Almost two months in Bangladesh 🇧🇩

#bangladesh #expat #dhaka

I moved to Dhaka at the beginning of October for a new UN work assignment. Here are some of my thoughts from the first few weeks. Separate post coming up from the world's most traumatising hospital visit.

Dhaka in itself has been surprising: you hear about the pollution and that Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. However, I have to say I did not understand pollution until I stepped out of that plane and could not see out of the building. Further, I actually expected a lot more people crawling on top of each other and nothing moving. Fair, the traffic is really bad sometimes.

I got very lucky and stayed with a colleague when I arrived so I didn't have to do a massive hotel hassle and got to settle in in peace. Bangladesh is definitely not a tourist location but there are some cool local things you have to experience. Most notably, Old Dhaka. Around an hour away from the diplomatic zone, Old Dhaka is bursting with life. You can see all sorts of street vendors, food, handicrafts, mosques and other historic buildings. You can also hop onto one of the small dinghies and take a short cruise on the river.

Around 1 - 2-hour drive away from Dhaka you can also visit Panam and Sonargaon where you have old temples and the old capital that has burnt down. It’s a beautiful day out to visit these.

Bangladesh has this great culture where the more really is the merrier. I’ve found the sense of community amazing, people enjoy organising and doing things together, and there are lots of markets and events that keep you going.

One of the most common free-time activities is to chill at the membership clubs: you have plenty of options, the Nordic, Dutch or American for example. You should also visit the permanent food markets like DCC in Gulshan 1 and 2 or the New Market near Old Dhaka.

Work has started quite slowly but I’ve enjoyed my time in Bangladesh. It also feels like you are working right where you should be to be hands-on helping people in need.

Everyone keeps saying that I came at the right time. The rains ended the week before I came and while it is a bit too hot for me, apparently in October/November the weather is at its nicest. Then the pollution settles due to the dryness and in December and January/February, it is difficult to breathe. The weather is nice again around March before the monsoon starts by May and then it is 40 degrees, humid and thunderstorm till September. Can’t wait!

Best wishes,

Mira