Comilla: The Historical Heartbeat of Bangladesh

• Helloনমস্কার
  [Nomoshkar]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [Biday]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [Hyāṁ]
• Noনা
  [Na]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে
  [Onugroh kore]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [Dhonnobad]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [Dukhito]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [Aponi kemon achhen?]
• Fine. And you?ভালো। আর আপনি?
  [Bhalo. Ar aponi?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংরেজি কথা বলতে পারেন?
  [Aponi ingreji kotha bolte paren?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝিনি
  [Ami bujhini]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনু দেখাতে চাই
  [Doya kore menu dekhate chai]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [Ami mangsh khai na]
• Cheers!চিয়ার্স!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে টাকা দিতে চাই
  [Doya kore taka dite chai]

• Help!সাহায্য!
  [Sahayyo!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [Chole jao!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশকে ডাকুন!
  [Polishke dakun!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে ডাকুন!
  [Daktarke dakun!]
• I'm lostআমি হারাইয়া গেছি
  [Ami haraiya geshi]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [Ami osustho]

• I'd like to buy...আমি কিনতে চাই...
  [Ami kinte chai...]
• I'm just lookingআমি মাত্র দেখছি
  [Ami matro dekhchi]
• How much is it?এটা কত?
  [Eta koto?]
• That's too expensiveএটা অনেক মহঙ্গ
  [Eta onek mohonggo]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমাতে পারবেন?
  [Dam kamate parben?]

• What time is it?এখন কতটা বাজে?
  [Ekhn kotta baje?]
• It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [Ekta baje]
• Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [Dasher ordhek]
• Morningসকাল
  [Shokal]
• Afternoonদোপুর
  [Dopur]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [Shondhya]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [Gotkal]
• Todayআজ
  [Aj]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [Agamikal]
• 1এক
  [Ek]
• 2দুই
  [Dui]
• 3তিন
  [Tin]
• 4চার
  [Char]
• 5পাঁচ
  [Panch]
• 6ছয়
  [Chhoy]
• 7সাত
  [Sat]
• 8আট
  [At]
• 9নয়
  [Noy]
• 10দশ
  [Dosh]

• Where's a/the...?একটা/একটি... কোথায়?
  [Ekta/ekti... kothay?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানা কি?
  [Thikana ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন (ম্যাপে)?
  [Aponi amake dekhate parben (map-e)?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কখন?
  [Porer (bus) kokhon?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটা টিকেট (থেকে ....)
  [Ekta ticket (theke ....)]

Comilla, one of the oldest cities in Bangladesh, boasts a rich history that dates back over two thousand years. The region was once part of the ancient Samatata kingdom, and its historical significance is underscored by numerous archaeological sites such as the Mainamati-Lalmai hills. These hills are home to the ruins of ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries, reflecting the area's historical importance as a center of Buddhist culture and learning. The Mainamati Museum, situated near these hills, houses a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into the life and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the region.

During the British colonial period, Comilla emerged as a crucial administrative and economic center. The establishment of the Comilla Victoria Government College in 1899 marks a significant chapter in the city's educational development. Named after Queen Victoria, this institution became a beacon of higher learning in the region. The British also developed infrastructure, including roads and railway connections, which facilitated trade and communication. The remnants of colonial architecture, such as the Rajbari and other administrative buildings, still stand as a testament to this era.

Comilla played a pivotal role in the Bengali Language Movement, which was a struggle to recognize Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan. In 1952, the movement reached its peak, and Comilla was one of the active centers of protest and resistance. Many students and intellectuals from Comilla participated in demonstrations and faced persecution. The movement eventually led to the recognition of Bengali as an official language, and the sacrifices of the people of Comilla are remembered with pride and reverence.

Comilla holds a significant place in the history of Bangladesh's Liberation War in 1971. The city witnessed fierce battles between the Pakistani military and the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army). The war efforts in Comilla were marked by acts of bravery and sacrifice, with many local residents joining the fight for independence. The Shalban Vihara, an ancient Buddhist monastery, served as a strategic base for the Mukti Bahini. Today, various monuments and memorials, including the Comilla War Cemetery, stand in honor of those who fought and gave their lives for the country's freedom.

Comilla is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, which is a blend of traditional Bengali customs and influences from its historical past. The city celebrates numerous festivals with great enthusiasm, including Durga Puja, Eid, and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year). The Ras Mela, a traditional fair held in the village of Langalband, attracts thousands of visitors every year. Additionally, Comilla is famous for its rich tradition of handloom weaving, particularly the production of 'khadi' cloth. The city's cultural landscape is also enriched by its music, dance, and culinary traditions, making it a fascinating destination for cultural exploration.

Comilla is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest international airport is Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, approximately 100 kilometers away. From Dhaka, you can take a bus, train, or hire a private car to reach Comilla. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours by road, depending on traffic. Train services from Dhaka to Comilla are also frequent and offer a comfortable alternative.

Comilla has a variety of transportation options. Rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are common for short distances within the city. For longer trips, local buses and minibuses are available. Renting a car is another option, though driving can be challenging due to traffic conditions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available but less common than in larger cities.

The official currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available throughout Comilla, and most accept international cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and authorized exchange booths.

Comilla is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant. Areas around the bus and train stations can be particularly crowded and require extra attention to personal belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Comilla has local police stations and medical facilities, including Comilla Medical College Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Always remove your shoes before entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is common among men but less so with women. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Comilla like a local, visit the local bazaars such as Kandirpar and Tomchom Bridge Market for fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the ancient archaeological site of Mainamati and the beautiful Lalmai hills. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Gomti River.