interesting palace of Bangladesh

PLACES OF TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BANGLADESH

DHAKA the capital the capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka with its exciting history and rich culture, known the world over as the city of mosques and muslin; it has attracted travelers from far and nearer throughout in all the ages. It has a history dating back to earliest time. But the exact date of its foundation is not known. However, according to recorded history it was founded in 1608 A.D. as the seat of the imperial Mughal Viceroy of Bengal. Dhaka as the capital of Bangladesh has grown into a busy city of about seven million people with an area of about 815 sq. km. Having a happy blending of old and new architectural trends, Dhaka has been developing fast as a modern city and is throbbing with activities in all spheres of life. It is the centre of industrial commercial, cultural, educational and political activities for Bangladesh. At Tongi, Tejgaon, Demra, Pagla, kanchpur, the industrial establishments turn - out daily necessities. Motijheel is the main commercial area of the city. Dhaka's major waterfront Sadarghat is on the bank of the river Buriganga and is crowded with all kinds of river craft, batches, country boats, motor launches, paddle-steamers, fishermen's boats all bustling with activity. Colourful rickshaws (tricycle) on the city streets are common attractions for the visitors. Some of the outstanding tourist attractions of Dhaka are: Mosque: Seven domed Mosque (17th century), Rose Garden (Rajbari), Atia Mosque (Mugal Element), Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Star Mosque (18th century). Hindu Temples: Dhakashwari Temple (11th Century), Ramkrishna Mission. Churches : Armenian Church (1781). St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Church of Bangladesh or former St Thomas Cathedral Church (1677) at Tejgaon. Lalbagh Fort : It was built in 1687 A.D., by Prince Mohammad Azam, son of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The fort was the scene of bloody battle during the first war of independence (1857) when 260 sepoys stationed here backed by the people revolted against British forces. Outstanding among the monuments of the Lalbagh Fort are the tomb of Pari Bibi (Fairy lady), Lalbagh Mosque, audience hall and Hammam of Nawan Shaista Khan now housing a museum. 1857 Memorial (Bhahudar Shah Park): Built to commemorate the martyrs of the first liberation war (1857 - 59) against British rule. It was here that the revolting sepoys and their civil compatriots were publicly hanged. Ahsan Manzil Museum: On the bank of river Buriganga in Dhaka the pink majestic Ahsan Manzil has been renovated and turned into a museum recently. It is an example of the nations rich cultural heritage. It was the home of the Nawab of Dhaka and a silent spectator to many events. Today's renovated Ahsan Manzil is a monument of immense historical beauty. It has 31 rooms with a huge dome atop which can be seen from miles around. It now has 23 galleries in 31 rooms displaying portraits, furniture and household articles and utensils used by the Nawab. Curzon Hall: Beautiful architectural building named after Lord Curzon. It now houses the Science Faculty of Dhaka University. Old High Court Building: Originally built as the residence of the British Governor. It illustrates a happy blend of European and Mughal architecture. Dhaka Zoo: Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo. Colourful and attractive collections of different local and foreign species of animals and birds including the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger are available here. National Museum: Centrally located, the museum contains a large number of interesting collections including sculptures and paintings of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim periods. Botanical Garden: Built on an area of 205 acres of land at Mirpur and adjacent to Dhaka zoo. One can have a look at the zoo and the botanical garden in one trip. National Park: Situated at Rejendrapur, 40km. north of Dhaka city. This is a vast (1,600 acres), national recreational forest with facilities for picnic & rowing etc. Central Shahid Minar: Symbol of Bangladesh nationalism. This monument was built to commemorate the martyrs of the historic Language Movement of 1952. Hundred and thousands of people with floral wreaths & bouquet gather on 21 February every year to pay respect in a solemn atmosphere. Celebrations begin at zero hour of midnight. Buddhist Monastery: Kamalapur Buddhist Monastry. National Poet's Graveyard: Revalutionary poet Kazi Nazrul Islam diend on the 26 th August 1978 and was buried here. The graveyard is adjacent to the Dhaka University. Suhrawardy Uddyan (Garden): Popular Park. The oath for independence of Bangladesh was taken here on the 7th March 1971. The place is famous for its lush verdure and gentle breezes. Mausoleum of National Leaders: Location at the south western corner of Suhrawardy Uddyan, it is the eternal resting place of three great national leaders, Shree - Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque, Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy and Khawja Nazimmuddin. Banga Bhaban: The official residence of the President, located in the city. One can have a outside view. Baldha Garden: It has a rare collection of botanical plants and flowers. Ramna Green: A vast stretch of green garden surrounded by a serpentine lake near the Sheraton Hotel. National Assembly: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (Parliament House) at Shere e Bengla Nagar, designed by the famous architect Louis, Kahn, has distinctive architectural features. It may be called an architectural wonder of this region. Science Museum: Located at Agargaon, the Museum is a modern learning centre related to the latest scientific discoveries. National Memorial: Located at Savar, 35 km. from Dhaka city. The memorial designed by architect Moinul Hossain, sacred memory of the millions of unknown martyrs of the 1971 war of liberation. Sonargaon: About 29 km. from Dhaka. Sonargaon is one of the oldest capital of Bengal. A Folk Art and Crafts Museum has been established here. Other attractions in and around Dhaka include the institute of Arts and Crafts with its representative collection of folk art and paintings, handicraft shops, Aparajeya Bangla monument, picnic spots at Chandra and Salna, industrial estates of Tongi, Narayanganj Demra, Tejgaon: cruising by country boat in the nearby river or a visit to a village to see jute cultivation, weaving and pottery making. Last but not least travel by a horse driven cart or rickshaw along busy Dhaka streets is a rewarding experience.

CHITTAGONG - GATEWAY TO THE BAY OF BENGAL

With a picturesque hinterland of large hill forests and lakes. Chittagong is a good vacation spot. It is the second largest city of Bangladesh and a busy of Bangladesh and a busy international sea port. Its green hills and forests, broad sandy beaches and fine cool climate always attract holiday makers. It combines the hump of a restless seaport with the pleasure of a charming hill town with its undulating topography. Chittagong is the country's chief port and is the main site for the establishment of heavy, medium and light industries. Bangladesh's only steel mill and oil refinery are also located here. Chittagong is connected with Dhaka by rail, road, air and water. It is also connected with Cox's Bazar and Calcutta by Air.

1. Places of Interest: Sharine of Byazid Bostami : This holy shrine attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims. At its base there is a large tank with several hundred tortoises floating in the water.

2. World War II Cemetery: In this well preserved cemetery at a quiet and picturesque place lie buried over 700 soldiers from Commonwealth countries and Japan.

3.Foy's Lake: Set amidst panoramic surroundings, this ideal sport for outings and picnics is thronged by thousands of visitors.

4. Ethnological Museum: A unique treasure house of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh.

5. Court Building: Situated on the Fairy Hill, this building commands a magnificent bird's eye view of Chittagong city particularly at night. Day long attractive sightseeing is organized in Chittagong by TRAVEL BANGLADESH.

6. PATENGA BEACH: Sandy beach at the meeting place of the roaring sea and the river Karnaphuli.

7. Sitakund: About 40 km from Chittagong. This is famous for the Chandranath Hinduy Temple and the Buddist Temple. There is a hot water spring 5 km to the north of Sitakund. Other important places of interest include Shrine of Shah Amanat, Shahi Jame Mosque, Chandanpura Mosque, Portuguese Arsenal Port Area, Marine Academy, Biponi Bitan (New Market) and Government Circuit House built during British days. Accommodation, sightseeing and car hire services run by Bangladesh TRAVEL BANGLADESH.

8. COX'S BAZAR - the tourist capital Miles of golden sands, towering cliffs, surfing waves, rare conch shells, colourful pagodas, Buddhist temples and tribes, delightful sea food this is Cox's Bazar, the tourist capital of Bangladesh. Having the world's longest unbroken (120 km) beach sloping gently down to the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal against the picturesque background of a chain of hills covered with deep green forests, Cox's Bazar is one of the most attractive tourist spots in the world. The beach is good for bathing, sun bathing and swimming. The breath taking beauty of the sun setting behind the waves of the sea is captivating. Attractive local variety of cigars and handloom products of the Rakhyne tribal families are good buys. Their unique customs and costumes attract visitors. Located at a distance of 152 km. south of Chittagong, Cox's Bazar is connected both by air and road from Dhaka and Chittagong. Visits to the fascinating picnic spot at Himchair, Teknaf, southern most tip of Bangladesh, Buddist temple at Ramu and nearby islands of Sonadia, St. Martin and Moheskhali are memorable experience of a life time. Government has taken initiatives to develop Sonadia as an exclusive beach resort. TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) is an Perfect tour operator ,comfortable accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other facilities for the visitor. There is a nine hole golf course also for the guests. Day long attractive sightseeing is organized in Cox'sbazar by TRAVEL BANGLADESH.

9. HILL TRACTS DISTRICTS Hill Tracts Districts - world of panoramic beauty The hill Tracts Districts with its perenial forest, thrilling drives through hills and dales, emerald blue water of Kaptai lake, colourful tribal life and culture, attractive handicrafts and artisans beackons you to a world of panoramic beauty mother nature has so lavishly unfolded. Greater Hill Tracts is dividend into three districts, namely Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban each one equally unique in its attractions. For visits of foreign tourists to the Hill tract districts prior permission form the Government is required which can be arranged through TRAVEL BANGLADESH.

RANGAMATI - THE HEART OF THE LAKE DISTRICT
From Chittagong a 77 km. road amidt green fields and winding hills will take you to Rangamati, the headquarters of Rangamati Hill District which is a wonderful repository of scenic splendours with flora and fauna of varied descriptions. The township is located on the western bank of the Kaptai lake. Rangamati is a favourite holiday resort because of its beautiful landscape, scenic beauty, lake, colourful tribes (Chakma, Marma etc.) its flora and fauna, tribal museum, hanging bridge, homespun textile products, ivory jewellery and the tribal men and women who fashion them. For tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is. Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation provides suitable hotel and cottage accommodation, catering, speed boat and other facilities at Rangamati. Day long attractive sightseeing is organized in Cox'sbazar by TRAVEL BANGLADESH.

KAPTAI

A pleasant and picturesque drive of 64 km. from Chitagong brings you to huge expanse of emerald and blue water ringed with tropical forest. It is the famous man made Kaptai lake (680 sq. km) formed by damming the Kamaphuli river. Only 3 km. from Kaptai along Chittagong Road, lies the ancient Chit Morong Buddist temple having beautiful Buddist statues. Other places of interest in the Hill Tract districts include Chandraghone, Khagrachari and Bandarban all in picturesque surrounding.

SYLHET - LAND OF TWO LEAVES AND A BUD

Next to the Hill Tracts, Sylhet is the widely hilly district in the country. Nestled in the picturesque Surma valley amidst scenic tea plantations and lush green tropical forest, it is a prime attraction for all tourists. Its terraced tea gardens, eye catching orange groves and pineapple plantations and hills covered with tropical forests form a beautiful landscape. the Sylhet valley has a good number of haors which are big natural wetlands. During winter these haors are vast stretches of green land, but in the rainy season they turn into a turbulent sea. These haors provide sanctuary to the million of migratory birds who fly from Siberia across the Himalayas to avoid the severe cold. Srimangal in Sylhet, known as the tea capital of Bangladesh, is the main tea centre of the area. For miles and miles around, the visitor can see the tea gardens spread like green carpet over the plain land or on the sloping hills. A visit to the tea plantation in Sythet is a memorable experience Sylhet the tea granary of Bangladesh , not only has over 150 tea gardens but also proudly possesses the tree largest tea gardens in the world both in area and production. Sylhet is also known as the land of the famous Muslim saint Hazrat Shah Halal the great torch bearer of Islam to the region. The Shrine of this great saint is located at Sylhet town. Colourful Monipuri, Khasia and Garo tribes live in Sylhet. Monipuri tribal maidens are famous for their dance. Sylhet is also well known for its wide variety of exquisite handicrafts of cane and bamboo. Sylhet is linked with Dhaka by rail road and air.

1 Tamabil - Jaflong Situated amidst splendid panorama, Tamabil is a border out post on Sylhet- shilong Road, about 55 km away from Sylhet town. Besides enchanting views of the area one can also have a glimpse of the waterfalls across the border from Tamabil. Jaflong is also a scenic spot nearby amidst tea gardens and rare beauty of rolling stones from hills. Other places of tourist attraction in Sylhet include Moulvibazar, Janitipur, Madhabakunda and Haripur gas field.

SUNDARBANS - HOME OF THE ROYAL BENGAL TIGER & MANGROVE FOREST
Located near Khulna about 320 Km. west of Dhaka. Here in the south, spread over an area of about 6000 sq. km. of deltaic swamps along the coastal belt of Khulna is the biggest mangrove forest, Sundarbans (beautiful forest)- the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. Its dense rain forests are criss crossed by a network of rivers and creeks. One finds here tides flowing in two directions in the same creek and often tigers swimming across a river or huge crocodiles basking in the sun. Other wildlife in this region are cheetahs, spotted dears, moneys, pythons, wild bears and hyenas. The forest is accessible by river from Khulna and Mongla. There are rest houses for the visitors to stay and enjoy the unspoiled nature with all its charm and majesty. Spending some times inside the forest can be a rara treat for the lovers of nature.

KUAKATA
A rare scenic beauty spot on the southernmost tip of Bangladesh in the district of Patuakhali. It has a wide sandy beach from where one can get the unique opportunity of seeing both the sunrise and sun setting. It is located at a distance of 70 km, from the district headquarters of Patuakhali. Access to the area is difficult. Guided Tours in Kuakata TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) arranges guided package tours for groups of 2 to 8 and above from Dhaka to Kuakata. For details please contact: TRAVEL BANGLADESH (TRAVELBD) Manager (Tours), TRAVELBD Head Office, 33 North Kafrul, Dhaka-1206 Phone: +880 2 9890075, Mobile: +88 0189 279513, email: info@travelbd.com , web site URL: www.travelbd.com

MAINAMATI - SEAT OF LOST DYNASTIES

About eight km. to the west of Comilla town which is situated 114 km south east of Dhaka lies a range of low hills known as Mainamati-Lalmai ridge, an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. On the slopes of these hills lie scattered a treasure of information about the early Buddhist cMlization (7th-12th Centure A.D.). At Salban in the middle of the ridge, excavations laid bare a large Buddhist Vihara (monastery) and imposing central sharine. It has revealed valuable information about the rule of the Chandra and Deva dynasties which flourished here from the 7th to 12th century. The whole range of hillocks run for about 18 km. and is studded with more than 50 sites. A site museum houses the archaeological finds which include terra cotta plaques, bronze statues and casket, coins, jewellery, utensils, pottery and votive stupas embossed with Buddhist inscriptions. Museum is open Sunday-Friday and closed on Saturday. Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) established nearby in 1959 is known for its pioneering role in co-operative movement.

MAHASTHANGARH - THE OLDEST ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

Located at a distance of 18 km north of Bogra town. Mahasthangarh is the oldest archaeological site of Bangladesh on the western bank of river Karatoa. The spectacular site is an imposing landmark in the area having a fortified long enclosure. Beyond the fortified area, other ancient ruins fan out within a semicircle of about 8 km radius. Several isolated mounds, the local names of which are Govinda Bhita Temple, Khodia Pathar Mound, Mankalir Kunda, Parasuramer Bedi, Jiyat Kunda etc. surround the fortified city. This 3rd century B.C. archaeological site is still held to be of great sancitity by the Hindus. Every year (mid - April) and once in every 12 years (December) thousands of Hindu devotees join the bathing ceremony on the bank of river Karatoa. A visit to the Mahasthangarh site museum will open up for one a wide variety of antiquities, ranging form terra-cotta objects to gold ornaments and coins recovered from the site. Also noteworthy are the shrine of Shah Sultan Bulki Mahisawary and Gokul Moth in the neighbourhood of Mahasthangarh.

RAJSHAI - A NATURAL SILK PRODUCING CENTRE

Rajshahi has seen the most glorious periods of Bengal's Pala dynasty. It is famous for pure silk, mangoes and lichis. Attractive silk products are cheaper. A visit to Varendra Research Museum at the heart of the city of rich archaeological finds, would be most rewarding. There are also a number of ancient mosques, shrines and temples in and around Rajshahi. Connected with Dhaka by road, rail, river and air, Rajshahi is located on the bank of the Padma river. Bangladesh Parjathan Corporation offers comfortable accommodation and restaurant facilities at Rajshahi.

NATORE PLACE OF DIGHPATIYA RAJBARI

About 40km. from Rajshahi by road is Natore, an old seat of Maharajas with a beautiful palace, now serving as the Uttara Ganabhaban (President's Official residence of the northern region). It was residence of the Dighapatiya Raj. It is situated amid well kept ground surrounded by a fine moat. The buildings are modern. They include a well equipped guest house, an imposing gateway and a fine garden decorated with statues of white marble.

PAHARPUR - THE LARGEST BUDDHIST SEAT OF LEARNING

Paharpur is a small village 5 km. west of Jamalganj in the greater Rajshahi district where the remains of the most important and the largest known monastery south of the Himalayas has been excavated. This 7th century archaeological find covers approximately an area of 27 acres of land. The entire establishment, occupying a quadrangular cout, measuring more than 900 ft. and from 12 ft. to 15th. in height. With elaborate gateway complex on the north there are 45 cells on the north and 44 in each of the other three sides with a total number of 177 rooms. The architecture of the pyramidal cruciform temple is profoundly influenced by those of South - East Asia, especially Myanmar and Java. It had taken its name from a high mound, which looked like pahar or hillock. A site museum built recently houses the representative collection of objects recovered from the area. The excavated findings have also been preserved at the Varendra Research Museum at Rajshahi. The antiquities of the museum include terra-cotta plaques, images of different goods and goddesses, potteries, coin inscriptions, ornamental bricks and other minor clay objects. Interest tourists may avail.

DINAJPUR - OLD ORNAMENTAL TEMPLE TOWN

The northern most district of the country, offers a number of attractions to the visitors. The Ransagar (great sea) lake with rest houses is a good picnic spot having facilities for fishing and rowing in a serene and quiet green countryside atmosphere. Kantanager temple, the most ornate among the late medieval temples of Bangladesh is situated near Dinajpur town. It was build by Maharaja Pran Nath in 1752 A.D. Every inch of the temple surface is beautifully embellished with exquisite terra-cotta plaques, representing flora, fauna, geometric motifis, mythological scenes and an astonishing array to contemporary social scenes and favourite pastimes. The Maharaja's palace with relics of the past centuries and local museum are worth a visit.

MYMENSINGH - THE HEART OF BENGAL'S FOLKLORE

From the foot of the Garo Hills in the north down to the plains of Dhaka in the south lies greater Mymensingh. Along the northern frontier of the district there are many aboriginal tribes such as Garos, Hajongs and Kochis who are ethnically quiet distinct from the people around them. Mymensingh has earned a notable position in Bengali literature as the birth place or rich folklores and folk songs. On the road from Dhaka to mymensing there is a national park and game sanctuary at Madhupur about 160 km. from Dhaka. There are a number of reserve forests in the area with rest houses and picnic spots. World famous painter Zainul Abedin's Art Gallery at Mymensingh carries the boyhood memories of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Other places of tourist interest include the following:

1. Shilaidaha Kuthibari Carries memory of the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore who made frequent visits to this place and used to stay in connection with the administration of his jamindari and enriched Bengali literature through his writings during that time. It is located at a distance of about 20 km. from Kushita town.

2. Shahjadpur kuthibari About 75 km. from Pabna town, it is also a historical place connected with the frequent visits of poet Rabindranath Tagore.

3. Sagardari Birth place of modern Bengali poet Michael Madhusudhan Datta who first introduced sonnet in Bengali poetry. Located at a distance of about 90 km. from Jessore town.

4. Meherpur Memorial Located at a distance of about 7 km. from the town of Meherpur. First provisional revolutionary Government of Bangladesh was declared here on 14 April during the liberation war in 1971. A monument has been built to commemorate this occasion.


PARK/SANCTUARIES

1. Baldha Garden Unique creation of the late Narendra Narayan Roy, the landlord of Baldha. Year of establishment was 1904. Located in Wari area of Dhaka city (opposite Christian Cemetery), the garden with its rich collection of indigenous and exotic plants is one of the most exciting attraction for naturalists and tourists. Dividend into two units: `Psyche' meanings the mother goddess of nature, the garden house about 1500 plants and trees covering 672 species and 87 families. Many of them are rare plants procured from about 50 different countries of the world. Papyrus, Amazou Lily, Victoria Regia, Camelias (Camellia japonica) Ashoke tree, Baobab (Adansonia digital) Century flower plant (Fureraea gigantea), Canyehor and Sugar palm of Philippines are some of the rare collections. A lovely lily pond inside the `Psyche' and a sun dial are worth visiting. The tombs of the founder and his son are located within `Cybele'. Visit both the twins for rewarding experience. Open: Saturday- Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Friday closed. Entrance fee Ta. 2.00.

2. National Botanical Garden Located at Mirpur, near the Dhaka Zoo. Spread over an area of 205 acres of land. It has a collection of nearly 100 species of local and foreign plants. Outstanding attractions are 100 varieties of roses in the rose corner, 100 varieties of bamboos in the bamboo grove, varieties of sandal wood and an old banyan tree. A quiet place out of the main city to meet the nature. Open: Saturday - Thursday, 9:00 am. - 5:00 pm.

3. Dhaka Zoological Gardens Popularly known as Mirpur Zoo and located at a distance of about 16 km. from the Dhaka city centre. Establiushed on 230 acres of land. It has nearly 1400 animals and birds belonging to 124 species latest addition being the Kangaroo and Tapir. Busy enclosures are those of lions, Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthers, Deers, Monkeys, Chimpanzees, Pythons, Crocodiles, Elephants, colourful birds and other animals. A zoological museum with stuffed animals and birds is rich in collection. Angling and picnic facilities available inside the zoo besides Kiosks and restaurants. Open: Daily : 8.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Entrance Fee: Adult Ta. 2.00 Children. Ta 1.00 and foreigners Ta. 5.00.

4. National Park Situated at Bhawal, 40km, north of Dhaka Trishal - Mymensingh Highway. An ideal spot for visitors, artists, photographers, omithologists and tourists. A vast (16,000 acres) national recreational forest. Main flora is Garjan (Assam Sal) and fauna includes small tigers, leopards, foxes, pythons, lizards and many local birds. A 1000 metre long meandering man made lake having angling and rowing facilities, the flower gardens inside are added attraction to natural beauty. Mere walking or lazing under the shade of trees is pleasant. 20 picnic spots., 6 rest houses of the forest department with comfortable bed and modern amenities are available inside the national park. Prior premission/booking may be obtained from the Divisional Forest Officer.

MUSEUMS

1. National Museums Established as Dhaka Museum in 1913. It has been renamed as the National Museum and was shifted to its new building at shahbag in 1983. It is a four storied building and has forty galleries under four departments, namely (1) Natural History, (2) History and Classical Art, (3) Ethnography and Decorative Art and (4) Contemporary art and world civilization. The museum contains a large number of interesting collection including sculptures and paintings of the Buddhist and Muslim periods. It also has a rich collection of old coins, metal images, books on art, ivory and silver filigree works, textiles including the world famous muslim fabric embroidered quilt (Nakshi Kantha), arms and ammunitions of the bygone warriors, varieties of fine handicrafts and models of the village and town life, contemporary paintings and sculptures. Above all, the valuable articles of the heroic liberation war of Bangladesh are also there. Open: Saturday - Wednesday 10.00 am - 7.00 pm. Thursday: closed. Entrance Fee: TK. 5.00.

2. Folk Art Museum The Folk Art Museum was established in 1975 to fulfill the dream of the celebrated painter Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. The Museum has a very rich collection of folk objects of different materials and forms of aesthetic and utilitarian values. These undoubtedly reflect the sentiments, impulse, temperament, moods, idiosyncracy skill and expertise of the artists and artisans. It is a national traditional art heritage of Bangladesh, exhibiting objects of exceptional design and skill. Open: Saturday - Wednesday 9.00 am. 5.00 pm. closed Thursday, Friday & Govt, Holidays.

3. Ethnological Museum The ethnological museum at Chittagong stands as a milestone in our national progress. It is a place where ample facilities have been provided to carry out enthnologiczal research. This museum is recognised as one of the best specialised museum is recognised as one of the best specialised museums in south east asia. It houses objects of 12 different tribes of Bangladesh and also of many tribes of Australia, India and Pakistan. Entrance fee : Adult Ta 1.00 and children Ta. 0.50.

4. Archaeological Museums Every place of archaeological importance houses a small archaeological museum i.e. at Lalbagh Fort, Mahasthangarh, Paharpur, and Mainamati. Admission fee to these museums is adult Tk. 10 and children Tk.5.

5. Varendra Museum Situated at Rajshahi. This museum has a rich collection of objects of Mohenjodaro and also of 16th to 19th century A.D. This is devoted to the study of ancient history an culture. Its rich collections contain interesting objects of past Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim heritage. It is located at the heart of Rajshahi town and maintained by Rajshahi University authority. The year of its formal establishment is 1910. Admission is free.

6. Tribal Museum The only Tribal Cultural Museum in the Hill Tracts region was established at Rangamati town in 1978 and run by the Tribal Cultural Institute. It preserves valuable objects and articles of different tribes depicting their socioeconomic, cultural and historical tradition. These include typical tribal dresses, ornaments, arms and ammunitions, coins, statues made of wood, bronze and other metals, musical instruments, ivory products, handicrafts, paintings on tribal life etc. Open : Saturday - Thursday 10.00 am. - 4.00 pm., closed: Friday & Public Holidays. Admission is free.

ENTERTAINMENT

1. Cinema Dhaka has several excellent air conditioned cinema halls which screen British. American, continental and Bangladeshi films. All district towns have their own cinemas. Check the daily morning newspapers for details of current attractions.

2. Theatre Bengali and Bengali transiations of western plays are staged frequently. Popular theatre groups are: Dhaka Theatre, Nagarik Nattya Sampraday and Theatre.

3. Cultural Shows Cultural shows are quite frequently performed at several venues like Mohila Samity, Guide House and British Council Auditorium. Check with hotel receptions and the daily newspapers for details.

4. Fairs, festivals & Holidays Fairs and festivals have always plaued a significant role in the life of the citizens of this country. They derive from them a great amount of joy, entertainment and colour for life. While most of the festivals have sprung from religious rituals, the fairs have their roots in the very heart of the people, irrespective of religion, caste or creed. The biggest muslim festivals are Eidul Fitr. Next comes Eid ul Azha. Other widely celebrated muslim festivals are Eid e Miladunabi, Shab - e - Barat, Ashura (10th day of Lunar Month, Muharram), and Jamt ul wide. Festivals like Durga Puja of the Hindus, Christmas of the Christians, Buddha Purnima of the Buddhists are also celebrated with equal fervour. Among the nonreligious festivals Bengali New Year's Day, Victory Day (16th December) and Independence day (26th March) are celebrated nation wide. All these festivals are marked as public holidays. Other national holidays are 21st February (National Mourning Day in memory of the martyrs of Language movement) 1st May and 7th November (National Solidarity Day).

DANCE
Classical forms of the sub continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal and middle eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances, particularly popular are Monipur and Santal.

MUSIC

The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories classical , folk and modern. The classical music, both vocal and instrumental is rooted in the remote past of the sub continent. Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan are two names in classical instrument music who are internationally known. Folk song nurtured through the ages by village poets, rich in devotional musticism and loveres is popular in Bangladesh. The best known forms are Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and Bhawaiya, Lalan, Hansan Raja, Abbasuddin and Abdul Alim are four great manes in flok song. Modern Bengali song pioneered by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam blended western and Middle Eastern traits with traditional forms. Contemporary patterns have more inclinations to west. Pop song and band groups are also coming up mainly in Dhaka city.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Fairs and festivals have always played a significant role in the life of the people of the country. Brief information on the important and regular festivals is given below. It may not be out of place to mention here that besides these, there are various fairs and exhibitions held during the winter (November - March).