Avoid these common tourist mistakes when in Bangladesh
What's the story
From the pristine beauty of Cox's Bazar beach to the historic Sundarbans and ancient Bagerhat city, there's so much to explore in Bangladesh.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, it is essential to be mindful of the country's social norms.
We have curated a helpful list of some common tourist mistakes you should steer clear of, guaranteeing a hassle-free travel experience.
Islamic norms
Avoid any form of disrespect to Islamic customs
Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim, emphasizing great regard for Islamic customs.
If you are singing a song while the Azan - the call to prayer - is in progress, that would surely raise some eyebrows.
During Ramazan, the month of fasting, eating in public is considered inappropriate. You will notice roadside restaurants remain closed as well.
PDA
Avoid public displays of affection
Much like most places in India, it's considered impolite to openly display affection.
It is best to refrain from kissing or hugging in front of others. Otherwise, you might be labeled as beshorom (shameless). Or, worse, your intimate moments may be captured and circulated on the internet.
To prevent embarrassment, it's better to keep expressions of affection private and reserved for more appropriate environments.
Dress code
Don't wear revealing clothes
Modesty and maintaining appropriate attire are highly valued due to the country's predominantly Muslim population.
Girls are typically expected to avoid wearing overly revealing dresses. However, society is evolving, and attitudes toward clothing and gender roles are shifting.
Visitors can buy a local salwar kameez; these are readily available and are well suited to the heat and humidity.
Political
Steer clear of political rallies
General elections are scheduled for January 2024.
There have been big political rallies and protests, and they are expected to carry on even after the elections.
It is advisable to steer clear of areas where demonstrations and large gatherings occur to ensure your safety.
Stay informed by keeping an eye on local media, as they can provide updates on ongoing demonstrations.
Greetings
Don't greet by shaking hands
Bangladeshi people often begin their conversations with greetings like "Salam" or "Adab."
They are not very accustomed to shaking hands with strangers or people they don't know well.
There is usually a comfortable distance maintained while standing and talking to each other.
However, in urban areas, the practice of saying "hello" and shaking hands is gradually becoming more common.