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Country Guide > Indian Subcontinent > Bangladesh | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink There are plenty of good restaurants in Dhaka and main towns around the country. Western food can be found in most hotels and in some large restaurants. Local specialities include a variety of curries such as korma, bhuna, masala gosht, kashmiri and tikka. Dishes are usually served with rice, naan or paratha (griddle-fried flat breads). Kebabs are widely available. Seafood and fresh-water fish are in natural abundance and smoked hilsa, fresh bhetki, chingri and prawns are definitely worth trying. Desserts tend to be sweet and milky including misti dhohi (sweetened yoghurt), zorda (sweet rice with nuts) and ros malai (round sweets floating in thick milk). Alcoholic drink is expensive and strict Muslim customs severely limit availability and drinking times, although leading hotels have bars which will serve alcohol. Local drinks included chai (milky sweet tea), lassi (yoghurt drink) and coconut water. Nightlife Leading hotels have bars, but Western-style nightclubs do not exist. Displays of local dance and music are occasionally to be seen, particularly during religious festivals. Traditional theatre can be seen in major cities and the Dhaka City Corporation has recently opened a modern theatre hall called Dhaka Mohanagor Natya Mancha. Shopping Bangladesh is famous for its pink pearl. Handloom fabrics, silks, printed saris, coconut masks, bamboo products, mother-of-pearl jewellery, leather crafts, wood and cane handicrafts and folk dolls are popular purchases. Duty free shops are available in Dhaka and international airports. Shopping hours: Generally Sat-Thurs 0900-2000, Fri 0900-1230 and 1400-2000 (shops in tourist districts often stay open later). Special Events The following is a selection of special events occurring in Bangladesh in 2005; for a complete list or further information, contact the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (see Contact Addresses section): Feb 21 National Mourning Day, Dhaka. Mar Holi (Spring Festival). Apr Pahela Baishakh (Bengal New Year); Langalbandh Mela (Hindu festival), Sonargaon. Oct 22-24 Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan), nationwide. Dec 25 Bara Din (Big Day), Dhaka. Social Conventions In someone’s home it is acceptable to sit crossed-legged on cushions or the sofa. If a visitor wishes to bring a gift, money must not be given as it may cause offence. Religious customs should be respected by guests. There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. some drugs-related offences are punishable by death. For instance, women should not be specifically photographed unless it is certain that there will be no objection. Women should wear trousers or long skirts; revealing clothes should be avoided, particularly when visiting religious places. Dress is generally informal for men, though modesty must be maintained. Same-sex relations are illegal. Photography: In rural areas, people are becoming more used to tourists; however, permission should be requested before photographs are taken of individuals. Do not photograph military installations. Tipping: Most services expect a tip in hotels; give 10 per cent for restaurant staff and 5 per cent for taxi drivers. |