The Enchanting Bandarban Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

• Helloহ্যাঁই
  [Hyā'i]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Bidāẏ]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [Hyā]
• Noনা
  [Nā]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে
  [Anugraha kare]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhan'yabāda]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Duḥkhita]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [Āpani kemana āchen?]
• Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?
  [Bhālō. Āra āpani?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
  [Āpani iṅreji bōlatē pārēna?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারি না
  [Āmi bujhatē pāri nā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseমেনু দেখতে চাই
  [Mēnu dēkhē tē chai]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [Āmi māṅsa khāi nā]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [Ciẏārs!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseটাকা দেতে চাই
  [Ṭākā dētē chai]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sāhāyya!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [Calē yā'ō!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশ কল করুন!
  [Puliśa kala karuna!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে কল করুন!
  [Ḍāktārakē kala karuna!]
• I'm lostআমি হারানো
  [Āmi hārānō]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [Āmi asustha]

• I'd like to buy...আমি ... কিনতে চাই
  [Āmi ... kinatē chai]
• I'm just lookingআমি শুধুই দেখছি
  [Āmi śudhui dēkhachi]
• How much is it?এটা কত?
  [Ēṭā kata?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব মহাঙ্গা
  [Ēṭā khuba mahāṅgā]
• Can you lower the price?আপনি দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [Āpani dāma kamātē pārabēna?]

• What time is it?এখন কতটা বাজে?
  [Ēkhana kataṭā bājē?]
• It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [Ēkaṭā bājē]
• Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [Daśēra ardhēka]
• Morningসকাল
  [Sakāla]
• Afternoonদুপুর
  [Dupura]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Sandyā]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [Gatakāla]
• Todayআজ
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [Āgāmīkāla]
• 1এক
  [Ēka]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিন
  [Tina]
• 4চার
  [Cāra]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Pām̐ca]
• 6ছয়
  [Chôẏa]
• 7সাত
  [Sāta]
• 8আট
  [Āṭa]
• 9নয়
  [Nôẏa]
• 10দশ
  [Daśa]

• Where's a/the...?এখানে ... কোথায়?
  [Ēkhānē ... kōthāẏa?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Ṭhikānā ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে (ম্যাপে) দেখাতে পারবেন?
  [Āpani āmākē (mẏāpē) dēkhātē pārabēna?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কখন?
  [Parēra (bāsa) kakhana?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (প্রমাণিত)
  [Ēkaṭi Ṭikēṭa (pramāṇita)]

The Bandarban Hill Tracts, also known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts, have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. The indigenous tribes, including the Marma, Chakma, and Tripuri, have preserved their unique traditions and cultural practices through centuries.

During the British colonial era, the Chittagong Hill Tracts were annexed into British India in the 1860s. The colonial administration imposed new land laws and sought to exert control over the indigenous populations, leading to various forms of resistance. The region was relatively isolated, which allowed the local tribes to maintain much of their traditional way of life.

After the partition of British India in 1947, the Chittagong Hill Tracts became part of East Pakistan. The subsequent years were marked by tensions between the indigenous communities and the government over issues such as land rights and autonomy. This period saw the rise of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS), a political organization advocating for the rights of the hill people.

In 1997, the Government of Bangladesh and the PCJSS signed the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, aimed at ending decades of conflict. The accord promised greater autonomy for the region, recognition of indigenous land rights, and the establishment of a Regional Council. While the accord has brought some peace, challenges remain in its full implementation and the equitable development of the area.

Bandarban Hill Tracts are a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with each indigenous community celebrating its own festivals and rituals. The Biju festival of the Chakma people, the Sangrain festival of the Marma, and the Boisabi festival, celebrated by multiple tribes, are notable events that reflect the vibrant cultural life of the region. These festivals are characterized by traditional music, dance, and elaborate feasts.

The Bandarban Hill Tracts are renowned for their stunning natural landscapes, including lush forests, rolling hills, and numerous rivers and waterfalls. The area is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region. The rich biodiversity and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure activities such as trekking and river rafting.

Bandarban Hill Tracts can be accessed from various parts of Bangladesh. The nearest international airport is Shah Amanat International Airport in Chittagong, which is approximately 92 kilometers away. From Chittagong, you can take a bus or hire a private car to Bandarban. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by road. Direct bus services are available from Dhaka to Bandarban, and the journey takes about 8 to 10 hours.

Local transportation options in Bandarban include rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and local buses. For exploring remote areas and hilltop villages, it is advisable to hire a local guide and use a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Motorbikes can also be rented for a more adventurous experience. Walking is a good option for short distances within the town.

The official currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and restaurants in Bandarban, but cash is preferred in most local shops and markets. ATMs are available, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when traveling to remote areas.

Bandarban Hill Tracts is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep an eye on your belongings. Some areas close to the Myanmar border may have restricted access; always check with local authorities before traveling to remote regions.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Bandarban town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or by saying 'Assalamu Alaikum' (Peace be upon you). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bandarban Hill Tracts like a local, visit the traditional bazaars where you can buy handmade crafts and local produce. Engage with the indigenous communities, such as the Marma, Chakma, and Tripuri, to learn about their customs and way of life. Don't miss the opportunity to hike up to Nilgiri and Boga Lake for stunning panoramic views. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Sangu River.