Bangladesh heading for a world-class tourist venue

You are looking for a hectic, active and chaotically lively vacation or an escapist relaxation, Bangladesh has something for you - be it in city of Dhaka or the dockyard of Chittagong or along the spectacular coastline of Cox's Bazar.
Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh is known as a city of mosques and muslin. Its main waterfront is Sadarghat and the bank of the river Buriganga is crowded with yachts, motor launches and fishing boats.
Taking off from Gulshan, one of the most expensive areas of Dhaka and driving through Baridhara and the Vasundhara residential areas, we came across a camp where people meet before taking off for the holy pilgrimage. After crossing the airport we moved towards Uttara and via Ashulia headed for Savar to see the National Martyr's Monument.
On the way we drove past the Turaag River where a big annual congregation takes place. People assemble for three days and on the last day community prayers are held. We had to drive past Fantasy Kingdom, an amusement park built on the lines of Disney World before we reached the National Martyr's Monument. It draws considerable crowds during weekends and school vacations. While some rides are sure to scare even the bravest of hearts, it is truly a fun place for the entire family. As we approached the National Martyr's Memorial we could see the monument with pointed spikes from a distance. It stands tall to speak of glorious victory and the subsequent triumph. The 45-metre tower tapers upwards on 7 isosceles triangles depicting positive stages of the national movement that finally led to independence.
The struggle for the honour of the National language - Bangla began in 1952 and went through mass upheavals in 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, and 1969 and eventually in 1971. 30 lac (3 million) Bangladeshis died for their freedom.There are 10 graves in the 84-acre area. Within the boundaries are a well-maintained artificial lake, a garden, an open-air stage and a reception chamber.
Twin helipads add to the grandeur. The department of architecture has done all the construction and it cost 130 million Taka (CDN 3.6 million).
The foundation stone was laid on 16 December 1972 and renowned architect Saiyad Mainul Hossain designed the main tower. Bangladeshi cuisine rightly enjoys wide popularity. This is because of its fresh ingredients and subtle balance of flavours. The legendary kachhi biryani is a must-have, to be followed by Borhani - which is curd with different spices. Your meal is finally complete with dhaniabhaja (fried coriander seeds). In Dhaka fish is sold in pieces and not by their weight. One hot favourite is Rupchanda. A single large piece in delicious hot curry may set you back by 150 Taka (CDN 4). The mouth-watering hilsa is also found in abundance.
We returned via Ashulia to catch a glimpse of boats lined up in a row. However, another return route can be through the Gabtoli area. Our next stop was at the Mirpur Zoo where the chief attraction for foreign nationals is the majestic and now fast disappearing Royal Bengal Tiger. The nearby Botanical Gardens stretch for more than 200 acres and contribute to education, research, careful preservation of plants and recreation for people from all walks of life and diverse age groups. We drove towards the Parliament House and the car moved along Panthopath, the Press Club area, Rail Bhavan and the Secretariat. In the Gulistan area we saw the 60,000 seating National Stadium. We came to the General Post Office, the President's house and then were off to Motijheel - downtown Dhaka where traffic is really heavy. A trip to Dhaka would be incomplete without a tricycle rickshaw ride. A stop at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi was next. This was his residence, now transformed into a memorial. It has a big collection of photographs from his lifetime. Dhaka's top seat of learning is its University and we strolled in to see some students hurrying to their classes through the huge corridors while others lazing under the shades of the trees in the campus. A stop at the grave of famous poet Kazi Nazrul Islam was next.
From an appreciation of nature to wonderment at historical achievements and artistic delights the National Museum is an absolute must-visit. As you enter, a huge map of the country with light bulbs can pinpoint the places you are searching for. You come across the rich collection as you keep walking through the palatial building. Boulders from the Tista riverbed found at Dahlia, Patgram and Rangpur catch the eye. Fourth century BC punch-marked coins and silver coins of Mainamati from the eighth and ninth centuries are the envy of any numismatist. So are coins of the Delhi Sultanate (1175-1552) - (Md. Ghori, Iltutmish, Adil Shah) On the second floor is an impressive 12 ft 6 in eleventh century pillar in black stone from Dinajpur. Zircon from Kalatoli in Cox Bazaar, corals, plants, dahlia flowers, marigold, lemon grass and timber plants along with ingredients of earth quartz are well stored too.
Details of herbal medicine learnt and practiced through the method of trial and error can be found in the museum. It clearly states that on offer are some clear therapeutic values and some of dubious efficacy. But indeed these opened up new horizons in chemotherapy or the scientific study of chemistry of medicinal plants. Beautiful sea conch shells and butterflies are a delight to watch. Innumerable priceless porcelain vases and musical instruments grace the National Museum. Of great interest to most tourists from India is the carpet of Nawab Siraj -ud -Daulah as is a 94 inch ivory mat made in Sylhet. The mat was used in weddings and the bride and groom sat on it to receive guests. The ivory throne of the Maharaja of Dinajpur (18 century A.D.- 19 century A.D.) is a landmark in craftsmanship. (by Sam Mukherjee)