Bangladesh is mainly composed of vast, low lying alluvial plain, cut by networks of rivers, canals, swamps and marshes. The network of rivers contributes to the socio-economic life of the nation. The main rivers are the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the Meghna, which after joining has created the largest delta of the world. The hilly regions lie only on the North-east and the South-eastern part of the country and some areas of high lands lie in the north and north-western part of the country.
 
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated (124.7 million people) countries of the world with an area of 55,598 square miles. The country is bounded by India to the west and north, by Myanmar to the southeast and by Bay of Bengal to the south. 
 
Dhaka is the capital of the country and a major commercial, cultural and manufacturing centre served by the nearest port Narayanganj
 
The main entry point:
The main entry point for visitors is the Zia International Airport, which is 30 minutes drive from the SBBF secretariat by car.
 
Climate and clothing:
Bangladesh generally enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. Three seasons are mainly prominent - summer, monsoon and winter. The winter is normally from November to February with normally temperature of 21° Celsius. The Monsoon starts from July and stays till October. This period accounts for 80% rainfall and is the principal season for flood. The summer is normally hot and humid with 35° Celsius.
 
Female visitors are advised to wear loose fitting clothes that should cover shoulders, upper arms and legs. For places outside Dhaka one might prefer ‘Shalwar Kamiz’ (similar to loose trouser, long loose shirt and scarf) as that is one of the traditional dresses worn by many Bangladeshi women. 
 
Health precautions:
It is advisable to carry a mosquito repellent and also we would like to request you not to drink water from taps as it may contain germs.
 
Culture and people:
The population is ethnically homogeneous with few minority groups. People here practice various religions Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhist but the majority practice Islam. The religion (Islam) constitutes a strong social force and the mixture of Islamic ethos and the indigenous traditional culture of Bengal has gone into the shaping of a cultural heritage that is unique to Bangladesh. The literacy rate is 42%. People mostly here speak Bangla but in urban areas English is widely understood. The staple diet is rice and fish.
 
People mostly use their right hand, as that is the norm in Bangladesh. For passing on or accepting things right hand should always be used and left hand in this context should always be avoided. People in Bangladesh mostly use their right hand while eating. 
 
The people in general are very warm and hospitable. They take especial interest in somebody who is a foreigner. Please do not feel uncomfortable if you feel people are watching you. It is only because they understand you are new to the culture and are on their feet to come to your aid. Do you know that if you warm up to them or smile back, for them it will be a day to remember.
 
Eating out:
Over the last decade, Dhaka has seen the mushroom growth of restaurants especially in Gulshan and Dhanmondi area. We have all sorts of restaurants Bangladeshi, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish etc. Western food is available in all major hotels and most of the big restaurants in the city. But local dishes are normally far better and more exotic. Many local specialities are usually served with rice & based on chicken, lamb or beef. We would like to recommend seafood particularly prawns and kebabs. For Bangladeshi restaurants you can visit Kalapata or Dhanshiri which is in Gulshan.
 
Some recommended places:
 
Lemon Grass (Thai and Vietnamese)
House # 58/C,
Road # 131, Gulshan.

Sajna (Indian)
House # 10, South Avenue,
Gulshan

Samarkand (North Indian, Pakistani & Afghani)
House # 2, Road # 126,
Gulshan.

Thai House (Chinese & Thai)
Gulshan 2

Basil Leaf (Thai, Indian and European)
CWN (A) 2, 108 Gulshan avenue
 
Shopping:
 
Bangladeshis reputed for her handicrafts. Exquisite hand made articles with a large variety are readily available and prices are reasonable. Cottage industry products like fabrics, printed sarees, pink pearls, wood products, coconut masks, folk dolls, shital pati (mattress having cooling effect), terracotta toys and jute products for decorative purposes are very typical of Bangladesh. Brasswares, delicate silver trinkets, embroidered silk sarees, scarves, purses, bamboo decoration pieces, cane and conch shell products, gold and silver ornament, jute carpets and a host of other attractive handicrafts can be bought in the shops, at the handicraft sale centres and galleries in the cities and also at tourist spots.
 
Some recommended places:
 
Aranya:
Wide selections of products are made of Katha embroidery, jamdani weave and natural dyes.
60 Kemal ataturk avenue, Banani

Sally Ann shop:
House 96, Road 23, Banani

Kumudini handicrafts:
74 Gulshan avenue, Dhaka

Aarong:
Gulshan tejgaon link road & Kalabagan

Westecs:
Gulshan avenue

Cats eye (for shirts):
Kemal ataturk avenue, Banani

Seal:(for shirts and trousers):
Kemal ataturk avenue, Banani

Bashundhara city:
Panthapath