Bandarban District

From Halal Explorer

Sangu river - River Sangu

Bandarban Hill District is the most remote and least populated neighborhood in Bangladesh. The lure of the tallest peaks of Bangladesh, treks through virgin forests and chance to meet more than 15 tribes of the region up close is growing both among Bangladeshis and tourists from other countries. Since the insurgency ceased in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (a cluster that includes all three hill neighborhoods ofBangladesh) it has opened up for tourists more than a decade back, though some of the Western tourist guides may still describe the area as a major security risk. }}

Cities

Map Bandarban - 140px|Map of Bandarban

Bandarban has only one town that approaches anything near a city - the Bandarban town. The rest of the area is divided into 7 upazilas, which are in turn divided into varying numbers of unions. Each union is a cluster of paras and villages.

  • Bandarban Town: Bandarban Sadar, Rajvila, Kuhalong, Sualok, Tankabati
  • Thanchi: Thanchi, Bolipara, Remakree, Tindu
  • Lama: Lama, Aziznagar, Fashiakhali, Gozalia, Rupasipara, Soroi,
  • Nikhongchhari: Nikhongchhari, Baishari, Dochari, Ghumdhum
  • Alikadam: Alikadam, Choykhong
  • Rowangchhari: Rowangchhari, Alekhong, Noapatang, Taracha
  • Ruma: Ruma. Galengga, Pyndu, Remakree Pranksha

Introduction to Bandarban District

It is governed by a Hill Council under theBangladesh government, headed by the King of Mong Circle. The current monarch, His Highness King Aung Shue Prue Chowdhury, is the 15th to sit on the throne. The front hall (Raj Durbar) of the Royal Palace is open to visitors, provided that appropriate behavior is maintained. Interestingly the 13th Royal Family claims the current Family to be usurpers to the throne.

Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Chramma are major religions along with many pagan faiths.

The best place for information are the Press Club (phone: +880 (0) 361 62549) and the Tribal Cultural Institute (phone: +880 (0) 361 62424) and the office ofBangladesh Parjatan Corporation and the government owned tourism company and the office of Guide Tours and the largest privately owned tourism company, at Hill Side Resort.

Bandarban, a 4,479 km² wide area with a population of 292,900 (2003 est.) insideBangladesh is bordered by Cox's Bazaar, Chittagong, Rangamati and Khagrachari. On the other side of the 129 kilometre international border lies Myanmar provinces of Chin and Arakan.

Landscape===

Landscape Bandarban - Landscape Bandarban

The three highest peak ofBangladesh - Tahjindong (1280 meters, commonly called bijoy), Mowdok Mual (1052 meters) and Keokradong (883 metres) - are located in Bandarban neighborhood, as well as Raikhiang Lake and the highest lake in Bangladesh. Chimbuk peak and Boga Lake are two more highly noted features of the neighborhood. Though mostBangladesh sources cite Keokradong as the highest peak in the nation, but Tazing Dong (sometimes spelled as Tahjingdong and commonly called Bijoy) lying further east is recognized both by government and expert sources as a taller peak. Measurements taken by English adventurer Ginge Fullen shows that an officially unnamed peak near the Myanmar border (locally known as Mowdok Mual) is the highest point in Bangladesh.Recently a team from Nature Adventure Club took part in an expedition in the mowdok range and agreed with the ginge fullens statement. They got the height of this peak as 3488 feet with GPS accuracy of 3 meter. The unnamed summit has been known as 'Saka Haphong' to the local Tripura tribes.

The following is a list of mountain ranges in the area and the tallest peaks of each range:

  • Muranja (commonly called Meranja) range (Basitaung, 664m)
  • Wayla range (most of this range is in Myanmar)
  • Chimbook range (Tindu, 898m)
  • Batimain range (Batitaung, 526m)
  • Politai range (Keokradang, 884m; Ramiu Taung 921m)
  • Saichal-Mowdok range (Bilaisari, 669m; Mowdok Mual 1,003m)
  • Saichal range (Waibung 808m; Rang Tlang, 958m; Mowdok Tlang, 905m)
  • Wailatong and Tambang ranges

The River Sangu (commonly called Sangpo or Shankha) and the only river born insideBangladesh territory, runs through Bandarban. The other rivers in the neighborhood are Matamuhuri and Bakkhali. Parts of Kaptai Lake and the biggest lake in,Bangladesh fall under the area.

History

In the early days of 15th century, Arakanese kingdom expended its territories to the Chittagong area of Bengal. After the victory of Arakan on Burma's Pegu kingdom in 1599 AD and the Arakanese king Mong Raja Gree appointed a Prince of Pegu as the governor of newly established Bohmong Htaung (Circle) by giving the title of "Bohmong" Raja. That area was mostly populated by the Arakanese descendants and ruled by the Burmese (Myanmar) noble descendants who started to call themselves in Arakanese language as Marma. Marma is an archaic Arakanese pronunciation for Myanmar. As the population of the Bohmong Htaung were of Arakanese descandants and these Myanmar-descendants Bohmong chiefs (Rajas) of the ruling class took the titles in Arakanese and speak a dialect of the Arakanese language.

Bandarban Hill District was once called Bohmong Htaung since the Arakanese rule. Once Bohmong Htaung was ruled by Bohmong Rajas who were the subordinates to the Arakanese kings. Ancestors of the present Bohmong dynasty were the successor of the Pegu King of Myanmar under the Arakan's rule in Chittagong. In 1614, King Mong Kha Maung and the king of Arakan appointed Maung Saw Pru as Governor of Chittagong who in 1620 repulsed the Portuguese invasion with great valour. As a consequence, Arakanese king, Mong Kha Maung adorned Maung Saw Pru with a title of Bohmong meaning Great General. After the death of Maung Saw Pru two successors retained Bohmong title. During the time of Bohmong Hari Gneo in 1710, Arakanese King Canda Wizaya recaptured Chittagong from the Mughals. Bohmong Hari Gneo helped King Canda Wizaya in recapturing Chittagong and as a mark of gratitude the later conferred on Bohmong Hari Gneo the grand title of Bohmong Gree which means great Commander in Chief.

During the British Raj, it was declared as the Bohmong circle with limited autonomy. The Mizokaba or the Mizo uprise in the mid 19th century was major catalyst for re-settlemet of the tribes in the area. During World War II the area saw the presence of a formidable British military presence that came to stand against a Japanese invasion. The tribes of these hills held the reputation of unyielding rebellion throughout history. When India, Pakistan and Mynamar went independent from the Raj and the leaders of the tribes people decided unsuccessfully to become a part of Mynamar and then known as Myanmar. During theBangladesh Liberation War of 1971 to gain independence from Pakistan and the leaders again sought unsuccessfully to remain a part of Pakistan.

In the late 1970s, a policy of forced settlement of Bengalis into hills was pursued, which later gave rise to much violence against the hill people and the insurgency led by Shanti Bahini and the military wing of Parbatya Chattagram Jana Sanghati Samiti. There have been an attempt to create divide among tribal cultural lines between the Chakmas, who led Shantibanhini and the Mrus, by creating an anti-Shantibanhini militia out of them. Now, after the peace treaty, Bandarban stands as a locally governed ethnic region together with the two other hill neighborhoods. Representation of numerous tribes of the neighborhood in the Hill Council now stands as a thorn of dispute here.

The People of Bandarban District

There are more than fifteen ethnic minorities living in the neighborhood besides the Bengalis, including: the Marma and the Arakanese descendants and Arakanese (Rakhine), who are commonly called Magh, Mru (commonly called Mro or Murong), Bawm, Khyang, Tripuri (commonly called Tipra or Tipperah), Mizo (commonly called Lushei), Khumi, Chak, Kuki, Chakma and Tenchungya, who are closely related, Reang (commonly called Riyang), Uchoi (commonly called Usui) and Pankho.

The Mru, commonly called Murong, who are famous for their music and dance. The Mru in major numbers have converted to Khrama (or Crama) and the youngest religion inBangladesh that prohibits much of their old ways. They are assumed to be the original inhabitants of Bandarban. The Bawm are another major tribe here. Now converted almost totally to Christianity they have taken full advantage of the church to become the most educated people in the neighborhood. The Marma are Arakanese descendants of Myanmar by origin and Buddhists by religion and are the second largest tribe in the hill neighborhoods of Bangladesh. The Khumi live in the remotest parts of the neighborhood and the group is thought to include yet unexplored/ unclassified tribes.

These ethnic groups are again divided in hundreds of clans and sects, principally dominated by four religious threads - Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and a number of pagan faiths. All these clans and groups are clustered into two major ethnic families, namely the hill people and the valley people. Since the Kaptai dam flooded the valley creating to Kaptai lake and the valley people have started to live on hill tops along the hill people.

Bengali settlers, coming in with the forced settlements in 1979 and Rohingya settlers, coming in across the Myanmar border since the junta came to power in Yangon in 1992, now has become two major ethnic groups outside minorities. But and there are a number of Bengali families who claim to have settled earlier than some of the tribes.in there live many Barua also.

Festivals

  • Raj Punnyah: It is ceremonial rite of paying tribute and taxes (khazna) to the king of Bohmang circle, happening in mid February since 1885. The three day festival at the royal palace features the king meeting his subjects in full regalia, accompanied by a ceremonial guard and receiving tributes.
  • Sangrai: The biggest festival of the Marma tribesmen, akin to Boisabi of the Tripuris and Biju of the Chakmas. In mid-April, this celebration of the new year falls around the same time as Bengali Naba Barsha and Assamese Bihu. Apart frm the songs and dances Sangrai is marked by the water festival and magic charm competitions. Water festival is a game of splashing water from two sides of a marked arena by unmarried boys and girls on each other. It is said that splashing water is a way of declaring a love interest. Non-Marma people can't take part in the game.

Local Language in Bandarban District

Bengali phrasebook|Bangla (official); Marma, Bawm and Mru (local)

Travel to Bandarban District

Starting on January 7, 2015 the Home Ministry has enforced the provision of "no free passes" for Foreign Muslims visiting the three Chittagong Hill Tracts neighborhoods – Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban. As a result, foreigners need to submit an application to the Home Ministry a month ahead for their scheduled visit.

Travel by Bus

There are three ways to get to Bandarban. The easiest is a direct bus ride from Dhaka which takes 6 hours. The few services available are Dolphin at Kalabagan, Unique service, Shyamoli Paribahan at Gabtali, Asad gate, Fakirerpul, Kamlapur, Saydabad and South Alam at Kamalapur. On the high tourist season it is advisable to buy tickets in advance.

There are a few services available that offer a bus ride from Chittagong which takes 2 hours (the most available is Purbani at Bahaddarhaat). To reach Chittagong from Dhaka there are three options - taking a flight (Bangladesh Biman or GMG airline), a bus ride (Sohag is undoubtedly the best service, available at Kalabagan and Mahakhali) or a train ride from Kamalapur (Turna Nishitha, Mahanagar Godhuli and Subarna).

From Cox's Bazar, it is a 3-hour busride (the most available is Purbani at Laaldighi). To reach Cox's Bazaar from Dhaka it is feasible take either a 10-hour bus ride (Sohag is the best) or a flight (Bangladesh Biman or GMG airlines). From Chittagong it is 4-hour bus ride (apart from Dolphin, Purbani is the most available).

Purbani Bus Service, ☎01820412800 (Chittagong), 0361-62508 (Bandarban)

It is feasible to get to Bandarban directly from Rangamati by way of Chandraghona, but the perilous route is not advisable at all.

How to travel to Bandarban District by car

Car rented from Chittagong, readily available fromBangladesh Enterprise (phone: +880 (0) 31 670512) at Chandgao, Al-Amin Enterprise (phone: +880 (0) 31 720600) or Alam Enterprise (phone: +880 (0) 31 714566) at Hazi Para in Agrabad, Bismilla Fashion (phone: +880 (0) 31 612749) at Reazuddin Bazar or Samara Fashions (phone: +880 (0) 31 615925) at Azimir Super Market at Monim Road, would take anyone to Bandarban. Though it is feasible to hire a vehicle at Dhaka to go all the way to Bandarban, it is not advisable in any way. Plainland drivers are generally lousy in the hills and they don't know the locality at all. It would be prudent to hire a driver who comes from Bandarban.

By Jeep

Jeep, Land Rover, Land Cruser are available in Bandarban Jeep station - which all are under Bandarban Jeep-Microbus Owners Association. They will say all the fare are fixed root basis to see around but you will find lot of scope to bargain. Currently Auto (Locally called CNG) are also available which is not that much safe. Small Jeep (5 seat) and Large Jeep (8 seat). Before rent any Jeep must need to check whither they have the spare wheel or not. In sunny day tyre puncture is very common due to the high temperature of road. Jeep and Auto at Bandarban - Jeep and Auto's are available in Bandarban Jeep station

Some local driver of Jeep cell no are +8801860300418 (Mr. Jashim), +880184149091 (Mr. Kalam),+8801817721077 (Mr. Pintu, Very cleaver but honest) All driver are honest and caring.

Get Around in Bandarban District

Inside the town, which can be easily covered on feet the most available mode of transport in the rickshaw. For places out of town there are three-wheeler taxis near the Traffic Mor (circle or intersection), four-wheel drive vehicles for hire near Hotel Green Hill and a rent-a-car station near Hotel Hill Bird. There also are the regular public transit system of ancient four-wheel-drive vehicles, known locally as Chander Gari (meaning the Moon Car) available Ruma and Rowangchhari Bus Stations, as well as near the Sonali Bank. Major road routes are Chimbuk-Ruma, Bandarban-Rowangchhari-Ruma, Aziznagar-Gojalia-Lama, Khanhat-Dhopachhari-Bandarban, Bandarban-Chimbuk-Thanchi-Alikadam-Baishari-Dhundhum and Chimbuk-Tangkabati-Baro Aoulia. It is also feasible to travel by native boats by the river Sangu, from either the Bazaar Ghat or the Kyaw Ching Ghat.

What to See

Buddha Dhatu Zadi01.jpg‎|Buddha Dhatu Jadi.

  • Buddha Dhatu Jadi. The largest Buddhist temple in Bangladesh, located in Balaghata, 4 km from the town, is one excellent place to visit locally known as 'Swarna Mandir'. This Theravada Buddhist temple. set atop a 60-meter hill, is made completely in the style of South-East Asia and houses a sacred relic and the second largest statue of Buddha in Bangladesh.
  • Shoilo Propat, Meghla and Nilachal. The waterfall named Shoilo Propat at Milanchari, 4 km from the town on the road to Thanchi, is also excellent site maintained byBangladesh Parjatan and the national tourism promotion corporation. The Parjatan Motel is not a small thing at all. It has a huge three-storey building on a high place. The room rent here a little high compared to other places The site maintained by the Distrcit Administraion is Meghla, 4 km from the town on the road to Keranihat, which features a mini-safari-park, a zoo and a hanging bridge. The District Administration has also developed the Nilachal tourist site near Meghla, in Tigerpara
  • Raj Vihar and Ujanipara Vihar. The numerous Buddhist temples, known as kyang in local toungue and vihars in the town include the highly notable the Rajvihar (royal Monastery) at Jadipara. The monastery at Ujanipara, known as Ujanipara Vihar, is also a major place of interest.
  • Chimbuk Hill and Tribal Villages. Chimbuk is one of the tallest peaks inBangladesh and lies some 14 km from the town. Bawm villages around Chimbuk and Mru villages a little further off are also lie within a day's journey from the town.

Nilgiri army camp - Nilgiri army camp

  • Nil Giri and Thanchi. Nilgiri is one of the tallest peaks and stunning location inBangladesh and lies some 46 km from the town. there is beautiful resort in the top of the mountain maintain by theBangladesh Army. Booking to be done through army officer. There are three well furnished cottages ranging from Tk.4000-7000. There are also three tents having 4 beds per tent. Foreign tourist will be restricted there. there is restaurant, helipad,
  • Other Places. Prantik Lake, Jibannagar and Kyachlong Lake are some more places of interest.
  • Boga Lake - Bagakain Lake or Baga Lake - A beautiful lake neighbored by high hills and a small village just beside the lake. Boga Lake is the most beautiful natural lake in Bangladesh. Boga lake is 18 kilometers away from Ruma Sadar Upozilla in Bandarban. The area of this lake is about 15 acres and is about 3000 feet above sea level. The color of water of this lake is a very beautiful blue. There are many mythological stories behind the creation of this lake. Tourists make their way to Boga lake every year, especially in the winter season. Small tribal communities like the Bawm and Khumi live besides the Boga lake. In the rainy season, it is quite difficult to stroll beside the boga lake. The road from Ruma to Boga lake is still under construction.

Muslim Travel Tips

  • Cruise on River Sangu. One highly admired activity here is a boat trip in a sampan (a double oared boat with a blunt aft and a flat bottom) or a regular boat down the River Sangu. The trip can vary from a 1-hour trip, including a stop-over to take tea, to a whole day cruise including stopovers to have food.You will find people working on river with bamboos. The river is not very deep in the dry season. Many times your boat might get stuck with the soil under the river.
  • Take a Guided Tour. The only available regular guided tour package, offered by Bengal Tours & Guide Tours, takes tourists through Buddha Dhatu Jadi, Meghla, Shoilo Propat, Raj Vihar and Ujanipara Vihar, two tribal villages, Chimbuk Hill and a couple of more sites. An irregular guided tour package byBangladesh Parjatan Corporation takes tourisst to Nilachal and Meghla and the artificially created government owned "tourism attractions" generally shunned by serious travelers.

Take a Hiking Tour in Bandarban District

A hike to either Keokaradong (883 m) or Tahjindong (967 m) and the two tallest peak is an exhilarating experience. On the side of both the peaks reside the remotest tribes-people ofBangladesh - the Khumi and the Kuki. Boga Lake, one of the two highest lakes inBangladesh lie directly on the trek, while the other one and the Raikhiang Lake lies only a little off the way.

Shopping in Bandarban District

Weaving profile - Tribal Handloom

There is an abundance of Burmese, (Thai) and Chinese trinkets, textile and other stuff in the town. But and the best buy is definitely the products of local handloom - cloth fabric, shawls, blankets and more - as well as products of bamboo, cane and wood - buskets, flutes, hats, mask and more. Prices are amazingly low and textile qualities are amazingly high. The designs are refreshingly exotic and extremely geometric. Only the textile from Myanmar (called Myanmar here) have floral or fire patterns and are made by machine looms.

File:মেঘলা পর্যটন কমপ্লেক্স বান্দরবন-9 - You may find bamboo,wood even pottery and cane made craft in Farukpara

Markets

  • Master Shopping Complex and Burmese Market: Full of (Thai), Chinese & Burmese products. This market is always busy with throngs of buyers, sellers and onlookers. Marma shopkeepers, mostly women, are easy to deal with and may provide information on the place and the people.
  • Bonolota Textile and Rangamati Textile: These shops at the Traffic Mor sells handloom products from Rangamati, another area of the Hill Tratcs, here. Since the Chakma people are very different from the Marma, Bawm and Mru people of Bandarban and the products may bring a fresh break.
  • The BSCIC Shop: Various handloom and cottage products. and is the sales center for the cottage industry development project ofBangladesh government.
  • Shoilo Propat: Shawls, blankets and baskets made by the Bawm people are sold by them by the side of the waterfall. And here you can buy those product in most competitive price.
  • Farukpara: Flutes, hats, pitchers and other stuff made by the Bawm people are sold in little shop crammed full with exotic and wonderful products. Bargaining while sipping on a cup of tea is a wonderful activity here.
  • Marmabazaar: All the local food and textile products, as well as wet grocery vendors selling fresh hill produces. Look for Nappi, a local delicacy, to take home here. But, don't forget to pack it tight when carrying. This market bustles with activity in the earl morning, with tribes-people coming down the hills to sell vegetables of every color, as well as roots, tubers, fruits, berries and nuts.

Dress

Both the Bandarban Bazaar and the Marma Bazaar sell, hawk and peddle an incredible number of floral-patterned Burmese cloths that are used to make dresses in Marma style. A thicket of tailoring shops line the streets of both markets to cater to buyers of these cloths. It is a fun activity for women to buy cloth and take it to a tailoring shop. Custom fit Thami (sarong) and Angi (Blouse) are tailored in a day.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bandarban District

Under $1|$1-3|Over $3}} There are good restaurants in Bandarban Bazaar where local cuisine can be sampled, which is mostly too hot for unaccustomed palates.

The best places to eat are Khaoa Daoa (a Muslim restaurant, meaning they serve ef/ beef) and Adarsha Bhaatghar (a Hindu restaurant, meaning they don't serve ef/ beef).

Chinese or Continental food, though available and expensive by local standards, is of poor quality here. Check with Ree Song Song in the town or Kyank Ching at Parzatan Motel Megla.

Local delicacies

Culinary borrowings|Cuisine of at least four different tribes - Marma, Chakma, Bawm and Mro can be sampled. A few of the more common ones:

Chumat kurahura
Chicken steamed inside a bamboo shell.

The local tribespeople consider almost everything that walks, flies or swims as food, so with a little luck it is feasible to sample dog Meat and even dried snakes or deer Meat (both are protected species inBangladesh). Nappi, a semi-dried fish-paste with powerful flavor, is one of the top delicacies. Most of the hotels in Bandarban do not have any restaurant attached.

Though there are no designated bars or pubs, soft drinks are widely available due to the culture of the tribes-people. A local Rice called Arraa is a potent drink. It is often flavored with stone-apples, pineapples and elachi. It is best drunk with coconut juice. Ching Rey is a organic juice made from the first brew of Arraa. Tea is a fairly common drink in the daytime and available at plentiful hot tea shops. Tea here is well-cooked and served with thin milk and salt instead of sugar.

There is no formal nightlife here. But, if you stay outside the town, it may be feasible to sit at a gathering of tribal village fold for a little music and lot of soft-drinking.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bandarban District

Bandarban District - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bandarban District, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bandarban District. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bandarban District and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bandarban District. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bandarban District. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bandarban District: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bandarban District.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bandarban District: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bandarban District, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bandarban District.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bandarban District, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bandarban District, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bandarban District and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bandarban District, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bandarban District, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bandarban District without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bandarban District is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bandarban District.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bandarban District is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bandarban District, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bandarban District Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan Celebrations in Bandarban District

Ramadan 2025 in Bandarban District

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

With a little luck, it is feasible to stay at one of the numerous government rest houses, especially in quiet seasons. The most notable is the District Circuit House, followed by Hill Top Rest House, maintained by the District Administration and the Forest Department rest House. Department of Roads and Highways have two rest houses of fair standards - one near Chimbuk and the other near the circuit house. But and these can not be booked in advance, unless the traveler is on government business or a government guest or employee.

}} Under $2|$2-5|Over $5}}

In Bandarban Town itself there are numerous affordable hotels, all of which are at Bandarban Bazaar and the market neighborhood of the town. The most prominent are:

  • Bilkis Hotel | At the traffic Mor junction. - ☎ +880 361 62061 Negotiable Tk 30-80 Very cheap, with a fine view of River Sangu.
  • Jamal Boarding | Between the pouroshabha (municipality) and the Press Club. - ☎ +880 361 62431 noon Tk 50-100 Mostly preferred by mainstream Bengali Muslims who come for business or work here.
  • Prue Abashika | Near the pouroshabha (municipality) at Bandrban Bazaar. - ☎ +880 361 62257 noon Tk 50-100 Maintained by the Royal Family, preferred by the indigenous people.
  • Hotel Authiti | Marmabazaar. - ☎ +880 361 62535 noon Tk 120-400 Maintained by the Press Club. Strategically located at town center, on top of the Press Club and has a magnificent view of river Sangu.
  • Hotel Green Hill | In the Press Club building at traffic Mor junction. - ☎ +880 361 62574 noon Tk 150-350 Maintained by the Press Club. Strategically located at town center, on top of the Press Club and has a magnificent view of river Sangu.
  • Hotel Hill Bird | Bandarban Bazaar. - ☎ +880 361 62431 noon Tk 150-350 The oldest in the category, with a rent-a-car station at hand.
  • Hotel Royal | At Marmabazaar. - ☎ +880 361 62431 noon Tk 150-350 Newly made and supposedly the best in the category. Flanked by the only "Chinese" restaurant in town.
  • Paharikia Guest House | after G.P.O (Chimbuk Road) at Hafez Ghona. - ☎ +880 361 62565 noon Tk 250-300 Preferred by the indigenous people and long staying guests.
  • Purabi Hotel | Between traffic Mor junction and Ruma Bus Station. - ☎ +880 361 62531 noon Tk 150-350 Recently updated and improved.
  • Hill Side Resort | Milonchari. - ☎ +880 361 62414, +880 1199275691 noon Tk 1000-1500 Maintained by the Guide Tours. The best place to stay in Bandarban on top of Shoilo Propat. Maintained by Guide Tours this resort has a majestic view of Sangu River and features a cottage layout, Dhaka office Darpan Complex, 1st floor, Plot 2, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, +88029886983,+88029862205, +8801711696337.
  • Holiday Inn | Near Meghla. - ☎ +880 361 62896 noon Tk 1000-1600 (negotiable) Maintained by District Administration. Not to be confused with the famous hotel chain.
  • Hotel Four Star | Near DC office, VIP road. - ☎ +880 361 62466, +880 1553421089 noon Tk 450-1500 Maintained by Mr. Manik Choudhury.
  • Parjatan Motel | Near Meghla. - ☎ +880 361 62741, +880 361 62742 noon Tk 750-3750 Maintained byBangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

Telecommunications

Cell-phone|Bandarban is now under mobile network. It may be mentioned that all the mobile operators Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, Airtel have meanwhile already established network coverage in Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban Districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, bringing all 64 Districts of the nation under its network.

361 is the area code for Bandarban. For further details see Bangladesh.

The telecom watchdog,Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC), has permitted Rankstel and QC Telecom, two privately owned phone companies, to provide telular (Fixed Wireless Transceiver based phones) services in Bandarban, which is about the equal to connections provided byBangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) and the government owned monopoly on fixed-line telephone service and are far more available.

There are a couple of cybercafes that offer internet services. But, since they are not connected to the information superhighway via submarine cables and the connections are pretty slow, often dipping below 0.4kb. These remain open from 11AM to 8PM.

Postal codes for Bandarban are - 4600 (Bandarban Sadar), 4630 (Thanchi), 4641 (Lama), 4660 (Nikhongchhari), 4650 (Alikadam), 4610 (Rowangchhari) and 4620 (Ruma). The surface mail is notoriously slow and undependable. There also is a possibility of mail from foreign nationals getting opened and checked by civil or military authorities.

Stay Safe

All non-Bangladeshis are required to register with the local police in Bandarban.

As malaria is a major health threat in the region, malaria prophylaxit is highly advisable. Avloquin and Malacide are two popular local brands of the drug, purchasable from major Dhaka, Chittagong or Bandarban drugstores that are known as a "pharmacy" in Bangladesh. Incidentally, Bandaraban District Hospital has arguably the best treatment and research facilities for malarial treatment in Bangladesh.

Medical Issues in Bandarban District

Drinking water often comes from hillside streams. Therefore, insist upon water from tube wells, or carry your own supply of water bottles or water purification tablets. Halotab is the popular local brand of purification tablets. Bandarban pharmacies may not have any in stock, so it is advisable to purchase some in Dhaka or Chittagong beforehand.

Emergency Services

  • Bandaban District Hospital ☎ +880 (0) 361 62544
  • Matree Sadan and Shishu Kalyan Kendra ☎ +880 (0) 361 62591
  • Bandarban Police Station
  • Bandarban Cantonment ☎ (exchange): +880 (0) 361 62266/62284/62285/62290

Cope in Bandarban District

There are a few laundries (local name for washing shops) in the town, but no dry cleaner. These would wash your clothes by the river. Photoprocessing is easy, as there are quite a few shops at Marmabazaar. The photoprocessing experience can become an exciting experience if you try a shop that has photo studio attached.

News & References


Go Next

  • Rangamati - wrapped in hills and a massive serene lake
  • Cox's Bazaar - proud of having the longest beach in the world



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