Thursday, April 2, 2009

Discover the wonders of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a country that is a diverse and intriguing combination of culture, tradition and unforgettable beauty. Decorating the landscape and diverting attention away from the concrete jungles and bustling cities, visitors will find a world of sparkling rivers, breathtaking mountains and spectacular adventures waiting around every corner. Located in South Asia, Bangladesh has been fighting poverty and establishing economic stability since its independence in 1971. Even though it is known to be one of the most highly populated countries in the world, it is also home to fertile plains, magnificent wildlife and an extraordinary history that captives the imagination through the buildings and monuments that remind present and future generations of its unique heritage. Its topical, mild winters and humid summers make Bangladesh a destination that can be visited all year round.

National Parks in Bangladesh

Protected areas in Bangladesh cover some 2% of the country's total area or 243 677 ha. There are eight National Parks in Bangladesh as well as seven Wildlife sanctuaries, five conservation sites and one game reserve. Bangladesh's National Parks can be defined as relatively large areas of natural beauty where the flora and fauna are protected and preserved for the public to enjoy and gain education. Wildlife sanctuaries are designated areas where wildlife and natural resources are protected and for the provision of undisturbed breeding. A game reserve is defined by the government as a place that protects wildlife as well as serves to increase the numbers of various species.
Bhawal National Park in Gazipur was established in 1982 to preserve important habitats and create opportunities for recreation, education and research. The prominent form of flora is coppice sal forest. Himchari National Park was founded in 1980 at Cox's Bazar. Semi-evergreen as well as deciduous forest dominate the area. Ramsagar National Park, developed in Dinajpur in 1974 encompasses man-made forest of ornamental and fruit trees.
Below is a list of Bangladesh's National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, game reserve and other conservation areas.
Bhawal National Park – Gazipur
Himchari National Park – Cox' Bazar
Kaptai National Park – Chittagong
Hill TractsLawachara National Park – Moulavibazar
Medha Kassapia National Park – Cox's Bazar
Modhupur National Park – Tangail/Mymensingh
Nijhum Dweep National Park – NoakhaliRamsagar
National Park – Dinajpur
Satchari National Park – Hobigonj
Char Kukri-Mukri
Wildlife Sanctuary – Bhola
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong
Pablakhali Wildlife Sanctuary – Chittagong
Hill TractsRema-Kelenga
Wildlife Sanctuary – Hobigonj
Sundarban (East) Wildlife Sanctuary – Bagerhat
Sundarban (West) Wildlife Sanctuary – Satkhira
Sundarban (South) Wildlife Sanctuary – Khulna
Teknaf Game Reserve – Cox's Bazar
Baldha Garden - Dhaka
Dulahazara Safari Parks – Cox's Bazar
Madhabkunda Eco-Park – Moulavibazar
National Botanical Garden – Dhaka
Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Eco-park - Chittagong

Bangladesh in the Cricket World Cup 2007

Bangladesh has proven that no-one should underestimate any team that enters the Cricket World Cup. Even though they were regarded as minnows in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, the Bangladesh team has taken the World Cup by storm, leaving India and South Africa reeling in shock. Defeating two of the world's top cricket teams is an achievement to be proud of and has renewed the faith of many Bangladesh cricket supporters.

2011 Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony in Bangladesh


Cricket is a great sport and the Cricket World Cup is the highlight of every cricket lover’s year. This time the event, which is held every four years, will be even more memorable for cricket lovers living in Bangladesh.
On February 18, 2009, Haroon Lorgat, the Chief Executive of the International Cricket Council, announced that the opening ceremony of the 2011 Cricket World Cup will be held in Bangladesh. The event will take place almost exactly two years from now on February 19, 2011, and proceedings will coincide with the opening game which will also take place in Bangladesh on the same day. That is exciting news for both
cricket lovers in Bangladesh and the people of the country in general as the move will no doubt generate a lot of tourism and cast a spotlight on the country, hopefully helping to further improve its image and economy.
Haroon Lorgat also said that the number of matches to be played at the fifteen different selected venues had been discussed. It is obvious that the event should be used to bolster local tourism efforts and every endeavor must be made to ensure that it is a massive success. If you would like to combine sport with leisure, you’ll be happy to know that the World Cup will be making its way to either Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Narayanganj Osmani Stadium in Fatullah or the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium in
Dhaka. The final decision as to which stadium will be used for the event is yet to be made.
No doubt, this means that Bandladesh will experience a lot of tourist-related development as city officials try to ensure that it is completely ready to receive this prestigious event and the many tourists that travel with it. Though it is still some time before the 2011 Cricket World Cup takes place, fans would definitely do well to book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Visitors from other countries would also do well to take advantage of their trip and explore the country between matches so that they can learn a little bit more about the rich beauty that is to be found in Bangladesh.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Christmas

Christmas, popularly called "Bara Din (Big Day)", is celebrated with pomp in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country. Several day-long large gatherings are held at St. Mary's Cathedral at Ramna, Portuguese Church at Tejgaon, Church of Bangladesh (Protestant) on Johnson Road and Bangladesh Baptist Sangha at Sadarghat 

Durga Puja

Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community continues for ten days, the last three days being culmination with the idol immersed in rivers. In Dhaka the big celebrations are held at Dhakeswari Temple, where a fair is also held and at the Ram 

Muharram

Muharram procession is a ceremonial mournful procession of Muslim community. A large procession is brought out from the Hussaini Dalan Imambara on 10th Muharram in memory of the tragic martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) on this day at Karbala in Iraq. Same observations are made elsewhere in the country. 

Eid-ul-Azha

Second biggest festival of the Muslims. It is held marking the Hajj in Mecca on the 10th Zilhaj, the lunar month. Eid congregations are held throughout the country. Animals are sacrificed in reminiscence of Hazrat Ibrahim's (AM) preparedness for the supreme sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah. It is a public holiday. 

Eid-ul-Fitr

The biggest Muslim festival observed throughout the world. This is held on the day following the Ramadan or the month of fasting. In Dhaka big congregations are held at the National Eidgah and many mosques. 

Eid-e-Miladunnabi

Eid-e-Miladunnabi is the birth and death day of Prophet Muhammad (s). He was born and died the same day on 12th Rabiul Awal (Lunar Month). The day is national holiday, national flag is flown atop public and private houses and special food is served in orphanages, hospitals and jails. At night important public buildings are illuminated and milad mahfils are held. 

Mother Language Day

21st Feb, the National Mourning Day and World Mother Language Day 
21 February is observed throughout the country to pay respect and homage to the sacred souls of the martyrs' of Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day at the Central Shahid Minar (near Dhaka Medical College Hospital) area to establish Bangla as a state language of the then Pakistan. All subsequent movements including struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar (martyrs monument) is the symbol of sacrifice for Bangla, the mother tongue. The day is closed holiday. Mourning procedure begin in Dhaka at midnight with the song Amar vaier raktay rangano ekushay February (21st February, the day stained with my brothers' blood). Nationals pay homage to the martyrs by placing flora wreaths at the Shahid Minar. Very recently the day has been declared World Mother Language Day by UNESCO. 


Independence Day

March 26 is the day of Independence of Bangladesh. It is the biggest state festival. This day is most befittingly observed and the capital wears a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning with the booming of guns heralding the day. Citizens including government leaders and sociopolitical organizations and freedom fighters place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. At night the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital city a dazzling look. Similar functions are arranged in other parts of the country.

Independence Day

March 26 is the day of Independence of Bangladesh. It is the biggest state festival. This day is most befittingly observed and the capital wears a festive look. It is a public holiday. The citizens of Dhaka wake up early in the morning with the booming of guns heralding the day. Citizens including government leaders and sociopolitical organizations and freedom fighters place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs Monument at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and other socio-cultural organizations hold cultural functions. At night the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital city a dazzling look. Similar functions are arranged in other parts of the country.

Friday, March 27, 2009