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Bangladesh
is an exciting and affordable place to live and visit. Historical
and archaeological sites dot the countryside, some dating
as far back as the third century, B.C. Today, Bangladesh
is home to some of the major religions of the world. Islam,
Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity are all found here.
Owing to a long tradition of tolerance, there is no communal
animosity or ethnic controversy in Bangladesh. the constitution
of the country guarantees full freedom of religion and there
is no discrimination based on race, religion, caste, sex
or place of birth. Above all the Bangladeshi people are
by nature very polite, courteous, friendly and hospitable.
For the expatriate, Bangladesh is affordable and comfortable
to live in. Expatriate accommodation
is available in centrally located apartments and houses.
In several suburban areas, much quiet, more secluded houses
are also available for rent. For those visiting Bangladesh,
Dhaka offers two international standard hotels-The Sheraton
and The Sonargaon (Pan-Pacific Hotel). Both the hotels provide
deluxe accommodation restaurants, health-club and entertainment
facilities.
Bangladesh is endowed with enchanting scenic beauty, mighty
rivers sunny beaches, historical relics and tribal life.
Modern hotel, motels with recreational and other facilities
rest houses and restaurants are available at well-known
places of interest. Theses facilities coupled with improved
communications, liberal customs and immigration rules continue
to push up the number of tourists in Bangladesh.
An American International School for grades 1 to 12 is located
near the residential area of Gulshan Dhaka. The 40 member
teaching staffs follows the American School curriculum.
The school library maintains a substantial collection. Tuition
charges are reasonable. A Japanese school offering kindergarten
and class one to class nine education in Japanese, is located
in the residential area of Baridhara in Dhaka. The school
is owned by the Japanese Association in Bangladesh. A Japanese
hotel and restaurant named 'WAKANA' (M/S. Daichi Sangyo
Ltd.) owned and operated by Japanese staff is located in
the Gulshan residential area of Dhaka.
For recreation expatriates have access to three private
clubs in Dhaka to play tennis squash, golf and billiards
and to swim or dine. Local entertainment includes plays
art exhibits films and instrumental and vocal music groups.
Special occasions are often marked by folk or dance festivals.
Similar sports and recreational facilities are also available
in Chittagong and Khulna. In addition, these two places
have some special attractions for visitors. Chittagong,
the second largest city is the gateway to the Bay of Bengal
with a picturesque hinterland of large hills forests and
lakes. Chittagong is a good vacation spot. Its green hills
and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine temperate climate
always attract holiday makers. It combines the humming of
busy sea port with the pleasure of a charming hill town
with undulating topography. Chittagong in the country's
principal sea port and is the main site of heavy, medium
and light industries. Chittagong is also close to other
unique tourist spots like Cox's Bazar, Kaptai and Rangamati.
Khulna,
the country's third largest city, serves as the gateway
to the port of Mongla and the Sundarbans, the home of the
Royal Bengal Tiger. A Journey by paddle steamer from Dhaka
to Khulna along the southern river system running through
the green countryside is guaranteed to be an unforgettable
experience for foreigners. Saint Khan Jahan Ali's Sixty
domed ancient mosque (1459 A.D) and his mausoleum at Bagerhat
about 32 kms. away from Khulna are the popular tourist attractions.
Basic health care needs can be met at any of the country's
hospitals or clinics or by a visit of the American physician
hired by the United States Embassy. There are in addition
a good number of registered physicians engaged in various
state owned and private hospitals and clinics. Most of them
are highly qualified, well experienced and educated in U.
S. A, Japan, U.K. and other European countries. There are
also some international standard hospitals and clinics available
in the country with modern diagnostic equipment and facilities.
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