Bangladesh
Capital: Dhaka
Location:
Southern Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and India ( slightlysmaller than Wisconsin )
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Bangladesh are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. The U.S. Embassy is located at Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (880-2) 882-4700 through 22, fax number (880-2) 882-4449. For emergency services during business hours, call (880-2) 882-3805. For emergency services after hours, call (880-2) 882-4700 and ask for the Duty Officer. The Embassy's Internet home page is http://www.usembassy-dhaka.org/state/embassy.htm. Their workweek is Sunday - Thursday.
Background:
Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country annually floods during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.
Ethnic Groups:
Bengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims (1998)
Language:
Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English
Currency:
BDT
taka (BDT)
taka per US dollar - 68.995 (March 2007), 54.000 (January 2001), 52.142 (2000), 49.085 (1999), 46.906 (1998), 43.892 (1997), 41.794 (1996)
Climate:
Tropical; mild winter (October to March); hot, humid summer (March to June); humid, warm rainy monsoon (June to October)
Population:
131,269,860 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 83%, Hindu 16%, other 1% (1998)
Medical:
Medical facilities in Bangladesh do not approach U.S. standards, even in tourist areas
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problem requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Safety:
Public demonstrations, marches and labor strikes are widely used as means of political expression in Bangladesh. A number of general strikes, or "hartals, have been called by the political opposition over the past several years, resulting in the virtual shutdown of transportation and commerce, and sometimes attacks on individuals who do not observe the "hartals." Clashes between rival political groups have resulted in deaths and injuries. Violence is a particular problem on university campuses. Sometime before October 2001, Bangladesh will hold general elections. In the run-up to those elections, Bangladesh may experience increased political violence. For example, on January 20, 2001, two bombs exploded at a political rally and resulted in the deaths of six persons. Although political violence generally is not directed at foreigners, it could affect those who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Visitors should avoid political events such as demonstrations or rallies. Due to several recent kidnappings, including those of foreign nationals, U.S. citizens are advised against travelling to the Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) unless the travel is absolutely essential. Individuals who choose to visit these districts are urged to exercise extreme caution. Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated information on planned political activities.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bangladesh is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
poor
The Bangladesh road network is in generally poor condition, in part due to the difficulty of building and maintaining a transportation infrastructure across a vast river delta. The streets of Dhaka are congested, with hundreds of thousands of bicycle rickshaws competing with three-wheeled taxis, cars and trucks for limited road space. Because inter-city roads are narrow and in poor condition, driving at night is especially dangerous. There are no lights beyond approximately 10 miles out of major cities. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.
