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Country Guide > Indian Subcontinent > Bangladesh | |
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Travel - International Note All but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts is advised against (excluding Chittagong City) because of the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival tribal groups, settlers and the military. These have often been carried out in public places indiscriminately, such as in cinemas, markets, shrines and cultural events. Local journalists and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also been targeted. There is a threat from terrorism in Bangladesh. There have been a number of serious incidents in the Sylhet area. Nationals should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings such as hartals (political strikes). There is a danger of street crime, including armed robbery. Air Bangladesh’s national airline is Biman Bangladesh Airlines (BG). International carriers serving Bangladesh include: Aeroflot, British Airways, Emirates, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines, Royal Nepal Airlines, Saudi Airways, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways. Approximate flight times From Dhaka to London (direct) is nine hours, to Los Angeles is 21 hours and to New York is 23 hours. International airports Dhaka International (DAC) (Zia International). The airport is 20km (11 miles) north of the city (travel time – 45 minutes). Biman Bangladesh coaches run every hour from 0800-2200. To return, pick up the coach from the Tejgaon old airport building, the Golden Gate or Zakaria hotels. Parjatan Coaches are also available. Bus and taxi services are available to the city. Airport facilities include restaurants, post office, banks, duty free shops and car hire. It has been known for passengers to suffer harassment at International Airports, even by corrupt officials or unlicensed touts. It is best to arrange pickup in advance, preferably with the hotel or friends. The airport has, however, improved immeasurably in the last couple of years and improvement looks set to continue. Hopefully, these issues will eventually be resolved. Other international airports include Syhlet (ZYL) (Osmani International Airport) and Chittagong (CGP) (MA Hannan International Airport). Departure tax Tk300. Children under two years of age and passengers in immediate transit are exempt. Sea Ferries from Myanmar and India run to the southern coastal ports. For details, contact the Embassy or High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The main seaport is Chittagong. Rail Rail connections (there are no through-trains) link Bangladesh with India (West Bengal and Assam). Cycle-rickshaw, bus or porter services provide the cross-border connections. Road Overland crossings include the Benapol-Haridispur border (for Calcutta), the Chilihari-Haldibari border (for Darjeeling) and the Tamabil-Dawki border (for Shillong). The crossing at Benapol is the easiest and most used. It is advisable to check when the frontier posts will be open. Conditions are likely to be difficult during the monsoon season. All other frontier posts between the two countries are currently closed. Overland travel is not currently possible between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Coach: A direct daily service has recently been introduced between Dhaka and Calcutta via Benapol. For further details, contact Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (tel: (2) 955 5553; fax: (2) 955 5786-8). |