The Gateway to the Sundarbans: Khulna

• Helloনমস্কার
  [nomoskar]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [bidae]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [ha]
• Noনা
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে / স্বাগতম
  [onugroh kore / shagotom]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [dhonobad]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [dukkhit]
• How are you?আপনি কেমন আছেন?
  [apni kemon achen?]
• Fine. And you?ভাল। আর আপনি?
  [bhal. ar apni?]
• Do you speak English?আপনি ইংলিশ বলতে পারেন?
  [apni English bolte paren?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারি না
  [ami bujhte pari na]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনু দেখাবেন
  [doya kore menu dekhaben]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাই না
  [ami mangsh khai na]
• Cheers!চিয়ারস!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে আমি দিতে চাই
  [doya kore ami dite chai]

• Help!মাদদ!
  [madad!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [chole jao!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশকে কল করুন!
  [polishke kol korun!]
• Call a doctor!ডাক্তারকে কল করুন!
  [daktarke kol korun!]
• I'm lostআমি হারানো গেছি
  [ami harano gesi]
• I'm illআমি অসুস্থ
  [ami osustho]

• I'd like to buy...আমি কিনতে চাই...
  [ami kinte chai...]
• I'm just lookingআমি শুধু দেখছি
  [ami shudhu dekhchi]
• How much is it?এটা কত টাকা?
  [eta kot taka?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব ব্যয়সূত্র
  [eta khub boshosro]
• Can you lower the price?আপনি দাম কমাতে পারেন?
  [apni dam kamate paren?]

• What time is it?এখানে কত সময়?
  [ekhane kot shomoy?]
• It's one o'clockএটা একটা
  [eta ekta]
• Half past (10)দশের অর্ধেক
  [dasher ordhek]
• Morningসকাল
  [shokal]
• Afternoonদুপুর
  [dupur]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [shondhya]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [gotkal]
• Todayআজ
  [aj]
• Tomorrowআগামীকাল
  [agamikal]
• 1এক
  [ek]
• 2দুই
  [dui]
• 3তিন
  [tin]
• 4চার
  [char]
• 5পাঁচ
  [pach]
• 6ছয়
  [chhoy]
• 7সাত
  [shat]
• 8আট
  [at]
• 9নয়
  [noy]
• 10দশ
  [dosh]

• Where's a/the...?...কোথায়?
  [...kothay?]
• What's the address?ঠিকানাটি কি?
  [thikanati ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারেন?
  [apni amake dekhate paren?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরবর্তী (বাস) কখন?
  [porborti (bus) kohon?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটি টিকেট (... পর্যন্ত)
  [ekti ticket (... porjonto)]

Khulna, located in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous communities, including the Buno and the Munda, who thrived on the fertile lands by engaging in agriculture and fishing. The early settlements were influenced by the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems, which provided both sustenance and a means of transportation.

During the medieval period, Khulna came under the rule of various Muslim sultans and chiefs. The region saw an influx of Islamic culture and architecture, with the construction of mosques, madrasas, and other religious institutions. This period also marked the beginning of Khulna's integration into the broader Bengal Sultanate, which facilitated trade and cultural exchanges.

The arrival of the British East India Company in the 18th century significantly altered Khulna's social and economic landscape. The British established administrative centers and introduced modern infrastructure, including railways and ports. Khulna's strategic location made it an important hub for trade, particularly in jute and salt industries. The colonial period also saw the construction of significant buildings, including the Khulna Circuit House and the Khulna Divisional Museum.

Khulna played a pivotal role during Bangladesh's Language Movement in the 1950s and the Liberation War in 1971. The city was a center of resistance against the imposition of Urdu as the national language, which culminated in the historic 1952 protests. During the Liberation War, Khulna was a crucial battleground, with many local residents participating in the struggle for independence. The city's liberation from Pakistani forces on December 17, 1971, is commemorated annually.

Since gaining independence, Khulna has undergone significant urbanization and development. It has emerged as a key industrial and commercial center, with thriving shipbuilding, seafood processing, and textile industries. The city is also home to several universities and research institutions, contributing to its reputation as an educational hub. Modern Khulna is a blend of historical heritage and contemporary growth, attracting both tourists and investors.

Khulna boasts a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its diverse festivals and traditions. The city celebrates various religious and cultural events, including Durga Puja, Eid, and the traditional Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh). The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest mangrove forest, is located nearby, offering a unique ecological and cultural experience. Art, music, and dance are integral to Khulna's cultural identity, with numerous local artists and performers contributing to the vibrant cultural scene.

Khulna is well connected by road, rail, and water. The nearest international airport is Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. From Dhaka, you can take a domestic flight to Jessore Airport, which is about 70 kilometers from Khulna. From Jessore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Khulna. There are also direct bus services from Dhaka to Khulna, which take about 7-8 hours. Additionally, you can travel by train from Dhaka to Khulna, which offers a scenic and comfortable journey.

Within Khulna, you can use a variety of transportation options. Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws are common for short distances. For longer journeys within the city or to nearby areas, you can hire taxis or use ride-sharing services. Public buses are available but might be crowded. Renting a car with a driver is another convenient option for exploring the region.

The official currency in Bangladesh is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in Khulna, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be an issue. It's a good idea to have some smaller denominations for day-to-day expenses.

Khulna is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. High-crime areas targeting tourists are uncommon, but it's always best to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Stick to well-lit and populated areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Khulna Medical College Hospital is the primary medical facility in the city. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city 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 cover your head when entering mosques and other religious places. 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 handshake or a slight bow of the head. Using 'As-Salaam-Alaikum' is a respectful greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Khulna like a local, visit the local markets such as the Rupsha Fish Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Rupsha River, offering beautiful views of the city and its surroundings.