Bangladesh

Rural Bangladesh

The capital city of Bangladesh is Dhaka, the official language is Bangla, and the majority of the population practices Islam.

Major exports of Bangladesh include garments, knitwear, frozen seafood, jute goods, agricultural products and leather.

Tourists should visit Bangladesh in April in order to ring in the New Year by celebrating Pohela Boishakh. Enjoy various cultural shows, cultural snacks, all while wearing traditional dress.

Sights on the Shitalke River

Bangladesh is definitely not a “touristy” place to visit, but was fun nonetheless. I got the feeling I was being “shook down” by immigration officials who were looking for a bribe. But I stayed calm and said nothing.

I went on a boat cruise (2015) down the Shitalkye River, which was interesting to see, but slow moving. The highlight of the day, and perhaps the entire trip, was walking through a small village that likely had few previous visitors. I love it when people stop and stare; a clear indication I’m of off the beaten path. I went to a Madrassa (Arabic school) and the kids treated me like a rock star. They each wanted to shake my hand and try out the English phrases they had learned in school.

Madrassa, Bangladesh

I took some cool pictures but nothing compares to the wonderful memory I have of this place. Dhaka is a total mess with garbage everywhere, but the place has heart.

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