period to visit Bangladesh is from November to March when a temperature ranges from 13.50 C to 26.50 C.

3. TOURISM IN BANGLADESH:

Tourism in Bangladesh is a slowly developing foreign currency earner. The country has everything to attract international and domestic tourists.
In the northern part, comprising of the Rajshahi division, there are archaeological sites, including the temple city Puthia in Rajshahi; the largest and most ancient archaeological site, Mahasthangarh in Bogra; the single largest Buddhist monastery, Paharpur in Naogaon; the most ornamental Terracota Hindu temple in Bangladesh Kantaji Temple, and many Rajbaris or palaces of old Zamindars.

In the south-western part, mainly the Khulna Division, there is the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest of the world with Royal Bengal Tiger and spotted deer. The historically and architecturally important sixty domed mosque in Bagerhat is a notable site.

In the south-eastern part, which is the Chittagong division, there are mainly natural and hilly scenarios along with sandy sea beaches. The most notable beach is the longest unbroken sandy sea beach in the world in Cox's Bazaar.

In the north-eastern part, Sylhet division, there is a green carpet of tea plants on small hillocks. Natural reserved forests are great attractions. Migratory birds in winter, particularly in the Haor areas, are also very attractive in this area.

Nature and categories of tourist attractions in bangladesh

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4. Nature and categories of tourist attractions:

Bangladesh is an exotic destination. It is magical tapestry woven with the threads of hope, struggle and love. It has a host of tourist treasures to off to tourists. Bangladesh is a combination of verdant forests, riverine countryside, and long stretches of sub-bathed beaches, fearsome wilds, meandering rivers and venerable shrine. Others include lakes, hills, tribal life, archaeological remains (including historical moments, folklore, and religious and cultural heritage), and much more. The following are some important tourist attractions in Bangladesh.

4.1. Natural Beauty Attractions:

Bangladesh is covered with diversified natural objects, all creating unique scenic beauty throughout. The country is a boon of nature and is gifted with immense natural beauty and diversity. As a land of captivating beauty, Bangladesh has got many natural things to offer to the visitors. These include emerald green villages with exotic rural life, breath taking view of the country-side, beautiful evergreen virgin forests wearing varying colours in different seasons, unspoiled nature with serenade of singing birds, different wild lives in different forests, etc. Besides, colorful forested hill streams of Sylhet and Chittagong areas, the open valleys, sea beaches, panoramic tea gardens in Sylhet region, innumerable rivers, small and big lakes are also important natural beauty elements of the country. Its landscape, emerald green crop fields, colorful countryside, and the plain land throughout the country have made it a uniquely beautiful country in the world. Above all, about 145 million warm-harted people have made the country a unique and fascinating tourist spot in the world.

The beautiful and picturesque Chittagong Hill Tracts have full to scenic appeal for all classes of tourists, local and foreign. The hilly Sylhet beded with its tea gardens is situated at the northwestern part of Bangladesh amidst picturesque secnic tropical forests and innumerable medium sized hill streams. Sylhet is the biggest tea producer zone of Bangladesh. There are more than 150 tea gardens here. The Sylhet Valley has got in tis proud possession the largest three tea gardens, both in area and production, of the world.

The world largest (120 km.) natural unspoiled and unbroken shark free sandy sea beaches of Cox’x Bazar and its adjacent areas should appeal very much to the tourists for natural recreation ins solitude. Cox’s Bazar Sea beach is situated in the backdrop of lush green hills. Another sea beach, Kuakata, which islocally known as the ‘Sagar Kanya’ (daughter of the sea) offers a unique opportunity to see the full view of rising and setting sun in a calm environment. Tourists from western countries like to move and sunbathe in the soft sunshine on the sandy sea beach.

4.2. Adventure Attractions:

Tourists want access to thrilling experience. Wildlife based tourism, described as ‘Safari’ earlier, is now called adventure travel. “Wildlife oriented travel represents a major trend in tourism today. What once was best described as ‘Safari’ now carries labels such as ‘Adventure Travel’ and Ecotour’ a journey to an exotic spot where moder human society has not displaced the indigenous wildlife. Moving in and around Sundarbans and Chittagong Hill districts offer unique and challenging opportunity for adventure tourists. “ Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the star attractions and Bangladesh is one of the few countries where one can find them.

4.3. Eco-Attractions:

The idea of tourism, once centered at Pyramids or Hanging Gardens, has now changed throughout the world and the theme now focuses on the enjoyment and conservation of nature and culture. Eco-tourism means environmentally responsible and culturally sustainable tourism which promotes visit of the tourists to relatively unexplored natural areas with some specific objects of (i) having to total experience through enjoying and studying the scenery, natural plants and wild animals; (ii) resulting in social and economic benefits to the society in general and local community in particula ; and (iii) promoting conservation of natural and cultural features (both present and past) of that society. Bangladesh is blessed with two of the world’s splendid and enchanting ecotourism spots of diverse nature the Sundarbans and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The world largest mangrove forest ‘sundarbans’, three hill districts in Chittagong Hill Tracts the tourists’ paradise, and the tea plantations in Sylhet are the heaven place. Innumerable rivers and rivulets, some islands, lakes, forests, wildlives, glorious tribal life and their exotic culture, and the traditional simpel life style of the rurla people are also attractive sight of Bangladesh.All these products are the pride of Bangladesh and have tremendous demand to the eco-tourists of the world.

4.4. Riverside Attractions :

Geographically, Bangladesh is characterized by the mighty Ganges and Jamuna rivers and their myriad tributaries which produce a remarkable 5,222 kilometers of navigable waterways, a distance which almost doubles during the monsoon season. Nature has gifted Bangladesh with this vast reverine experience. Thousand of rivers and rivulets flowing form the north to the south and watering the land throughout have crisscrossed the country. BPC and some private tour operators have also introduced river cruise services to enable the tourists to discover the riverine-beauty.

4.5. Historical and Heritage Attractions:

Bangladesh is a newly born state in an ancient land full of historical and heritage attractions. During its more than two thousand years of eventful history, many illustrious Kings and Sultans have ruled and disappeared and have left their marks in the shape of magnificent cities as well as monuments throughout the country . The country’s historical legacy is composed of various stands, including Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and British. These historical places, archaeological sites, monuments, and similar other objects are available throughout the country to symbol and present out tradition and civilization.

Old ancient Buddhist relics at Paharput, Mahasthangarh, and Mainamati as part of mankind’s indivisible heritage. The Buddhist settlements of the 8th to 12 the century A.D. known as Mainamati Lalmai range situated in the center of the district of comilla. Salban Vihar, Kotila Mura, Charpatra Mura are the main features of the area.

The capital city Dhaka predominantly was a city of the Mughals. In hundred years of their vigorous rule successive Governors and Princely Viceroys who ruled the province, adorned it with many noble monuments in the shape of magnificent palaces, mosques, tombs, fortifications and ‘katras’ often surrounded with beautifully laid otu gardens and vavilions.

4.6. Cultural Attractions:

Bangladesh is heir to a rich cultural legacy and traditions. It has a rich heritage of Daces, arts and music featuring both traditional Bengali artists and various hill tribes. A variety of music viz- Classical, folk & modern; dances viz- classical, tribal & middle eastern traits, films viz- shor/long, dramas viz- open air & indoor stage have got a deep foundation in Bangladesh and are considered as parts of the people’s life. BPC sometimes, arranges live cultural shows in its cruise vessels.

4.7. Human Attractions:

The most attractive cultural object of a country is its people. A true tourist wants to see and study all about the people of a country. There are about 145 million people in Bangladesh having diversified traditions, customs, beliefs, feelings, and ways of living. The rural people live on different occupations including farmers, peasants, cottage industry holders, fishermen, carpenters, blacksmiths, boatmen, washer men, barbers, etc. They are very social and pious and lead a very simple life.

The unique custom and costumes of tribal families indicate the ancient traditions and cultural heritage. Their traditions, customs, costumes and cultural heritages are important fascinating objects of pleasure for tourists.

The mixture of diverse race of the pre Aryan racial including primitive tribes viz- the Kols, the Sabaras, the Pulindars, the Hadi, the Dom, the Chandala and others. The Proto-Austroloid, the Dravidians, the Mongoloids viz- Chakmas and others represents distinctive racial features for Bangladesh.

4.8. Recreational Attractions:

Tourism activities consists of some Ss which stands for sea, sands, snow, sun, scenery, sight seeing shopping, sex, and show. Bangladesh has got most of the Ss excepting snow and sex. Here, sex is one of the important Ss. After roaming, visiting, seeing, and swimming, tourists move towards hotels to enjoy grand hospitality and take rest. Here tourists like to through his exhausted body on the milky white bed soft and inviting for the warmth of a woman giving him pleasure. Arrangement of such pleasure is not allowed. Of course, some hotels in the destination areas arrange such nightlife facilities in a very restricted and secret manner and behind the screen.

4.9. Religious Attractions:

The religious beliefs of the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Animists and other tribal people in Bangladesh have shaped their way of life and can present a variety of customs, traditions and culture for tourists.

4.10. Fair and Festival Attractions:

Fairs and festivals are the part and parcel in the life of our people in Bangladesh. These are the principal means of enjoying pleasure, getting companion of others, and exchanging greetings with each other.

Place of tourist attractions in bangladesh

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5. PLACES OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

5.1. Dhaka:
The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture, known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin; it has attracted travelers from far and nearer throughout in all the ages. It has a history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla, kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, batches, country boats, motor launches, paddle-steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity. Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors.

Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are:

Mosque:
Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Rose Garden (Rajbari), Atia Mosque (Mugal Element), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century).

Hindu Temples:
Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission.

Churches :
Armenian Church (1781). St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon.

Lalbagh Fort :
It was built in 1687 A.D., by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista Khan now housing a museum.

1857 Memorial (Bhahudar Shah Park):
Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857 - 59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged.

Ahsan Manzil Museum:
On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab.

Curzon Hall:
Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture.

Dhaka Zoo:
Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here.

National Museum:
Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods.

Botanical Garden:
Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip.

National Park:
Situated at Rejendrapur, 40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc.

Central Shahid Minar:
Symbol of Bangladesh nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. Hundred and thousands of people with floral wreaths & bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight.

Buddhist Monastery:
Kamalapur Buddhist Monastry. National Poet's Graveyard: Revalutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam diend on the 26 th August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University.

Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden):
Popular Park. The oath for independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes.

Mausoleum of National Leaders:
Location at the south western corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Shree - Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimmuddin.

Banga Bhaban:
The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have a outside view.

Baldha Garden:
It has a rare collection of botanical plants and flowers. Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel.

National Assembly:
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn, has distinctive architectural features. It may be called an architectural wonder of this region.

Science Museum:
Located at Agargaon, the Museum is a modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries.

National Memorial:
Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain, sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation.

Sonargaon:
About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is one of the oldest capital of Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here.

Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops, Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of Tongi, Narayanganj Demra, Tejgaon. Cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making. Last but not least travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka streets is a rewarding experience.

Chittagong

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5.2 Gateway To The Bay Of Bengal:

With a picturesque hinterland of large hill forests and lakes. Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy of Bangladesh and a busy international sea port. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. It combines the hump of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar and Calcutta by Air.

Places of Interest:

5.2.1. Sharine of Byazid Bostami:

This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large tank with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.

5.2.2. World War II Cemetery
In this well preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from Commonwealth countries and Japan.

5.2.3. Foy's Lake

Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal sport for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.

5.2.4. Ethnological Museum
A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

5.2.5. Court Building

Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city particularly at night. Day long attractive sightseeing is organized in Chittagong by TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) during tourist season.

5.2.6. Patenga Beach

Patenga is the sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli.

5.2.7. Sitakund

About 40 km from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hinduy Temple and the Buddist Temple. There is a hot water spring 5 km to the north of Sitakund. Other important places of interest include Shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal Port Area, Marine Academy, Biponi Bitan (New Market) and Government Circuit House built during British days.

5.2.8. Cox’s Bazar

The tourist capital Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colourful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea food this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest unbroken (120 km) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The beach is good for bathing, sun bathing and swimming. The breath taking beauty of the sun setting behind the waves of the sea is captivating. Attractive local variety of cigars and handloom products of the Rakhyne tribal families are good buys. Their unique customs and costumes attract visitors. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visits to the fascinating picnic spot at Himchair, Teknaf, southern most tip of Bangladesh, Buddist temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia, St. Martin and Moheskhali are memorable experience of a life time. Government has taken initiatives to develop Sonadia as an exclusive beach resort.

5.2.9. Hill Tracts Districts

Hill Tracts Districts - world of panoramic beauty The hill Tracts Districts with its perenial forest, thrilling drives through hills and dales, emerald blue water of Kaptai lake, colourful tribal life and culture, attractive handicrafts and artisans beackons you to a world of panoramic beauty mother nature has so lavishly unfolded. Greater Hill Tracts is dividend into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban each one equally unique in its attractions.

Rangamati - Kaptai

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5.3. Rangamati - The Heart of The Lake District:

From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidt green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma etc.) its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage accommodation, catering, speed boat and other facilities at Rangamati.

5.4. Kaptai:

A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. It is the famous man made Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having beautiful Buddist statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque surrounding.

Sylhet - Tamabil

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5.5. Sylhet - Land Of Two Leaves And A Bud:

Next to the Hill Tracts, Sylhet is the widely hilly district in the country. Nestled in the picturesque Surma valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forest, it is a prime attraction for all tourists. Its terraced tea gardens, eye catching orange groves and pineapple plantations and hills covered with tropical forests form a beautiful landscape. the Sylhet valley has a good number of haors which are big natural wetlands. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These haors provide sanctuary to the million of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold. Srimangal in Sylhet, known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the main tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sythet is a memorable experience Sylhet the tea granary of Bangladesh , not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses the tree largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production. Sylhet is also known as the land of the famous Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Halal the great torch bearer of Islam to the region. The Shrine of this great saint is located at Sylhet town. Colourful Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribes live in Sylhet. Monipuri tribal maidens are famous for their dance. Sylhet is also well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts of cane and bamboo. Sylhet is linked with Dhaka by rail road and air.

5.5.1. Tamabil

Tamabil - Jaflong Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border out post on Sylhet- shilong Road, about 55 km away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills. Other places of tourist attraction in Sylhet include Moulvibazar, Janitipur, Madhabakunda and Haripur gas field.

Sundarbans

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5.6. Sundarbans - Home Of The Royal Bengal Tiger & Mangrove Forest:

Located near Khulna about 320 Km. west of Dhaka. Here in the south, spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans (beautiful forest)- the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its dense rain forests are criss crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife in this region are cheetahs, spotted dears, moneys, pythons, wild bears and hyenas. The forest is accessible by river from Khulna and Mongla. There are rest houses for the visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty. Spending some times inside the forest can be a rara treat for the lovers of nature.

Kuakata - Mainamati - Mahasthangarh - Rajshai

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5.7. Kuakata:

A rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sun setting. It is located at a distance of 70 km, from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Access to the area is difficult.

5.8. Mainamati - Seat of Lost Dynasties:

About eight km. to the west of Comilla town which is situated 114 km south east of Dhaka lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of these hills lie scattered a treasure of information about the early Buddhist cMlization (7th-12th Centure A.D.). At Salban in the middle of the ridge, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihara (monastery) and imposing central sharine. It has revealed valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here from the 7th to 12th century. The whole range of hillocks run for about 18 km. and is studded with more than 50 sites. A site museum houses the archaeological finds which include terra cotta plaques, bronze statues and casket, coins, jewellery, utensils, pottery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. Museum is open Sunday-Friday and closed on Saturday. Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) established nearby in 1959 is known for its pioneering role in co-operative movement.

5.9. Mahasthangarh - The Oldest Archaeological Site:

Located at a distance of 18 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about 8 km radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodia Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still held to be of great sancitity by the Hindus. Every year (mid - April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to the Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for one a wide variety of antiquities, ranging form terra-cotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulki Mahisawary and Gokul Moth in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

5.10. Rajshai - A Natural Silk Producing Centre:

Rajshahi has seen the most glorious periods of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, mangoes and lichis. Attractive silk products are cheaper. A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city of rich archaeological finds, would be most rewarding. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air, Rajshahi is located on the bank of the Padma river. Bangladesh Parjathan Corporation offers comfortable accommodation and restaurant facilities at Rajshahi.

Natore - Paharpur - Dinajpur - Mymensingh

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5.11. Natore Place Of Dighpatiya Rajbari:

About 40km. from Rajshahi by road is Natore, an old seat of Maharajas with a beautiful palace, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (President's Official residence of the northern region). It was residence of the Dighapatiya Raj. It is situated amid well kept ground surrounded by a fine moat. The buildings are modern. They include a well equipped guest house, an imposing gateway and a fine garden decorated with statues of white marble. *Guided Tours in Natore TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) arranges guided package tours for groups of 2 to 8 and above from Dhaka to Natore.

5.12. Paharpur - The Largest Buddhist Seat Of Learning:

Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular cout, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15th. in height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South - East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terra-cotta plaques, images of different goods and goddesses, potteries, coin inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. Interest tourists may avail "Palace & Archeological Tour Dhaka - Natore - Rajshahi- paharpur - Mahasthangarh - Bogra - Natore - Dhaka" offered by TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) to visit most of the interesting places in the northern Bangladesh.

5.13. Dinajpur - Old Ornamental Temple Town:

The northern most district of the country, offers a number of attractions to the visitors. The Ransagar (great sea) lake with rest houses is a good picnic spot having facilities for fishing and rowing in a serene and quiet green countryside atmosphere. Kantanager temple, the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is situated near Dinajpur town. It was build by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752 A.D. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terra-cotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric motifis, mythological scenes and an astonishing array to contemporary social scenes and favourite pastimes. The Maharaja's palace with relics of the past centuries and local museum are worth a visit. *Guided Tours in Dinajpur TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) arranges guided package tours for groups of 2 to 8 and above from Dhaka to Dinajpur.

5.14. Mymensingh - The Heart Of Bengal's Folklore:

From the foot of the Garo Hills in the north down to the plains of Dhaka in the south lies greater Mymensingh. Along the northern frontier of the district there are many aboriginal tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis who are ethnically quiet distinct from the people around them. Mymensingh has earned a notable position in Bengali literature as the birth place or rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from Dhaka to mymensing there is a national park and game sanctuary at Madhupur about 160 km. from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve forests in the area with rest houses and picnic spots. World famous painter Zainul Abedin's Art Gallery at Mymensingh carries the boyhood memories of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

Other places of Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

5.15. Other places of tourist interest include the following:

5.15. 1. Shilaidaha Kuthibari

Shilaidaha Kuthibari Carries memory of the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore who made frequent visits to this place and used to stay in connection with the administration of his jamindari and enriched Bengali literature through his writings during that time. It is located at a distance of about 20 km. from Kushita town.

5.15. 2. Shahjadpur kuthibari

Shahjadpur kuthibari about 75 km. from Pabna town, it is also a historical place connected with the frequent visits of poet Rabindranath Tagore.

5.15. 3. Sagardari

Sagardari Birth place of modern Bengali poet Michael Madhusudhan Datta who first introduced sonnet in Bengali poetry. Located at a distance of about 90 km. from Jessore town.

5.15. 4. Meherpur

Meherpur Memorial Located at a distance of about 7 km. from the town of Meherpur. First provisional revolutionary Government of Bangladesh was declared here on 14 April during the liberation war in 1971. A monument has been built to commemorate this occasion.

Park/Sanctuaries

2008-09-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

5.16. Park/Sanctuaries:

5.16.1. Baldha Garden

Baldha Garden Unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of Dhaka city (opposite Christian Cemetery), the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists. Dividend into two units: `Psyche' meanings the mother goddess of nature, the garden house about 1500 plants and trees covering 672 species and 87 families. Many of them are rare plants procured from about 50 different countries of the world. Papyrus, Amazou Lily, Victoria Regia, Camelias (Camellia japonica) Ashoke tree, Baobab (Adansonia digital) Century flower plant (Fureraea gigantea), Canyehor and Sugar palm of Philippines are some of the rare collections. A lovely lily pond inside the `Psyche' and a sun dial are worth visiting. The tombs of the founder and his son are located within `Cybele'.

5.16.2. National Botanical Garden

National Botanical Garden Located at Mirpur, near the Dhaka Zoo. Spread over an area of 205 acres of land. It has a collection of nearly 100 species of local and foreign plants. Outstanding attractions are 100 varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 varieties of bamboos in the bamboo grove, varieties of sandal wood and an old banyan tree. A quiet place out of the main city to meet the nature.

5.16.3. Dhaka Zoological Gardens

Dhaka Zoological Gardens Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo and located at a distance of about 16 km. from the Dhaka city centre. Establiushed on 230 acres of land. It has nearly 1400 animals and birds belonging to 124 species latest addition being the Kangaroo and Tapir. Busy enclosures are those of lions, Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthers, Deers, Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Pythons, Crocodiles, Elephants, colourful birds and other animals. A zoological museum with stuffed animals and birds is rich in collection. Angling and picnic facilities available inside the zoo besides Kiosks and restaurants.

5.16.4. National Park

National Park Situated at Bhawal, 40km, north of Dhaka Trishal - Mymensingh Highway. An ideal spot for visitors, artists, photographers, omithologists and tourists. A vast (16,000 acres) national recreational forest. Main flora is Garjan (Assam Sal) and fauna includes small tigers, leopards, foxes, pythons, lizards and many local birds. A 1000 metre long meandering man made lake having angling and rowing facilities, the flower gardens inside are added attraction to natural beauty. Mere walking or lazing under the shade of trees is pleasant. 20 picnic spots., 6 rest houses of the forest department with comfortable bed and modern amenities are available inside the national park. Prior premission/booking may be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer.

Museums of Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

5.17. Museums:

5.17. 1. National Museums

National Museums Established as Dhaka Museum in 1913. It has been renamed as the National Museum and was shifted to its new building at shahbag in 1983. It is a four storied building and has forty galleries under four departments, namely (1) Natural History, (2) History and Classical Art, (3) Ethnography and Decorative Art and (4) Contemporary art and world civilization. The museum contains a large number of interesting collection including sculptures and paintings of the Buddhist and Muslim periods. It also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images, books on art, ivory and silver filigree works, textiles including the world famous muslim fabric embroidered quilt (Nakshi Kantha), arms and ammunitions of the bygone warriors, varieties of fine handicrafts and models of the village and town life, contemporary paintings and sculptures. Above all, the valuable articles of the heroic liberation war of Bangladesh are also there.

5.17. 2. Folk Art Museum

The Folk Art Museum was established in 1975 to fulfill the dream of the celebrated painter Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. The Museum has a very rich collection of folk objects of different materials and forms of aesthetic and utilitarian values. These undoubtedly reflect the sentiments, impulse, temperament, moods, idiosyncracy skill and expertise of the artists and artisans. It is a national traditional art heritage of Bangladesh, exhibiting objects of exceptional design and skill. Open: Saturday - Wednesday 9.00 am. 5.00 pm. closed Thursday, Friday & Govt, Holidays.

5.17. 3. Ethnological Museum

The ethnological museum at Chittagong stands as a milestone in our national progress. It is a place where ample facilities have been provided to carry out enthnologiczal research. This museum is recognised as one of the best specialised museum is recognised as one of the best specialised museums in south east asia. It houses objects of 12 different tribes of Bangladesh and also of many tribes of Australia, India and Pakistan.

5.17. 4. Archaeological Museums

Archaeological Museums Every place of archaeological importance houses a small archaeological museum i.e. at Lalbagh Fort, Mahasthangarh, Paharpur, and Mainamati.

5.17. 5. Varendra Museum

Varendra Museum Situated at Rajshahi. This museum has a rich collection of objects of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted to the study of ancient history an culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority. The year of its formal establishment is 1910.

5.17. 6. Tribal Museum

Tribal Museum The only Tribal Cultural Museum in the Hill Tracts region was established at Rangamati town in 1978 and run by the Tribal Cultural Institute. It preserves valuable objects and articles of different tribes depicting their socioeconomic, cultural and historical tradition. These include typical tribal dresses, ornaments, arms and ammunitions, coins, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals, musical instruments, ivory products, handicrafts, paintings on tribal life etc.

Entertainment of Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:27:00.002-07:00

5.18. Entertainment:

5.18. 1. Cinema

Dhaka has several excellent air conditioned cinema halls which screen British. American, continental and Bangladeshi films. All district towns have their own cinemas. Check the daily morning newspapers for details of current attractions.

5.18. 2. Theatre

Bengali and Bengali translations of western plays are staged frequently. Popular theatre groups are: Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday and Theatre.

5.18. 3. Cultural Shows

Cultural shows are quite frequently performed at several venues like Mohila Samity, Guide House and British Council Auditorium. Check with hotel receptions and the daily newspapers for details.

5.18. 4. Fairs, festivals & Holidays

Fairs and festivals have always plaued a significant role in the life of the citizens of this country. They derive from them a great amount of joy, entertainment and colour for life. While most of the festivals have sprung from religious rituals, the fairs have their roots in the very heart of the people, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The biggest muslim festivals are Eidul Fitr. Next comes Eid ul Azha. Other widely celebrated muslim festivals are Eid e Miladunabi, Shab - e - Barat, Ashura (10th day of Lunar Month, Muharram), and Jamt ul wide. Festivals like Durga Puja of the Hindus, Christmas of the Christians, Buddha Purnima of the Buddhists are also celebrated with equal fervour. Among the nonreligious festivals Bengali New Year's Day, Victory Day (16th December) and Independence day (26th March) are celebrated nation wide. All these festivals are marked as public holidays. Other national holidays are 21st February (National Mourning Day in memory of the martyrs of Language movement) 1st May and 7th November (National Solidarity Day).

Dance and Music of Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:27:00.001-07:00

5.19. Dance:

Classical forms of the sub continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal and middle eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances, particularly popular are Monipur and Santal.

5.20. Music:

The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories classical , folk and modern. The classical music, both vocal and instrumental is rooted in the remote past of the sub continent. Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan are two names in classical instrument music who are internationally known. Folk song nurtured through the ages by village poets, rich in devotional musticism and loveres is popular in Bangladesh. The best known forms are Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and Bhawaiya, Lalan, Hansan Raja, Abbasuddin and Abdul Alim are four great manes in flok song. Modern Bengali song pioneered by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam blended western and Middle Eastern traits with traditional forms. Contemporary patterns have more inclinations to west. Pop song and band groups are also coming up mainly in Dhaka city.

Accomodation, Tour Operators, transport service, restaurant and hotel facilities In Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

6. TOURISM FACILITIES IN BANGLADESH

6.1. Accommodation Facilities:

BPC has already set up different types of accommodation and other facilities at different places of tourism importance. For holding conferences and aranging cultural functions, BPC has established an air conditioned modern auditorium with 200 seating capacity at Rangamati and six conference halls of different capacities at Cox’s Bazar, Rangpur, Dhaka, Rajshahi and Bogra.

For tourists recreation there has have Restaurant Facilities, Amusement Facilities and Shopping Facilities, which are also opened for the foreign tourists.

6.2. Names of some important and well known hotels are listed below:

The Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel
Dhaka Sheraton Hotel
Radisson Water Garden Hotel Dhaka
The Westin Dhaka
Hotel Sarina
Grand Azad Hotel
Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort
Abakash (Parjatan Hotel)
Hotel Agrabad, Chittagong

6.3. Names of some popular restaurants are:

Atrium Restaurant
Khazana
Heritage
Sajna
Le Saigon
Koreana Restaurant
Sky Room
The White Castle Restaurant
Vintage Restaurant
Arirang

6.4. Leading Tour Operators and Major Transport Service Providers of Bangladesh:

Some of the popular tour operators:

The Guide Tours Ltd
The Bengal Tours Limited
Contic
Green Channel
Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC)
Galaxy Holidays

6.5. The names of few transport service providers:

GMG Airlines
Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Best Air
Bangladesh Railway
S. Alam Bus Service
Silk Line
Shohag Paribahan (Pvt) Ltd
Green Line Paribahan

Different Tourism Organizations in Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:18:00.000-07:00

7. ROLE OF DIFFERENT TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS IN BANGLADESH

For building image of Bangladesh different Organizations and tourism services are generally provided.

7.1. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC):

During half a century there was a tourism department in this region, which is under the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism. As a semi-autonomous organization it enjoys wide power and authority including the right to acquire and dispose property; construct and run hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities; operate duty free shop, transportation and car rental: establish and run training institutes: and invest its funds as it deems proper. The broad objectives of the formation of the BPC are as follows:

a. Creation of favorable impression in the minds of foreigners about tourist attractions in Bangladesh through disseminating information by various media and thereby undertaking promotional activities through various publicity media:
b. Creation of physical facilities for both domestic and foreign tourists by providing accommodation, catering, transportation and recreational facilities and thereby operation of the above facilities;
c. Providing with training for the development of skilled manpower for employment in the travel trade sector both at home and abroad; and
d. Regulation of tourism activities in the country.

7.2. Others notable native tour operators:

7.2.1. The Guide Tours Ltd:

It is the largest tour operator in Bangladesh. Its domestic tours cover most of the tourist spots in Bangladesh and outbound tours include Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Mynmar, India, Thailand, Combodia, Vietnam and Laos.

The Bengal Tours Ltd.,Unique Tours and Travels, Kushiara Tourism Ltd., Sunfine Travels International, Tour planners, Intraco (Bangladesh) Ltd., Green Channel, Tour Bangla, Journey Plus etc. are the private tour operator in Bangladesh.

7.2.2 Airlines:

Biman Bangladesh Airlines, GMG Airlines are playing the vital role in Bangladesh for tourism sector.

7.2.3 Travel Agencies:

Travel agencies of both the destination and the tourist generating countries also play important roles in the promotion and development of tourism of a country. Bangladeshi Travel agencies acting the same as well as the neighbor countries.

7.2.4 Building better skill for building better image

7.2.4.1. National Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (NHTTI):

Skilled human resource is sine-quo-non for the development of any sector of the economy. “In order to develop human resource in tourism sector professional training is a must. With this end in view, BPC has taken the venture of human resource development for the industry. As such, the corporation (BPC) established the NHTTI in 1974. This institute gives technical assistance to upgrade the training courses.

7.2.4.1.2. The Satellite Training Center:

The NHTTI has established a Satellite Training Center in Chittagong in the july of 1993 to train the local students there. As the most attractive tourist zones of Bangladesh are in and Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong Hill Tract areas, The main motive of establishing this STC was to train the local people of the destination area.

Tourism Performance in Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:13:00.000-07:00

8. TOURISM PERFORMANCE

Tourism has become the largest industry in the world . Nearly a billion people traveled in 2007 alone, generating 35 per cent of the world’s export of services and over 70 per cent for least Developed Countries. Tourism produced annual revenue of $733 billion, or two billion a day, in 2006. By 2020 1.6 billion people are expected to trot the globe.

These are staggering numbers. Are we prepared to tap into this burgeoning industry? We are not. We have to think global. just gauge Cox’s Bazar’s tourism barometer against those of Agra, Goa or Phuket- its hardly flattering. So we have to thing that the longest beach –in-the-world tag is just not enough to bring global tourists to Cox’s Bazar.

Tourists Satisfaction

2008-09-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

9. TOURISTS SATISFACTION:

It is already mentioned that tourists’ satisfaction has been measured on the basis of impressions of the respondent tourists on the sixteen important components of tourism arrangements in Bangladesh- Quality of Attractions, Facilities Available, Accessibility to Destinations, Smoothness of Transport, Accommodation Conditions, Hygienic Food and Drinks, People & Their Way of Life, Security of Movement, Cooperation of Channel Members in Source Countries, Responsiveness of Tourism Firms in Bangladesh, Efficiency of ht Guides (Language, Knowledge and Presentation), Prices of Tourism Services, Availability of Information on Bangladesh Tourism, Attractiveness of Promotional Materials, Cultural components, Image of Bangladesh as a Tourist Destination.

Constraints to the development of tourism industry in Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

10. SOME CONSTRAINTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM INDUSTRY IN BANGLADESH:

Though tourism industry and its market have grown phenomenally worldwide, there is no significant growth and development of tourism in Bangladesh. In reality, tourism in Bangladesh is essentially at its infant stage. As a third world nation, Bangladesh has no doubt many obstacles to the development of its tourism sector. These mainly include underdeveloped infrastructure, lack of facilities, insecurity of tourists’ movements, bad image of the country, lack of sufficient investment, transportation and communication problems, introduce the country among the prospective tourists, etc. However, some constraints/obstacles faced by the tourism industry in Bangladesh to its development are given below:

Absence of Enough and Exclusive Tourist products, Absence of Peripheral Products, Underdeveloped Infrastructure, Poor Access to Destinations, Small Number of Tour Operators, inefficient National Airlines, insignificant Role of Travel Agencies, Shortage of Professional Guides, Inefficient Channel of Collection Network, Insignificant Role of Travel Agencies, Shortage of Professional Guides, Inefficient Channel of Collection Network, Higher/Unreasonable Prices of Some Components, Bad Image of an Misconception about the Country, Lack of Enough and Effective Marketing Promotion, Lack of Security, Lack of Professionally Skilled people, Absence of Appropriate Management, Absence of Marketing Principles, Resource constraints, Inadequate attention and Priority of the Government, Inadequate Role of the BPC, Frequent Changes in the Top Position of the BPC, Least Travel Minded People, Absence of Private Sector Participation.

Suggestion for reforms and Improvements in the tourism Industry of Bangladesh

2008-09-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

11. SUGGESTION FOR REFORMS AND IMPROVEMENTS:

Every sector of a developing country like Bangladesh needs to be taken care of. Tourism sector is of no exception from it. It is necessary that the concerned authority should direct their efforts to identify the problems and isolate the shortcomings first and chalk out necessary measures to eradicate those. Here above are some of the problems of the industry. It is urgently needed to pay attention to the above-mentioned core problems faced by the tourism industry in Bangladesh.

The following pragmatic measures could be taken by the concerned authorities in order to pave the way for reforms and improvements and put this sector in Bangladesh on the right track:

11.1. Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Facilities:

An improved infrastructure is the key to the expansion and of tourism activities in a destination country. The over all infrastructures existing in Bangladesh should be developed in order to facilitate tourism development in the country. For this, the Government should initiate some ambitious projects in connection with developing the overall tourism infrastructure of the country.

11.2. Adequate Finance:

The private commercial banks, specialized banks, national commercial banks, investment and leasing and investment companies offer various kinds of loans and credit skims. Specially, SME loans are now at the pick of the demand. All the financial institutions, the private and public commercial banks, leasing firms should come forward and offer easy credit or micro credit facilities for the entrepreneurs who are willing to be a part of tourism industry.

11.3. Private Sector:

Private sector should be encouraged in a massive scale to conduct their business in tourism sector. Many of the micro sectors of tourism can not be attended by the Government. So, private sector must be adequate financial support.

11.4. Political Stability and Supreme Leadership:

Now the people of Bangladesh have become conscious about their image. They know what they want form their representatives. To depict an enhanced, clear, contented and transparent image of Bangladesh political stability is must. Supreme leadership can make all impossible possible. Malaysia is now a giant as a tourist destination. Their supreme and fine leadership helped a lot to create Malaysia as a must visit destination.

11.5. Pollution Control:

As many of the sources of pollutions are unnecessary and could be reduced fairly easily and at little cost, there is no excuse for further delaying on action. Given the magnitude of the problem, and of the human suffering that results, the citizen of Bangladesh can no longer afford to neglect the issues of the pollutions. For the health, sanity, and well-being of the population, and for creating Bangladesh as a better destination for tourists, it is time that all should take this problem seriously, and begin implementing solutions. Whether as individuals, NGO staff, or members of the media, mass people can and must take specific steps to reduce the problems of pollutions.

11.6. Others:

Offer Enough and Exclusive Tourist Products, Develop Peripheral Products and Facilities to Complement Core Products, Improving and Controlling the Quality of Products and Services, Arrangements of Cultural Programs, conservation of the Tourism Components for the Future, Development of Infrastructure and Facilities, Facilitate Easy Access to Different Destinations, Establishment of More Economy Hotels in the Destination Areas, Needs as Efficient Channel of Collection Network, Building and Maintaining Relationships among the Service Providers, Set and Charge Reasonable Prices, Removing Misconceptions and Enhancing Image of the Country, Undertake Enough and Effective Marketing Promotional Activities, Designing Promotional Plans Aiming at Benefits Sought by the Tourists, Emphasis on Push communication Strategy, Opening Branches and Information counters in the Source Countries, Implementing Motivational Programs, Allowing More Discounts and offering Other Incentives, Arrange Enough Security Measures for the Tourists, Develop comprehensive Plan, Priority of the Tourism Sector in the National Development Plans, Encouraging More Private and Foreign Investments in the Tourism Sector, Ensure Proper Role of the BPC, Employ Experienced Person and Avoid Frequent Changes at the Top of the BPC, Replacing the BPC by a National Tourism Board, Improving the Image and Performance of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Development of Professional Efficiency, Better Understanding of Marketing Principles and Techniques, Development of Domestic Tourism.

Status of Bangladesh in global tourism

2008-09-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

12. STATUS OF BANGLADESH IN GLOBAL TOURISM

The current travel and tourism industry is a multi-billion dollar and growing business sector. UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) predicts that global tourism industry will benefit from more than one billion tourists by 2010, growing to 1.6 billion by 2020. This will give tourism the status of the number one industry globally.
In 2005, global travel and tourism generated an estimated $680 billion in expenditures (up from $463 billion in 2001). The number of arrivals was 842 million in 2006 (up from 806 million in 2005 and 688 million in 2001). Despite world recession, threats of terrorism, and social and political unrest, the tourism industry is booming.
Although France ranks number one among the world's 10 top destinations with about 76 million arrivals, US earns most: about $82 billion. Americans also spend more on travel and tourism. They are interested even in space tourism.
Immediately after independence, the government set up Bangladesh Parjatan Sangstha (Bangladesh Tourism Organization), with a view to develop this industry. The organization was renamed as Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation in 1973.
The 2007 economic review of the corporation states: "The foremost objectives of the corporation are to promote tourism in Bangladesh, build up positive image of the country abroad, elevate infrastructure at tourism sites, provide services to the tourists and develop tourist resources that exist in Bangladesh, creating employment opportunity in different sectors of this industry which is helpful to alleviate poverty."
I am not sure how the corporation will achieve its cherished objectives, as its profit margin decreases every year. Its 2007 economic review shows that it made a profit of Taka 115 million during 1996-2001. The figure came down to Taka 55 million during 2001-2006, although Table 1 shows that the tourist arrivals increased during this period. In 2005, Bangladesh received 208,000 tourists, which is about 5% of what India received; it is 52%, 55%, 26% and 31% of what Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka received respectively that year.
In 2004, Bangladesh earned about $67 million (Table 2) as foreign exchange earnings from tourists (those who came with tourist visa, not necessarily that they spent their money on tourism alone), which is 1.4% of what India earned; it is 14%, 26%, 9%, and 8% of what Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka earned respectively in that year.
This clearly shows that Bangladesh remains far behind neighboring countries, although it formulated a National Tourism Policy in 1992 where tourism was identified as an industry of due priority. The country's 1999 industrial policy identified tourism as a thrust sector!
Today, there are about 150 private tour operators in the country, and 78 of them formed an association called TOAB (Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh) in 1992. No Bangladesh tour operator works abroad, and no foreign tour operators work in Bangladesh.
TOAB claims that they cater to 95% of the tourists who arrive in the country. They also host most of the domestic tourists. However, they do not have any statistics on how many tourists they host every year, how big their private industry is, or what their contribution to the government treasury is.
TOAB feels that the National Tourism Policy 1992 has never been made effective. Although Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation and TOAB do not have effective cooperation at the moment, there is a feeling in both the organizations that there is much more they can do together. TOAB feels that Bangladesh's proximity to fast growing countries like India and China may allow it to share the benefits of their growth.

Potentiality of tourism development in Bangladesh

2008-09-06T23:29:00.000-07:00

13. POTENTIALITY OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh may not have any mono-symbolic tourist attraction like the Tajmahal of Agra, nor the Hanging Garden of Babylon. It also does not have the Great Wall of China, the Mount Everest of Nepal, or the Waterfall of Niagara. Then, why should tourists come and visit Bangladesh? Rather, the United stats and Europe continue to be the most visited destinations in the world. But , they are also now changing their outlooks and shifting their choices for new attractions. Most of the tourists are avoiding the popular tourism circuits and mass visited or over crowded beaten track of traditional tourist interest and are now handing towards new areas. Many of the potential international tourists are moving to visit more natural form of attractions- exploring exotic land or wildlife. They also prefer to enjoy undiscovered cultural form of attractions. Many countries improve their economies through exploiting this changing trend. Although there is huge potential for Bangladesh to reap this benefit, the country is yet touristic ally undiscovered and unexplored. The country is still unknown to the potential tourists and the industry lacks in appropriate approaches to marketing it tourism products.

21st century will see a higher percentage of the total population traveling, specially in developing countries, and people will be going on holidays more often sometimes two, three or four times a year. Bangladesh therefore, should immediately take necessary measures to develop infrastructure, improve the existing products, develop peripheral products, and undertake marketing promotional activities on priority basis with a view to attracting larger share from these potential visitors and keeping pace with this trend. Actually Bangladesh is a highly prospective country with fantastic tourism potentials. Necessary help in marketing its tourism products and building image of the country. This has also generated long awaited hope to develop tourism in the country.

So we should take a lot of initiatives either from Government or public sector to develop this great industry. This industry not only chance a country’s economic condition but also make infrastructure development, Physical attitude, develop social norms & values, and change the core concept of tradition came from ancestors. That’s why to develop these great industry future, researches would be able to improve the existing piece of work and explore new findings to recommend more effective policy and impacts on the development of tourism in Bangladesh. They can also evaluate the successes and failures as well as identifying the implementation constrains of these policies. Thus they can suggest for country based practical and straightforward policy package for the government. Researchers may also explore the possibility of private sector investment, both of domestic and foreign and thus evaluate the possibility of success of such investment.

Tourists are now changing their outlook

2008-08-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

14. CONCLUSION
There is no alternative but developing tourism for economic growth in Bangladesh. As our country is hopeful to attract a large section of tourists and develop this sector in the near future. Though the country may not have the world-renowned attractions, it does have something special to offer to the tourists. As tourists are now changing their outlook, avoiding popular tourism circuits and heading towards natural and cultural attractions, Bangladesh has bright prospect to attract those nature-lover tourists. With as unexplored natural beauty and cultural objects, the country can expect to become an important destination by adopting effective strategies and by promoting its unexplored and unbeaten natural and cultural attractions.

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Boutique House: Rong

2008-08-05T03:13:00.000-07:00

Addresses:

Twin tower, 3rd floor, shantinagar, dhaka.
H#C-138, R#4, Bonani.
Sanrise plaza, mirpur road, dhanmondi.
Shantona market, ashara, naraingonj.

Mayashir

2008-08-05T02:59:00.000-07:00

Addresses:
37, kamal ataturk avenue, 2nd flr, bonani, dhaka.
Koncord arkedia shopping mol, 2nd flr, road-4, dhanmondi.

Nipun

2008-08-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

38, free school street kathal bagan, dhaka.
23/a, free school street, panthapath.
husain plaza, H#1, R#12, dhanmondi.
adel plaza, 1/1 mirpur road, lalmatia.
500/a, R#8, dhanmondi.
hair street, wari.
west jinda bazar, sylhet.

DD (Dresidell)

2008-08-05T02:22:00.000-07:00

Dressy Dale & Eid

When it comes to trend, glamour and sophistication, Dressy Dale has for a long time remained undisputed on the top of the list. With new designs hitting the stores almost every other season, their creations have always been, without doubt, something to look forward to.

Dressy Dale has always paid the utmost attention to details such as pattern, material and illustration, and likewise, this year is no different. In their latest collection , they have used fabrics such as muslin, crepe, spin, plain georgette, silk, etc, on saris, shalwar kameez, panjabi, tunics and kurti. As motif, they have decided to base their designs in something a little different, such as patchwork, lacework, cording, foil emboss and flat print, beside the usual, yet intricate designs in hand and machine embroidery. They;ve also used a type of asymmetric motif in the form of calligraphy and primitive art.

So, make sure to drop by Dressy Dale and prepare to be blown away by what they have to offer!

Address:

UAE myitry complex, banani.
ambala complex, R#2, dhanmondi.
Bashundhara city, lebel-4, panthopath, dkaka.
SA complex, 805 CDA avenew dampara, chittagong.
Purbani shopping complex, west jinda bazar, sylhet.

Deshal

2008-08-05T02:06:00.000-07:00

Ever since Deshal started its journey in 2005 by three Charukala (Institute of Fine Art, Dhaka University) friends Ishrat Jahan, Kanak Aditya and Shobuj, the Aziz Super Market outlet has attracted an impressive fan-following among students. Their simple yet elegant line of designs in fotuas, shalwar kameezes and short kurtas were clearly different from the other contemporary deshi fashion houses.

Deshal clothes can best be described as no-nonsense yet trendy and very popular amongst the youth. Their fotuas and short kurtas range from Tk 280 - Tk 550, shalwar kameezes from Tk 850 - Tk 1,350 and saris from Tk 350 - Tk 1,200. While beginning with this project, the designers focused mainly on young students, for whom comfort and affordability are big factors, sometimes even more than looking good on campus. “We created our line keeping university students in mind,” says Shobuj. “In fact, when we were starting out with Deshal, we ourselves were students and were aware of the questions that a student would ask before buying a shirt or a shalwar kameez - is it worth the money, will he or she be comfortable considering the fact that he or she will have to spend a whole day moving from one class to another or even one area to another, will he or she look good when they are out with friends, etc.”

Ishrat Jahan was a teenager when she began to design clothes. “I used to work with pigment colour and water colour on my designs,” she says. While studying at Charukala, she would design these clothes as a hobby. “My friends loved my work and would encourage me to take it up professionally. But I did not have any such thought back then.” It was in 1999 when she held an exhibition of her designs that set the ball rolling. “Everyone loved them,” she says. Soon after she graduated, Ishrat joined Nipun, a fashion house and worked there as a designer for four years. “I would design clothes right from scratch,” she says. “Starting from weaving threads from cotton to actually coming up with fabrics and planning stitches, cuts and colour combinations, I would work on everything.” At one point, Ishrat needed a change and joined Jatra, another fashion house, in 2003. “I liked working there,” she says. “I worked there for a year.” Soon after that, she started to work on her own project along with her fellow designers Kanak and Shobuj.

For quite some time, young people in Dhaka have been identifying with deshi fabrics and designs. Thanks to many outlets and big names that have sprung up in the last half a decade or so, these young men and women prefer earthy, muted colours rather than garish hues of synthetics, that dominate the markets. However, Deshal has also successfully made colours like bright orange and combinations of parrot green and water blue a hit amongst these same clientele.

“We mainly experiment with colours and try different combinations,” says Shobuj. “For this Eid, we played with plenty of colours and brought out different shades. I don't even know what half of the shades are called!”

- Designers: Ishrat Jahan,
Kanak Aditya and Shobuj

Not only have they practically introduced vibrant colours to the generation, their designs and fabric are also unique. “We have subcontracts with weavers in Comilla and Narshingdi,” says Shobuj. “We give them designs for handlooms like Khadi, Khaddar and Taanth. A lot of our patterns depend on the thick and thin threads, which finally differentiate one fabric from another.”

Ishrat says that while designing, she has to keep in mind several factors, one of them being the typical structure of a Bangladeshi female. Each garment has six sizes so that the designs can cater to a large number of customers. “We are thinking of adding a seventh size this season,” she says. “I also keep in mind that a garment should not be bigger than the person who wears it. I like to play with colours, however tend to focus on a dominating colour. For instance, if I work with the colour blue, I will add shades of other colours to the garment as well, but the dominating colour would seem completely blue. In the case of three-pieces as well, I sometimes prefer solid colours for the orna and the shalwar, while I keep simple shades of a couple of colours for the body.”

Kanak mainly works on fotuas for men. One of the specialities of these fotuas is that many of them turn out to be an artist's canvas. These designs give out messages for the people, which can relate to world history and also to the current happenings in the country. “This Eid we have some designs which speak of the rapid price rise that we are facing in the economy, not to mention the frequent load-shedding that has increased over the last few months,” says Ishrat. Artists like Saleh Mahmud, Bipul Shah and Rabi Khan create art pieces for these designs.

Yet another specialty of Deshal designs is their ability to beautifully balance a combination of colour patterns and stitches. The kurta which might exude deshi radiance, a simple stitch work and a soothing colour combination, upon closer observation, would probably reveal a more complex and intricate design pattern thanks to the expert mind of the designer who worked to keep the design simple yet looking strong and chic.

Deshal's designs are also popular amongst young men. 24-year-old Riaz Hassan has recently joined a multinational company after completing his undergraduate degree from a private university. “I started to shop regularly from Deshal after my friends got me a fotua from this shop as a birthday present.” It was a black fotua with a painting of symbols and motifs representing the language martyrs and the language movement of Bangladesh. “It was very trendy and not just another fotua with designs that you see everywhere nowadays,” says Riaz. “It looked good and also fitted well! From then on, I would buy kurtas and fotuas from Deshal.” Besides fotuas and short kurtas in checks and stripes, the store also has a line of stylish shirts in different colours and fabrics.

Today the Bangladeshi market for fashionable wear is thriving thanks to the new generation of designers who are trying to create original styles. The young and the fashion-hungry no longer have to look for foreign garments to look trendy and cool. Fashion houses like Deshal which combine creativity with sound fabric sense may well become chic enough to hit the global markets.

-- Collected (From The Daily Star).

Addresses:

Shahabaag: 124/a, 2nd floor, aziz co-opperative super market, shahbag, dhaka.
Shahabaag: 15-20, 1st floor, aziz market, shahbag, dhaka
Banani: House 99, block C, road 11, banani, dhaka
Phone: +880187549553 +880152361139
Dhanmondi: 440 metro shopping mall, 2nd floor dhanmondi, dhaka
Bailey road: 1/c new bailey road (12 natok shoroni), dhaka

info@deshal.com deshal.bd@gmail.com
web: http://www.deshal.biz/

Deshal web: www.deshal.com.bd
E-mail: info@deshal.net, deshal.bd@gmail.com
phone: +8803772011973

Banglar mela

2008-08-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

Banglar Mela, over a span of eight years, has successfully worked to uphold the unique craftsmanship of our rural areas and has specialised in the art of crafting local handicrafts into functional, aesthetical pieces for regular use, as well as during celebrations or special occasions.

Banglar Mela also makes it a point to use only the best in quality, and most of their products are crafted from handloom cotton, raw silk, wood, leather, clay, natural dye, brush paint and block.

Banglar Mela introduces silk, endi, cotton, organza sari in embroidery, print and other exquisite forms of needle work. Apart from the sari collection, they also have a range of exclusive Panjabi, kurta, fatua shalwar kameez for both adults and children, which are available in all their outlets. So drop by, because it may turn out worth your while!

Addresses:

H#155, R#11, block-E, Banani, dhaka.
Sruti tower, plot-8, mirpur-2, dhaka.
105, hotel nidmohol, shukrabad.
Atik tower, 67/b rabindra sharani, sec-7, uttora, dhaka.
Shop-109, level-2, block-d, basundhara city, pantho path, dhaka.

Keycraft

2008-08-05T01:57:00.001-07:00

Addresses:

H#1/A, R#13, dhanmondi.
raifel squre, dhanmondi-2, dhaka.
87 new cercular road, shiddheshwari,dhaka.
H#C-138, R#4, kamal ataturk avenue, bonani, dhaka.
2 new baily road, dhaka.

OG

2008-08-05T01:48:00.000-07:00

Addresses:
26 west hajipara, rampura, dhaka.
Raifel squre, dhanmondi-2, dhaka.
87 new cercular road, shiddheshwari.
H# new 138/C, R#4, kamal ataturk avenue, Banani, dhaka.
Bashundhara city, lebel-2, dhaka.
Shahib shoping complex, west jinda bazar, sylhet.

Onjons

2008-08-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Addresses:

Raifel squre, dhanmondi-2, dhaka.
88 new cercular road, shiddheshwari, dhaka.
H#C-138, R#4, kamal ataturk avenue, bonani, dhaka.
shop-23, aysha shopping complex, shiddheshwari,dhaka.
bashundhara city, lebel-2,dhaka.

Web: www.anjans.com

Shada-Kalo

2008-08-04T03:58:00.001-07:00

Addresses:

350, raifel squre, dhanmondi-2, dhaka. ph: 8626282.
2 property arked, new baily road, dhaka. ph: 8361653.
House-66, road-10, Block-D, Banani, dhaka.

Arong

2008-08-04T03:33:00.000-07:00

Addresses:
Dhaka:
- manik miah avenew, lalmatia.
- gulshan tejgaon link road.
- magbazar arong plaza.
- uttora,mascot plaza,107/A, sec-7.
- wari, 36/1 rankin street(1st flr)
Chittaogong: 1692 cda avenew, golden plaza.
Sylhet: 413,naya sharak.
Khulna: majeed sharani avenue.
London: arong house,69 vallance road, london E1 5BS, 02072477727.

web: www.brac-aarong.com

Bangabandhu Bridge

2008-07-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

Bangabandhu Bridge, also called the Jamuna Multi-purpose Bridge (Jomuna Bohumukhi Shetu), is opened in Bangladesh in June 1998. It is the eleventh longest bridge in the world and the second longest in South Asia (after Mahatma Gandhi Setu). This bridge is 4.8 km long. It connects Bhuapur on the Jamuna River's east bank to Sirajganj on its west bank. The bridge, stretching from tangail to sirajganj is located on the Asian Highway will provide continuous international road and links from South-east Asia to North-west Europe.

Jamuna Bridge is 110 km from Dhaka. It is a real beauty at evening and nights when sodium lights lighten the bridge. Some beautiful resorts have already been established near the bridge.
www.jamunaresort.com

On the bridge at night

On the Bridge at afternoon

Jamuna River is one of the three main rivers of Bangladesh.

Chalanbil

2008-07-24T04:29:00.000-07:00

The chalanbil is very much famous in Bangladesh. It is really vast and great. You can see here the vast open land of rural Bengal, the clear blue sky, the heavenly evenings and the runrising. There is two kinds of famous vehical of that area- Nasiman, Kariman.

When I was going to rajshahi, on the the chalanbil, the natural beauty was on the both side of the Dhaka-Nator main road. I just cant explain, How much beautiful was that! The vast open land was looking like a river as it was rainy season and a lot of boats were moving there.

When I was backing Dhaka from Rajshahi, it was a moon-lit night. I was on the fron sit of our car and watching the heavenly beauty. We turned off the ac and was getting the fresh air. The shadow of the moon was playing on the water. Really I cant explain the beauty and the feelings that I got that time. It was realy greaaaaaaaat!

Rajshahi Dam & Padma

2008-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Rajshahi city in western Bangladesh, is situated on the north bank of the Padma river. Rajshahi City Protection Dam was built to save Rajshahi from the intense current of the Padma. Beside its main purpose, the people of Rajshahi use it as an amusement place. Every stranger in Rajshahi is very much eager to visit it. Fresh air, river cruise, and views of the sunrise and sunset have made it a very popular place. On the Dam, there is two popular place T-Dam and I-Dam. Such a naming is because if their shape. I went on the T-Dam at 6.30 am. And I was an awesome feelings.

Rajshahi Shopura Silk Industry

2008-07-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

Rajshahi is particularly well known all over the world for the Rajshahi silk, and related products. And is often referred to as the silk city, because the silk produces here are sold at very cheap rates. Here in Sopura, the famous silk industry. Recently a new township has grown up here on the northern side of the railway station. Here lie the district stadium and the Polytechnic institute.

Inner side of Shopura silk mill.

In front of Shopura silk mill.

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh.)

2008-07-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

It is a "Majar" or "Dorga" (Shrine) is established around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh(Rh.) in Rajshahi city beside the famous River Padma and in the area called Durgah Para.It is said that he was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi region.It is said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma riding two crocodiles. Even now, some crocodiles are reserved in the Dhighi(Large pond) next to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh).

The visitors can go for one day trip and visit the shrine built next to the grave of the preacher. It is regarded as one of the ancient sites of the Rajshahi region and a popular attraction of the country.

Rajshahi Travelling way and Hotels

2008-07-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

How to Go:
Rajshahi is connected to the rest of the city through roads, water, rail and air.

By air
Shah Mokhdum Airportan airport named after the famous Preacher Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh.) is situated a short distance away from Rajshahi city. Domestic flights from and to Dhaka (Capital city of Bangladesh) is available here.

By bus
It takes approximately 5 hours by road to reach the capital, Dhaka. A number of bus services including AC and non-AC buses are available from and to Dhaka via Natore. Bus services to other major districts are also available from the Bus Terminal of Rajshahi. Buses for Dhaka-

-Hanif Enterprise
-Np Elegance
-Modern Enterprise
-National Travels
-Greenline

By train
An intercity express train namedSilk City Expressruns between Dhaka and Rajshahi. There are also number of intercity express trains runs between Rajshahi and other major cities of Bangladesh. Another train running between Dhaka and Rajshahi is the Padma Express.

Get around
Taxicabs are available. "Rickshaw(a tri-cycle human paddled vehicle)" and "auto-rickshaw" are also available.Taking a rickshaw is a good way to travel around when you have time on your hand. The travel expenses are much cheaper than the capital city of Dhaka.

Restaurants and Bakery:
Some nice restaurants and fast food places are available in the city.

-Nanking Chinese Restaurant
-Chilis fast food
-Chilis Kabab
-McDonalds Restaurant
-Bishal Bakery & Confectionary
-Ruchita confectionary
-Charping Chinese Restaurant
-Chang Pai Chinese Restaurant
-China Garden Chinese Restaurant
-Safa Wang Chinese Restaurant
-Eligance Chinese Restaurant
-Meatloaf Fast Food
-Fresh and wild fast food
-Young King Chinese Restaurant
-Just Inn Fast food
-Goodys Fast Food
-Sun Sea Chinese Restaurant

Hotels:
Hotels rates are cheap in the city($13.50 per night). Most accommodations are available in these hotels.

-Hotel Mukta International
-Haq's Inn
-Dallas International
-Rajshahi Parjatan Motel
-Hotel Relax
-Hotel Asia

Hotels: http://www.rubd.net/pages//travel/hotels/index.php

Rajshahi Division

2008-07-23T03:04:00.000-07:00

Rajshahi division is in the northern part of Bangladesh has an area of 34513 sq. km. There are 16 districts and 57 municipalities under Rajshahi. It is famous for archeological and historical sites as it is located near many ancient capitals of Bengal, notably Lakhnoiti or Lokhonaboti and Pundra. Rajshahi is home to many educational institutes, and is often referred to in Bangladesh as the education city. It is famous for pure silk, mango and lichi. Attractive silk products are cheaper in Rajshahi and it is often referred to as silk city. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi.

Rajshahi is well known for being the hometown of many well known people including Amir Ali Miah, M.L.A , Muhammad Enamul Hoque, A. H. M. Kamaruzzaman Hena, Bondey Ali Miah, Ramaprasad Chanda, etc. Rajshahi was a centre of attention during the 1971 liberation war and it has the country's largest mass grave.

Main Tourist Spots In Rajshahi Division:

Mahasthangarh
Paharpur Buddhist Monastery
Kantajee’s Temple
Ramshagor Dighi
Shopnopuri
Choto Sona Mosque
Varendra Research Museum
Puthia

Whether:
The whether of Rajshahi is usually humid, marked with a high temperature (especially starting from March till mid July). However, during the winter months the climate is pleasant, and this is ideally the best time for touring this city. But if you want to see the beauty of Padma river then you have to visit in rainy season.

For more information please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajshahi

Rajshahi University

2008-07-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

University of Rajshahi is a public university located in Rajshahi city. This University was established in 1953, the second university to be established in what was then East Pakistan. The university's forty-seven departments are organised into eight faculties. Rajshahi University is located in a 753 acres (3 km²) campus in Motihar, 3 kilometres (2 mi) from the Rajshahi city centre. It is one of the largest universities in Bangladesh.

"SHABAASH BANGLADESH"

SHUBORNO JOYONTI TOWER By Mrinal Hoq.

Mosque of the campus

In front of Freedom Fighter Museum

SHOHID MINAAR

Rajshahi Varendra Research Museum

2008-07-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

This museum is in Rajshahi City. This was the first museum of Bangladesh. This museum has a rich and ancient collection, almost three thousands of objects of Paharpur, Mohasthangar and Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted to the study of ancient history and culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority from 1964. The year of its formal establishment is 1910 A.D. by Sharat Kumar Roy. Admission is free.

Tour to Natore and Rajshahi

2008-07-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

Rajshahi City

2008-07-20T03:27:00.001-07:00

Rajshahi town is situated besides the river Padma which is one of the major rivers of Indian subcontinent . In rainy season the great Padma is in full spate with its tides and waves whereas in winter it dwindles and you will see the desert by the side of Padma river. You can visit Rajshahi University. It’s a very well planed University and you can visit The Shahid Smriti Sangraha Shala in the University, you can see the documents and photography’s from the language movement of 1952 to the liberation was 1972. You can also visit Borendra Research Museum, Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum (Rh.) and Sopura etc.

Varendra Research Museum
This was the first museum of Bangladesh.
This museum has a rich and ancient collection, almost three thousands of objects of Paharpur, Mohasthangar and Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted to the study of ancient history and culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority from 1964. The year of its formal establishment is 1910 A.D. by Sharat Kumar Roy. Admission is free.

Rajshahi University
University of Rajshahi is a public university located in Rajshahi city. This University was established in 1953, the second university to be established in what was then East Pakistan.
The university's forty-seven departments are organised into eight faculties. Rajshahi University is located in a 753 acres (3 km²) campus in Motihar, 3 kilometres (2 mi) from the Rajshahi city centre. It is one of the largest universities in Bangladesh.

Shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh.)
It is a Majar or Dorga(Shrine)is established around the grave of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum Ruposh(Rh.) in Rajshahi city.Is is said that he was the first Islam preacher in the Rajshahi region.It is said that he came to Rajshahi through the river Padma riding two crocodiles.Even now,some crocodiles are reserved in the Dhighi(Large pond) next to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Mokhdum(Rh).

Sopura:
Rajshahi is particularly well known all over the world for the Rajshahi silk, and related products. And is often referred to a the silk city, because the silk produces here are sold at very cheap rates. Here in Sopura, the famous silk industry. Recently a new township has grown up here on the northern side of the railway station. Here lie the district stadium and the Polytechnic institute.

Barakuthi:
Barakuthi (16th century Dutch establishment) is a major tourist attraction for its cemetery, it has groves, belonging to the nineteenth century.

How to Go:
Rajshahi traveling way hotels and etc