Some Facts About Bangladesh

Public Holidays
Date 2005  Occassion
January 1  New Year's Day 
January 21  Eid ul Adha
February 10  Islamic New Year
February 16  Shaheed Day
March 26  Independence and National Day
March 25  Good Friday*
March 27  Easter*
March 28  Easter Monday*
April 14  Bengali Solar New Year1
April 21  Prophet's Birthday
April 29  Budh Purnima
May 1  Labour Day
July 1st Monday  Bank Holiday
August 15  National Mourning Day
October 13  Durga Puja
November 3  Eid Al Fitr
November 7  National Revolution Day
December 16  Victory Day
December 25  Christmas Day 
December 26  Boxing Day
December 31  Bank Holiday

**May vary +/- 1 day.
*For Christians only. Not a public holiday.

Weights & Measures

Metric system is followed in Dhaka.

Electricity

220volts AC, 50Hz is available and if your gizmos are used to other specifications, it is suggested you carry an adaptor.

Customs & Duties

A reasonable quantity of tobacco, 2 bottles of alcohol and 250ml of perfume may be brought into Bangladesh. Entry of firearms is restricted.

Post & Communications

The country is well connected to the rest of the world. Phone, telex, fax, Internet and postal communication are available in all major towns and cities and all the big hotels. Public phone booths are available in all major market areas and police boxes.

Tipping

A tip, or baksheesh, seems to be demanded with almost every service provided, except in the more isolated rural areas. In restaurants, Bangladeshis almost never tip, but waiters may expect a 5% tip in Dhaka restaurants frequented by foreigners. Most transactions require bargaining, which is considered a normal part of life in Bangladesh. A rule of thumb is to offer about half the original price and work upwards.