Dhaka has a cash machine, which has been operating since June 1998. We have tried it and it works. You can use the European cards as long as you have Maestro or Cirrus. The cash machine is at Grindlays bank in Gulshan on Gulshan Avenue in between DIT 1 and DIT 2.
The best thing to do in Dhaka is to go on a boat trip on the Buriganga River. Behind the Pink Palace is the waterfront of the Dhaka harbour. It's hectic and fascinating to see. There you have millions of boats that transport local people from one side to the other. We took one of those local boats that can have up to 12 people on them and floated around the harbour.
It's really easy to arrange and the people are all to happy to take you on a boat ride. It's something I will never forget. You will see Dhaka City from a totally different perspective. Take a rickshaw or baby taxi and ask them to drop you at the waterfront near the Pink Palace. When you get there you will see all the boats and can ask them to paddle you around. You shouldn't pay more than Tk 50 to Tk100 an hour for four to six people.
Renee Weersma,The Netherlands (Nov 98)
ANZ/Grindlays Bank (Gulshan Avenue branch) has recently opened an ATM, "24 hour bank". It accepts all international cards.
Maaike and Bas, The Netherlands (Sept 98)
Muktijuddha Jodughar (Liberation War Museum) is located at 5 Segun Bagicha (near the National Press Club) and is open daily from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm, including all national holidays : tel 955-9091. This museum has a very detailed account of the 1971 war of independence that Bangladesh and India fought against Pakistan. It has numerous Bangla and English newspaper accounts, photographs and memorabile. The white and yellow lines on the ground lead you through the build up, conflict and the Bangladeshi victory in a chronological order. Guides are available (English speaking as well) as are souvenirs . Entry is Tk3.
Next to the National Mosque (on the western side) you can find a whole alley jam packed with jewellery shops. This is a very interesting side trip - it shows that even in a country as economically troubled as Bangladesh, there is a healthy trade in expensive luxury goods.
Watch out for the fake teller machine in the ANZ/Grindlays Bank (Dhaka). It is so convincingly real that I nearly broke my Visa card trying to insert it into a non-existent slot. You can get cash advances at the counter though.
Chittagong Hill Tracks are still closed to foreigners without "permission" You will be asked to get off the bus - the police did not give any indication that a bit of baksheesh will get you back on it.
Nicholas Mleczko, Australia (July 98)
The ANZ/Grindlays Bank has moved from Motijheel to Karnaphuli Garden City Complex, 109 Kakrail Road, Kakmil, Dhaka (9350 267/69.
Jonas Berg (May 98)
A new holiday on March 17th has been added - BIRTHDAY OF FATHER OF THE NATION.
Try to avoid Shaheed Minar (in Dhaka) on 21st February. This year there was a near riot at the Minar.
The Gulshan Hospital has not been built and work on it has stopped. It does not look like it will be completed in the near future either.
Hartals (strike days) There haven't been any Hartals recently, but in September - November 1997 there were quite a few. These days are usually well publicised in the newspapers but not always. Try to avoid the pre and pro hartal demonstrations preceding a hartal. They can usually be identified by the noise and people. Avoid Hartal days, especially avoid Dhaka University area and parts of the old city, plus Mohalchali and Motijheek. Only go out on these days if you have to and only on foot or rickshaw, never by car. There is usually fighting on Hartal days.
Ian Crowe (Mar 98)
Grindlay's Bank has just opened a branch in Sylhet where you could get cash advances on your major credit cards.
Annette Leyden - USA (Mar 98)
We have been fairly successful at avoiding diarrhoea ( a dinnertime topic of conversation here in Dhaka, I can assure you) wile travelling, simply by carrying disposable diaper type wipes with us. Since most bacteria is transferred by hand and washrooms are not always convenient to find, these have been indispensable companions. Leave the bulky container at home, fold a few into a ziplock bag, stuff it into the fanny pack and you're one step closer to a happy holiday.
Kelly Welch (Dec 97)
When taking a hotel in Dhaka, look out for colourful garland booths on the street near the hotels and request a room away from them. During the day they are closed and quiet but come 2am they scream to life with amplified singing and religious talk. Sleep is impossible for the next 2 to 3 hours.
Kerry Shaw - Australia (Nov 97)
BANGLADESH
