Sylhet: The Green Gem of Bangladesh

• Helloহ্যালো
  [helo]
• Goodbyeবিদায়
  [bidae]
• Yesহ্যাঁ
  [haan]
• Noনা
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomeঅনুগ্রহ করে / স্বাগতম
  [onugroh kore / shagotom]
• Thank youধন্যবাদ
  [dhonno-baad]
• Excuse me/Sorryদুঃখিত
  [dukhit]
• How are you?তুমি কেমন আছো?
  [tumi kemon asho?]
• Fine. And you?ভালো। আর তুমি?
  [bhalo. ar tumi?]
• Do you speak English?তুমি ইংরেজি কথা বলতে পারো?
  [tumi English kotha bolte paro?]
• I don't understandআমি বুঝতে পারছি না
  [ami bujhte parchi na]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseদয়া করে মেনু দেখাবেন
  [doya kore menu dekhaben]
• I don't eat meatআমি মাংস খাইনা
  [ami mangsh khaina]
• Cheers!কমপক্ষে
  [kompokkhe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseদয়া করে আমি টাকা দিতে চাই
  [doya kore ami taka dite chai]

• Help!মাদদ!
  [madad!]
• Go away!চলে যাও!
  [chole jao!]
• Call the Police!পুলিশকে কল করুন!
  [polishke kol korun!]
• Call a doctor!একজন ডাক্তারকে কল করুন!
  [ekjon doctorke kol korun!]
• I'm lostআমি হারানো
  [ami harano]
• 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?
  [eta koto?]
• That's too expensiveএটা খুব বেশি দাম
  [eta khub beshi dam]
• Can you lower the price?দাম কমানো যায়?
  [dam komanu jai?]

• What time is it?এখন কতটা বাজে?
  [ekhon kotta baje?]
• It's one o'clockএকটা বাজে
  [ekta baje]
• Half past (10)দশ এবং আধ
  [dosh ebong adh]
• Morningসকাল
  [shokal]
• Afternoonদুপুর
  [dupur]
• Eveningসন্ধ্যা
  [shondhya]
• Yesterdayগতকাল
  [gotokal]
• 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?ঠিকানা কি?
  [thikana ki?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?আপনি আমাকে দেখাতে পারবেন?
  [apni amake dekhate parben?]
• When's the next (bus)?পরের (বাস) কখন?
  [porer (bus) kohon?]
• A ticket (to ....)একটা টিকিট (পর্যন্ত ...)
  [ekta ticket (poryonto ...)]

Sylhet, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was known to be an important center for Hindu and Buddhist cultures before the arrival of Islam. The region was part of the ancient kingdom of Gour, which was a prominent power in the region during the early centuries AD.

The arrival of Hazrat Shah Jalal, a revered Sufi saint, in the 14th century marked a significant turning point in Sylhet's history. His arrival and subsequent activities led to the widespread conversion to Islam in the region. Shah Jalal's shrine, located in the heart of Sylhet city, remains a major pilgrimage site and a symbol of the city's historical and cultural heritage.

Sylhet came under British colonial rule in the 18th century as part of the Bengal Presidency. The British established tea plantations in the region, which transformed Sylhet into a major tea-producing area. The colonial period also saw the development of infrastructure and modern education in the region.

The partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on Sylhet. In a referendum, the majority of Sylhet's population voted to join Pakistan, leading to its incorporation into East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The partition resulted in significant demographic changes and population movements in the region.

Sylhet played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The region witnessed intense battles between the Mukti Bahini (Bangladeshi freedom fighters) and the Pakistani military. The successful liberation of Sylhet was a significant victory for the independence movement, leading to the establishment of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Sylhet is renowned for its cultural diversity, with a rich tapestry of traditions from various ethnic and religious communities. The region is home to the indigenous Khasi and Manipuri communities, each with their own unique cultural practices. Sylhet's cultural landscape is also enriched by its vibrant music, dance, and culinary traditions.

In recent decades, Sylhet has experienced significant economic development, driven largely by remittances from the Sylheti diaspora in the United Kingdom and other countries. This influx of capital has led to the growth of infrastructure, education, and healthcare facilities, transforming Sylhet into a modern urban center while retaining its historical charm.

Sylhet is accessible by air, road, and rail. The Osmani International Airport (ZYL) in Sylhet offers both domestic and limited international flights. From Dhaka, you can take a direct flight to Sylhet, which typically takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by train from Dhaka to Sylhet, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. Buses and private cars are also available for the 240 km journey from Dhaka to Sylhet, taking about 5-6 hours depending on traffic.

Sylhet offers various transportation options, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. Auto-rickshaws are a popular and economical choice for short distances. Taxis are available and can be hired for city tours or day trips. Public buses connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. For more convenience, you can also rent a car, but be prepared for local driving conditions and traffic.

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 and rural areas. ATMs are widespread in Sylhet, but ensure you have enough cash on hand for markets and smaller vendors.

Sylhet is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Sylhet does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. Sylhet has local police stations and medical facilities. The main hospital is Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, which provides emergency care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies across 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. 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 '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 Sylhet like a local, visit the local markets such as Lamabazar and Bondorbazar where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the tea gardens, Ratargul Swamp Forest, and Jaflong for a unique experience. For a taste of local cuisine, try the famous 'Panta Ilish' (fermented rice with Hilsa fish).