Bangladesh

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is bound to the north, northwest and east by India and to the southeast by Myanmar (Burma). The landscape is mainly flat with many bamboo, mango and palm-covered plains created by the effects of the great river systems of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. Dhaka, the historic city and capital of Bangladesh, lies on the Buriganga River in the northern central area, its oldest areas dominated both by the commercial bustle of the waterfront and several old buildings. These include the uncompleted 17th-century Lalbagh Fort, the spectacular Ahsan Manzil palace museum and the Chotta Katra. Khulna, in the southwest, is principally marshland and jungle. Its greatest attraction is the Sundarbans National Park, a supreme example of lush coastal vegetation and exotic wildlife. The most famous inhabitants of this region are the Royal Bengal tigers. Local specialities are usually served with rice and based on chicken and lamb recipes. Western-style nightclubs do not exist but displays of local dance and music can be seen particularly during religious festivals.